Forestry and Sustainability Specialist, Gabon

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 contributing to the implementation of Preferred by Natures mission to support better land management and sustainable business practices.
You will work closely with the Africa Forest Program Manager and relevant divisions to design and execute regional strategies focusing on Gabon and Central Africa.

Your work will span across certification business development and project engagement ensuring the quality of forestry certification services while advancing sustainability initiatives and building strong partnerships 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 certification excellence by performing PbNC FSC (FM/CoC CoC FM/CW) and PAFC pre-assessments assessments and audits ensuring compliance with Preferred by Natures quality protocols and accreditation requirements.

• Manage operations efficiently by developing and implementing audit schedules supervising auditors and ensuring that audit deliverables meet deadlines and standards.
• Act as a trusted advisor by supporting clients in interpreting certification standards policies and protocols while maintaining strong professional relationships.
• Strengthen regional presence by developing partnerships identifying business opportunities and promoting sustainable forest management practices across Central Africa with a focus on Gabon.

• Promote knowledge and impact by organizing and facilitating training sessions supporting project proposal development and engaging with donors and partners to scale sustainability outcomes.

Your first year with us

Within three months you will:

• Gain a deeper knowledge of FSC certification systems PAFC and Preferred by Natures 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 PbNs impact in Gabon.

Important that you :

• Have a bachelors 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.
• Strong communication networking and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proficiency in English and French (spoken and written).
• Excellent command of office and collaboration tools (e.g. MS Office Google Workspace) and experience with systems such as GIS or Salesforce.
• Ability to work independently in multicultural and diverse settings.

Would also be great but not necessary if you have:

• 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
• Working with project management tools
• 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.)

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
• Start with 20 days of vacation leave per year.
  

How to apply:

If you feel you meet the requirements of the role please submit your CV and cover letter (in English) including salary expectations by 05th November 2025 via the application form below

Application pre-screening will be conducted during the application period.

Preferred by Nature wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.