Regional Ecosystem Services Lead, APAC (m-f-d)

The Scope

We are looking for an engaged Regional Ecosystem Services Lead, APAC who brings solid expertise and a passion for FSC’s mission, to work with us in a multinational environment.
 
As our Regional Ecosystem Services Lead, APAC, you will play a key role in strengthening FSC’s ecosystem services strategy by driving market uptake, engaging diverse stakeholders, and ensuring credible, high‑quality implementation on the ground. We are seeking a strategic, collaborative professional who can translate complex sustainability concepts into practical action, build strong partnerships, and champion the value of ecosystem services certification to unlock enhanced forest benefits.

Main Roles & Responsibilities

Stakeholder Engagement and Market Development

• Conduct market analysis to identify gaps in Ecosystem Service offerings and potential growth areas. 
• Develop strategies to engage with stakeholders, including corporates and governments, to facilitate the uptake of ecosystem services and the growth of ES-certified area.
• Develop strategic partnership plans (e.g. with NGOs, brands, financial institutions) to drive tangible outcomes and revenue-generating opportunities related to ecosystem services. 
• Identify key stakeholders for feedback on ecosystem service initiatives and strategies. 
• Design and implement capacity-building formats tailored to the needs of certificate holders and partners. 
• Map and expand stakeholder networks, focusing on communities, governmental bodies, and the private sector to foster collaboration.

 
Policy & Advocacy

• Engage with government agencies and financial institutions to advocate for the integration of ecosystem services into relevant policies and frameworks. 
• Oversee the development of policies that recognize and promote ecosystem services at regional and global levels.
• Participate in regional policy dialogues, events, and conferences to represent organizational interests and share insights.

 
Capacity & Knowledge Building

• Oversee the development and delivery of training programs, ensuring high completion rates and relevant content for certificate holders, auditors, and communities. 
• Create and adapt technical guidance materials specifically designed for the Asia Pacific region. 
• Provide timely responses to technical inquiries to ensure stakeholders receive necessary assistance.
   

Internal Performance & Coordination

• Monitor and report on the progress of regional ecosystem service strategies, ensuring alignment with global organizational goals. 
• Manage project budgets effectively, ensuring variance remains within acceptable limits. 
• Facilitate collaboration with other FSC programs (e.g., Forest Management, Marketing & Communications) to enhance overall impact.
    

Impact Measurement

• Develop metrics and frameworks to assess and report on the benefits derived from ecosystem services initiatives (e.g., tonnes of carbon sequestered, hectares of restored habitat, water quality indicators). 
• Assist partners in utilizing ecosystem service claims for marketing purposes to enhance visibility and outreach. 
• Track and analyse the visibility of initiatives through media mentions and case studies, regularly reporting on impact regularly.

Your profile

Education and Training: 

• University degree in Environmental Science, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Ecology, Sustainability/Climate, Environmental Economics, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• Additional training in Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV), impact measurement, project finance for nature‑based solutions, or ESG/sustainability reporting is an asset.

 
 Working Experience, Style and Skills: 

• Experience: 7–10+ years in forestry, ecosystem services, nature‑based solutions, climate/biodiversity markets, or sustainable land use in APAC; with hands‑on program or project delivery.
• Technical: Familiarity with ecosystem services identification, baselining, monitoring approaches, and credible result/claim verification; understanding of market demand and corporate use cases for ES outcomes.
• Project & portfolio management: Proven ability to scope, plan, budget, and deliver multi‑stakeholder projects across countries; strong risk management and issue‑resolution skills.
• Stakeholder engagement: Track record working with forest managers, communities/Indigenous Peoples, NGOs, private sector, and public actors; skilled at