The World Business Council for Sustainable Development is a CEO-led organization of forward-thinking companies that galvanizes the global business community to create a sustainable future for business, society and the environment. Together with its members, the council applies its respected thought leadership and effective advocacy to generate constructive solutions and take shared action. Leveraging its strong relationships with stakeholders as the leading advocate for business, the council helps drive debate and policy change in favor of sustainable development solutions.

The Forest Solutions Group (FSG) is a Sector Project within the WBCSD, consisting of WBCSD member companies from the Forest and Forest Products value chain, working to promote sustainable forestry practices and sustainable use of forest products.

The goal of this sector project is to develop and deliver sustainable solutions for the Forest and Forest Products value chain.

We are looking for a talented Director, Forest Solutions. This is a full-time, permanent position based at the WBCSD offices in Geneva, Switzerland, reporting to the Chief Operating Officer.

The successful candidate will direct the program content, working closely with member companies, and with the governance structure of the group, to develop, coordinate and advance the project through various work-streams, to ensure we reach an ambitious level of impact.

Role & Responsibilities

Running the project

• Working with the project Co-chairs, develop and implement the FSG work plan and key objectives. This will involve line management of the Manager, Forest Solutions.
• Manage the program budget effectively.
• Assist various work-streams to ensure high impact and timely delivery of results.
• Ensure robust and transparent governance in the running of the project.
• Hold the project to the highest standards of intellectual and factual integrity and credibility.
• Own and further develop relationships with key NGOs and International Agencies in the areas of Forestry, Ecosystems and Conservation, Social responsibility and Ethical Performance.
• Develop relationships with the key forest certification programs (FSC, PEFC, SFI).
• Coordinate with the five strategic programs of the WBCSD to identify and benefit from synergies with other projects.

Building the network

• Attract and recruit new members from select geographies or sectors, as agreed with member companies, to create an optimally diverse mix of companies across the value chain.
• Work with company CEOs, including project co-chairs, other senior executives and technical experts, to deliver planned results.
• Establish and collaborate with partnerships involving e.g. academic or other institutions and non-governmental or intergovernmental organizations.
• Recruit and manage consultants or service providers, be it academic or other.
• Identify key NGO and government contacts and approaches (regional, national or international level) to drive advocacy effectiveness.

Compelling communications

• Develop and implement a world-class communications strategy for the project, working closely with member companies and their communications teams to:
  • Develop and position compelling messages throughout the project
  • Identify and influence key audiences
  • Oversee the efficient production and effective placement of printed materials
  • Produce engaging web site content and social media outreach

• Convincingly represent the WBCSD and the project to relevant global audiences, with conviction and polish, including media activities, stakeholder and other key events.

The Dream Profile

The ideal candidate will have significant industrial experience, coupled with successful NGO and/or government interaction and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities for the forest and forest products sector.  You will also:

• Demonstrate superb project management / organizational skills to structure a multi-year program with accountability for meeting budget and schedule commitments while pragmatically delivering real results.
• Have a strong capacity for systems thinking and eliciting innovative, holistic solutions, including sensitivity to the implications and possibilities of new technologies.
• Be culturally and emotionally at ease working with a wide spectrum of people and nationalities from CEO level to technical experts, governments and other stakeholders.
• Bring and convey passion and drive to attract and motivate additional companies, organizations and individuals to the project to meet common but demanding goals.
• Show diplomacy and sensitivity to different opinions and approaches, managing a range of views and interests with first class negotiating and facilitation skills (including humor, kindness and courtesy).
• Be fluent and highly articulate in English (written and spoken), with other language skills warmly welcome.
• Possess manifest personal and intellectual credibility and integrity.

The position is full-time and based in Geneva, Switzerland, but will also require international travel.

The WBCSD is a purpose driven, forward-thinking, and action-oriented organization, characterized by diversity of gender, nationalities, and work experiences.

In terms of work environment, we offer a competitive, modern, and flexible working arrangement:

• Geneva-based organization with offices in New Delhi, London and New York City
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• State of the art facilities and ICT enabled working tools
• Flex-time and part-time possibilities
• Dynamic working atmosphere
• Open culture encouraging interaction and sharing of ideas and opinions
• International relocation support
• Sustainable commuting incentives
• Annual community service

Please also note that the WBCSD will only respond to candidates selected for the interview process