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Assurance System Operation Manager (m-f-d)

Bonn, Germany (Hybrid)
Full-time
Temporary

The Scope

Do you want to shape the future of one of the world's leading forest certification systems?

As Assurance System Operation Manager (m-f-d), you holds end-to-end ownership of FSC’s operational assurance cooperation framework with Assurance Services International (ASI) and serves as the custodian of the FSC–ASI relationship model. 

The position operates at global level across FSC International, FSC Network Partners, Certification Bodies, and FSC’s assurance provider (ASI), with responsibility for: 
  • Ownership of the FSC–ASI operational cooperation model
  • Design and governance of performance and accountability frameworks
  • Alignment of operational assurance structures across organizational boundaries
  • Driving system-wide improvements and development initiatives
The role influences cross-functional and cross-organizational processes, ensuring consistent and effective implementation of assurance requirements and contributing to the evolution of FSC’s assurance system architecture. 

You will drive the design, implementation, and continuous evolution of FSC's operating model and performance architecture governing FSC’s assurance system, driving effectiveness, consistency, and strategic alignment across FSC International, the FSC Network, and ASI.  You will actively shapes system-wide cooperation models, performance frameworks, and operational standards, ensuring they support FSC’s strategic objectives and uphold the integrity and credibility of the assurance system. 

Main Roles & Responsibilities

  • Ownership of FSC–ASI Operational Relationship and Governance: 
    • Own and continuously strengthen FSC's operational partnership with ASI, driving the evolution of the cooperation model and fostering effective collaboration across FSC International, the FSC Network, and ASI.
    • Represent FSC in strategic and operational engagements with ASI, ensuring alignment on performance expectations, governance, and operational practices to support a consistent and effective assurance system.
  • Lead the development and governance of FSC–ASI contractual and service agreements, ensuring they align with FSC's strategic priorities and support effective system performance and accountability.
  • Oversee the governance, financial, and operational frameworks supporting FSC–ASI collaboration, ensuring transparency, compliance, and effective partnership management.
  • Design and oversee ASI's performance management framework, including KPIs and annual performance evaluations, to ensure robust and evidence-based assessment.
  • Monitor system performance and translate insights into strategic improvements, driving accountability and the continuous enhancement of FSC's assurance system.
  • Own and continuously enhance the operational assurance framework governing FSC–ASI collaboration, ensuring alignment with FSC's normative framework, governance standards, and best practices.
  • Drive system-wide continuous improvement by identifying opportunities, addressing systemic gaps, and leading cross-functional initiatives that strengthen the effectiveness, consistency, and impact of the assurance system.
  • Provide strategic expertise to shape FSC's assurance and contractual frameworks, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and best practices.
  • Influence the evolution of FSC's assurance and accreditation model by contributing to cross-functional working groups, governance discussions, and strategic decision-making.
  • Drive cross-functional collaboration and alignment across FSC International, the Network, and ASI, fostering knowledge sharing and strengthening organisational capability in assurance.
  • Represent FSC in external assurance, accreditation, and audit forums, promoting FSC's interests while strengthening its global leadership and credibility in assurance.
  • Lead assurance-related audit and compliance activities, ensuring effective governance and alignment with FSC requirements.

Your profile

  • University degree or equivalent training or experience in a relevant field, for example, natural resource management, forestry, international relations, business administration or similar. 
  • At least 5 years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas:  certification, assurance, or quality management systems; Standards development or governance frameworks; Natural resource management or related sectors.
  • Demonstrated experience in designing and managing complex frameworks or systems.
  • Proven track record of leading cross-functional initiatives and stakeholder environments.
  • Experience in conducting or observing audits would be advantageous.   
  • Strong analytical and conceptual thinking skills.
  • Ability to design and manage performance and governance frameworks.
  • Ability to operate independently with high-level of accountability.
  • Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills, with the credibility to build trusted partnerships across organisations.
  • Confidence representing FSC organization externally and communicating complex assurance or governance topics to diverse audiences.
  • Demonstrated capability to drive system improvements and manage interconnected initiatives.
  • Experience in analyzing data and generating actionable insights using Microsoft Offices and reporting or analytics tools such as Tableau, Power BI, or similar.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
  • Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required. Proficiency in additional languages is considered an asset.

Why us?

  • Benefit from cross-cultural collaboration and networking opportunities by being part of FSC global community of 400+ forest stewards 
  • Benefit from work-life balance with our hybrid working structure 
  • 30 vacation days yearly 
  • Regional transportation ticket 
  • Celebrate together festivals from different cultures 
  • Once a year in-person get together with the global FSC staff

The Fine Print

  • Location: Bonn, Germany.  
  • Working Hours: Full time - 40 hours per week. 
  • Duration of Employment: Temporary contract - 2 years (extension possible, subject to satisfactory performance)  
  • Starting Date: As soon as possible. 
  • Travel: Sporadic (international) travel is required.  
How to Apply
Ready to make a difference? Join FSC and help shape a sustainable future. Don't delay - apply now!  
  • Please submit 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 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.