The Scope

The Chief Programme Officer (CPO) role encompasses comprehensive supervision of the Directors of various programme units within the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), overseeing global initiatives and ensuring alignment with FSC’s Global Strategy, particularly its Climate and Biodiversity Strategy. It also involves mentoring staff, promoting a culture of excellence, and ensuring effective governance through collaboration with the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Engagement Officer to support Board engagement and membership growth.

Main Roles & Responsibilities

Programme Direction & Oversight

• Oversee the Program Division, Directors leading Global Network, Markets, System Integrity and Performance & Policy Units.
• Prioritize and align work streams across FSC International and the Network to ensure implementation of FSC’s Global Strategy including its Climate and Biodiversity Strategy.
• In collaboration with the Technology and Information Unit, contribute to and leverage FSC's data management and analytics processes and systems to inform programme planning, monitoring and reporting.
• Develop a Monitoring and Evaluation plan and mechanism for each unit and the multiple programmes.
• Champion accessibility of the FSC normative framework ensuring oversight and resources necessary for the successful transition of FSC key products to modern technology tools.
• Design and implement the innovation process ensuring FSC’s continued relevance in the sustainability sphere.

Leadership & Management

• Guide direct reports and hold them accountable for the deliverables.
• Provide exemplary leadership and mentoring to staff.
• Foster and exemplify the continuous drive for excellence and improvement, including learning by mistakes.
• Drive, coach, nurture and inspire the CPO Team to achieve a high sense of belonging, trust and fulfilment, as well as enable team members to deliver a high level of performance.
• Regularly monitor performance of the direct reports, including via inputs from their staff.
• Oversee the establishment and implementation of effective and outcome-oriented work plans based on annual budgets and in line with organizational strategies and priorities. 
• Ensure timely and quality delivery of all projects within supervision responsibility according to the workplans and by following highest project management standards.

Governance 

• In coordination with Chief Operating Officer (COO) and CEngO, support the Director General’s engagement with the Board and preparation for Board meetings.
• In coordination with COO and CEngO, support membership engagement, to grow and sustain balanced membership worldwide, and respond to members as needed. 

Your profile

• At least 15 years of professional experience covering any of these fields -  forestry, natural resource management, sustainability, project management, quality management, standard-setting, certification or accreditation.
• High level of familiarity with current global sustainability discourse, trends and structures, especially as they relate to forests.
• Strong experience in project and programme development, management, monitoring, reporting and evaluation.
• Proven record of successful change management and transformation leading to better working culture, delivery and accountability.
• At least 10 years of leadership experience, including formal supervision of diverse, multicultural, multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven ability to translate principles and normative guidance into cohesive programming that is cognizant of market needs and trends.  
• Proven ability to foster and sustain positive interpersonal relationships with staff at all levels and with stakeholders, donors and advocacy.
• Excellent engagement skills that enable the identification and management of key relationships, facilitating collaboration with relevant stakeholders to achieve tangible outcomes in alignment with the Director General.
• Demonstrate exemplary verbal and written communication skills, combined with strong interpersonal abilities to manage politically sensitive discussions and effectively explain complex topics to a layman’s audience.
• Fluency in English (spoken and written).
• Fluency in Spanish and French (spoken and written) is desired.

Why us?

• Be part of a globally recognized organization at the forefront of sustainable forestry and contribute to the mission to help protect the world’s forests.  
• Play an active role in the FSC global community of 400+ forest stewards who come together in-person at least once a year.  
• Benefit from cross-cultural collaboration and networking opportunities by working in a dynamic, inclusive, and diverse international culture with over 60 nationalities represented under one roof.
• Benefit from work-life balance with our hybrid working structure.
• 30 vacation days yearly.
• Regional transportation ticket.
• Breakfast bars, coffee, tea, water.
• Take part in learning lunches.
• Celebrate together festivals from different cultures.

The Fine Print

• Location: Bonn, Germany.
• Working Hours: Full time - 40 hours per week.

How to Apply 
Ready to make a difference? Join FSC and help shape a sustainable future. Don't delay - apply now!

• Please apply via our website by submitting your CV in English.
• Please do not send any photos of yourself.        
  

 
For FSC, inclusiveness and diversity are important values. As such, we welcome and encourage applications from all backgrounds and are entirely committed to consider all qualified applicants regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, age and disability.   
 
We will confirm receipt of your application. Should you not receive a confirmation of receipt please check your spam filter and if you cannot find it there contact us at careers@fsc.org
 
Please be informed, that by applying for this position you automatically accept our Data Protection Information on processing your personal data.
 
We are looking forward to your application!

About us

Welcome to FSC!  
 
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a globally recognized non-profit organization at the forefront of promoting sustainable forestry. With over 150 million hectares of certified forests and a trusted reputation among NGOs, consumers, and businesses, FSC is leading the way in ensuring the long-term health and resilience of the world’s forests.