Forestry and Sustainability Specialist

Do you have a passion for the forestry and environment? Do you want to make an impact on sustainability by ensuring businesses meet the right standards and address environmental deficiencies? If so, then you might be the match for our role as Forestry and Sustainability Specialist based in Gabon.

What can you expect:

As a Forestry and Sustainability Specialist, you will be our primary representative in Gabon, driving the implementation of Preferred by Nature’s mission and strategy in collaboration with the Forest Program Manager and relevant divisions. You will build strong relationships with clients, partners, and institutions in Central Africa to support the region’s strategic growth, with a focus on Gabon.

Your role includes delivering Sustainability Certification services in forestry, ensuring compliance with technical protocols and accreditation requirements. Additionally, you will support training, project proposals, and other initiatives to advance sustainability and non-assurance work in the region.

Working with us is never routine so the first year you can expect the following areas to be central to your work.

• Champion sustainability certification by performing FSC, PAFC and PbNC audits assessments, and pre-assessments, ensuring clients in Central Africa meet rigorous standards while supporting them with expert advice and clear reporting.
• Drive operational excellence by developing and managing audit schedules, supervising teams, and ensuring certifications are delivered on time and in compliance with both internal and accreditation requirements.
• Be a trusted advisor to clients by providing tailored support in interpreting certification standards, policies, and procedures, fostering strong relationships that promote sustainable forest management.
• Expand our regional impact through strategic business development, identifying opportunities, establishing partnerships, and promoting sustainability certification across Central Africa, with a focus on Gabon.
• Represent Preferred by Nature and be the contact person for our clients and other stakeholders in Gabon, building networks, and strengthening our presence by collaborating with stakeholders and contributing to the regional sustainability dialogue.
• Empower others by organizing and facilitating training sessions for clients, auditors, and partners, and contributing to impactful projects through proposal writing and donor engagement.

Your first year with us

Within three months, you will:

• Gain a deeper knowledge of FSC certification systems, PAFC, and Preferred by Nature’s certification protocols, tools, and quality standards.
• Identify and engage with key clients, institutions, and stakeholders in Gabon and Central Africa.
• Support audit planning, logistics, and reporting to ensure alignment with Preferred by Nature standards and protocols

Within six months, you will:

• Perform FSC, PAFC and PBNC audits, ensuring compliance with accreditation and quality standards.
• Develop new client relationships and organize awareness-raising workshops for key stakeholders.
• Collaborate on strategic plans for Central Africa, identifying market opportunities and delivering on sales targets.

Within one year, you will: 

• Oversee audits, train junior auditors, and manage client portfolios to maintain quality and efficiency.
• Secure long-term partnerships, represent PbN at regional events, and enhance brand recognition.
• Lead project proposals, implement new initiatives, and develop a roadmap for expanding PbN’s impact in Gabon.

Important that you:

• Have a bachelor’s degree in forestry management, environmental sciences, supply chain management, economics, or a related field.
• Have at least 3 years in auditing, forestry management, or a related area.
• Good networking and communication skills.
• Understanding of sustainability trends and corporate social responsibility (CSR) frameworks.
• Strong command of office and collaboration tools (e.g., MS Office, Google Workspace) and systems like GIS or CRMs such as Salesforce.
• Good at English and French (written and spoken)
• Expertise in crafting compelling narratives to promote certified products and sustainability projects.
• Building partnerships with companies or local communities to promote certified products or services.
• Coordinating integrated campaigns aligned with sustainability projects. Managing budgets and resources for marketing initiatives.
• Experience with project management tools.
• Have experience in carbons stocks and carbon footprint assessment is an asset

Would also be great, but not necessary, if you have:

• Project management experience in sustainability or environmental initiatives
• Knowledge of the main legislations and initiatives related to legality, deforestation and sustainable development.
• Experience in working with a wide range of stakeholders (private, NGOs government, etc.)
• Staying updated on emerging trends and technologies in certification and sustainable marketing
• If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you!

What Sets Us Apart:

• Global work culture
• High degree of flexibility - remote work, work from home.
• An in-depth onboarding and professional training that prepares you with the right skills and knowledge to thrive in this role.
• Excellent opportunities for growth and professional development
• Potential future international travel opportunities
• A friendly, international team of colleagues, with a pleasant work environment
• Long-term contractor agreement (we don't have Legal entity in Gabon)
• Start with 24 days of vacation leave per year.