Policy Manager - Chain of Custody (m-f-d)

The Scope

We are looking for an engaged Policy Manager who brings solid expertise and a passion for FSC’s mission, to work with us in a multinational environment.


This role will drive the development, maintenance, and consistent implementation of FSC requirements—primarily in Chain of Custody—while actively engaging stakeholders and championing best practices.

Main Roles & Responsibilities

• Lead the development, review, and revision of normative documents, ensuring clarity, consistency, and quality.
• Conduct editorial drafting and technical research to support the creation of robust normative frameworks.
• Provide expert interpretations of normative documents and respond to related stakeholder inquiries.
• Coordinate and facilitate working groups, technical meetings, and stakeholder consultations.
• Plan, execute, and monitor pilot tests to validate and refine normative requirements.
• Develop and deliver communication, guidance, and training materials to support document implementation.
• Advise and train Certification Bodies, Network Partners, and stakeholders to ensure consistent application of standards.
• Manage website content and oversee internal and external communications related to normative work.
• Drive project development, including feasibility analysis, fundraising support, and donor reporting.
• Build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships and represent the organization in external technical forums.

Your profile

• University degree or equivalent experience in forestry, environmental sciences, wood technology, business administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years’ professional experience in standards development, certification/auditing, supply chain management, forest sector, or related fields.
• Proven experience drafting, reviewing, and editing technical or normative documents.
• Demonstrated project management capability, including planning, organizing, and delivering complex workstreams.
• Solid understanding of multi-stakeholder processes and sustainability or certification frameworks.
• Strong proficiency in MS Office and general digital tools; experience with CMS platforms is a plus.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) with excellent communication skills.
• Ability to clearly explain complex or technical topics to diverse, non-expert audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to facilitate discussions and manage differing viewpoints constructively.
• Additional qualifications such as training in FSC/ISO standards, auditing, project management, or knowledge of Spanish/French are considered an advantage.

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
• Breakfast bars, coffee, tea, water
• Take part in learning lunches
• Celebrate together festivals from different cultures
• Once a year in-person get together with the global FSC staff

The Fine Print

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.

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.

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

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 [email protected]

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.