Job opportunity for a young, vibrant Forester who is suitably qualified, experienced and meets the following requirements:
• Physically fit • At least 5 years of experience in a harvesting operation • 3-5 years of experience working with mechanical harvesting equipment • Be able to Plan, Lead, Organise and Control staff • Work with little to no supervision • Must be willing to adopt a "hands on" approach • Must be willing to travel to various rural areas and be willing to work longer than normal hours • Must be willing to work night shifts when required
Minimum Requirements • Completed Degree or Diploma in Forestry would be advantageous, but not critical if the candidate has relevant experience • 3-5 years of experience working with Microsoft Office • Ability to communicate in isiZulu or isiXhosa • Unendorsed Driver’s License, Minimum Code 08 / B • Clear criminal record • Traceable references
In return, the company offers a competitive package and a company vehicle.
The Mission FSC works to take care of our forests and those who rely on them: by protecting plant and animal species, Indigenous Peoples’ rights, forest workers’ safety, and much more. We achieve this through FSC certification, ensuring forests around the world are responsibly managed. For more information on FSC, visit our website at www.fsc.org.
To effectively meet the challenge of protecting the world’s forests, we are committed to ensuring we have the world’s most skilled people working with us. This commitment extends to everyone that works in FSC around the world: from those that lead the design of policies and standards, to those that roll out those same policies and standards on the ground, and to those that provide us with backbone to do our work.
We are looking for an engaged Certification Officer, Southern Africa who brings solid expertise and a passion for FSC’s mission, to work with us in a multinational environment.
The Scope To provide technical support and guidance to stakeholders starting or already in process to obtain FSC certification and, to contribute to achieving the FSC Southern Africa 2023 growth target of 120,000 hectares of certified forest area.
Main Roles and Responsibilities • Provide day to day technical guidance and expertise for forest managers and businesses to obtain FSC forest management and Chain of Custody (CoC) certification. • Support companies and governments to implement their certification roadmaps. • As guided by the FSC Coordinator, Southern Africa, participate in relevant private, government sector and industry association meetings, workshops and events. • In liaison with the PSU Manager, Africa and as guided by the FSC Coordinator Southern Africa, provide technical support to the relevant Standard Development Groups (SDGs) during revision process of the National Standards, and Interim National Standards for new countries. • Organise in-country and/or external exchange field visits to facilitate learning by staff of companies and governments involved in implementing certification pilot activities, as well as other stakeholders in the process to uptake FSC certification. • With support from the FSC Coordinator Southern Africa, conduct online and physical certification trainings. • Strengthen existing relationships and develop new links with potential partners and members to promote FSC certification in Southern Africa. • Provide certification, other technical support to the Southern Africa Marketing and Communications Manager: ◦ For relevant technical and in-field content for impact stories, and communication initiatives (social media, articles etc.). ◦ for COC certification enquiries, activities such as filed trips related to the Promotional License Agreement and Value Chain Development programs. • Perform other duties as requested by the FSC Coordinator, Southern Africa.
Qualification, Experience and Skills Education and Training: • Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in forestry, natural resources and environmental. Working Experience, Style and Skills: • At least 4 years of professional experience in the forestry or related sector with excellent knowledge and wide understanding of forest certification, and COC certification, preferably in the FSC certification system. • Experience working with and engaging governments, forest companies, forest product companies, environmental non-governmental organizations and smallholders and communities in forestry, and strong ability to establish and maintain positive interpersonal relationships. • Strong interest in promoting responsible forest management and sustainability within the forestry, environment disciplines and related sectors. • Ability to work independently under minimal supervision. • Good time management and ability to perform well while handling simultaneous tasks. • Networking, influencing, planning and facilitation. Languages: • Fluency in English (spoken and written). • Knowledge of another Southern African language/Portuguese will be advantageous but not essential. • Excellent writing and communication skills. Computer Skills – good skills in the use of/experience with: • Standard software packages (MS Office).
Terms and Conditions • Location: South Africa. • Working Hours: Full time (220 working days per calendar year). • Type of contract and duration: 1 year consultancy contract. • Starting Date: As soon as possible. • Travel: Frequent travel.
How to Apply • Please apply via our website by submitting your CV in English • Please do not send any photos of yourself. • The deadline for applications is 29 March 2023.
We will confirm receipt of your application. However, only candidates shortlisted for an interview will be further contacted and will receive notice of the outcome of the selection process. Should you not receive a confirmation of receipt please check your spam filter and if you cannot find it there contact us at recruitment@fsc.org
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.
Please be informed, that by applying for this position you automatically accept our Data Protection Information on processing your personal data.
