Indigenous Engagement Manager

6 June 2025 Job vacancy

PEFC recognises Indigenous Peoples have a unique connection to the management and protection of forests. To foster an understanding and respect for these existing customary practices, we are reaching out to Indigenous communities from across the globe to listen and learn.

This important consultation must be developed in conjunction with those cultural values of Indigenous Peoples who use, create, and hold forest options. Supporting existing Indigenous values and principles within the forest is PEFC’s directive.

The role

Position Title: Indigenous Engagement Manager
Location: Global
Occupation Time %: 100 %
Unit/Department: -
Line Manager: CEO
Supervised positions: -
Travel: Up to 40%
Contract duration: 3 years

General mission

The Indigenous Engagement Manager will provide strategic direction on PEFC’s programme and serve as the senior subject matter expert on Indigenous Relations. Reporting directly to the CEO the Indigenous Relations Manager will interface with other leaders on topics related to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Education, Conservation, and Standards while fostering meaningful and respectful relationships with Indigenous Peoples from around the world.

Responsibilities

Influence and drive further integration 

• Provide strategic oversight on PEFC’s Indigenous engagement and provide insight on opportunities to grow PEFC’s relationships with Indigenous Peoples through forest-focused programmes and collaborations.
• Support the meaningful integration of Indigenous perspectives, practices and teachings into PEFC strategies with the aim of further increasing Indigenous inclusion, participation, and representation.

Actively engage

• Promote the growth of PEFC forest management certification for Indigenous Peoples and Communities among Indigenous-owned forest sector businesses.
• Represent PEFC at events that interface with Indigenous issues and/or relationship building in forest sector through attendance, exhibiting, and presenting.

Educate

• Actively support the inclusion of Indigenous perspective, practices and teachings across teams and pillars throughout the organisation.
• Assist in developing PEFC’s certificate holders’ relationships with Indigenous Peoples by providing support, training, employer education and programme connections across pillars, based on each organisation's unique needs and priorities.

Applicant profile

Education and experience

• Bachelor’s degree or higher, or equivalent lived experience, in forestry, natural resource management or other relevant areas
• At least ten years of experience working with Indigenous communities, organisations, or businesses in an elected, volunteer, or professional capacity
• At least five years of experience managing projects
• Direct experience with sustainable forest management, and/or forest certification is an asset
• Proficiency in English
• Indigenous language is a bonus, Spanish is an asset 

Competencies:

• Working knowledge of Indigenous issues, perspectives, and knowledge systems, as they relate to sustainable forest management and forest-focused relationship building
• Ability to prioritize effectively and manage multiple complex projects in a dynamic fast-paced environment, handling tasks with diplomacy, tenacity, patience and a drive for results
• Proven ability to develop and lead collaborative efforts to achieve specific outcomes, and to work strategically in a team environment with a variety of rights-holders and stakeholder groups
• Ability to clearly set, manage and communicate expectations with internal and external groups.
• Strong ability to knit together partnerships, and to develop and manage outcomes
• A positive attitude and high energy
• Active curiosity and engagement in ongoing learning-having and seeking depth of content knowledge and understanding
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 (particularly, Outlook, Teams Word, Excel, PowerPoint) 

Work Environment

PEFC is a purpose driven organisation. Working in the proximity of a small team at PEFC International HQ, you will be exposed to a wider global team of members with enriching cultural diversity.

The PEFC International secretariat is based in Geneva, the candidate can be remote yet will be expected to travel to the Geneva office quarterly and to work as closely as possible to CET work hours.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

PEFC is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation, bringing together unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that drive innovation and success. We welcome and value individuals of all backgrounds. Our hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and organisational needs, ensuring fair and equitable treatment for all applicants and employees. We are dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to thrive.