2026 Opportunity: Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Seeks Decision Panelists & Investigators for Global Complaints Process

Overview

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is inviting experienced professionals worldwide to express interest in joining its Decision Panelist and Investigator Pool for complaints handled under the FSC Policy for Association. The policy sets out unacceptable activities that organisations associated with FSC, such as certificate holders, corporate groups and members, must avoid. When an organisation is alleged to have breached it, the process can involve detailed assessment of evidence and stakeholder views, with outcomes ranging from conditions for improvement and remedy, to continued association under conditions, to a recommendation of exclusion from the FSC system.

FSC wants to build a pool of about 6 to 9 people. The location is international and flexible.

Roles

Investigators independently examine allegations, reviewing documents and evidence, conducting interviews, engaging stakeholders and rights holders, and preparing independent, evidence-based reports. Decision Panelists review the evidence, assess investigation findings, decide whether the policy has been breached, consider conditions for improvement and remedy, and weigh whether an organisation's association should continue or exclusion be recommended.

Who can apply

The call is aimed at experienced professionals with specialist knowledge and independent judgement. Relevant expertise includes Indigenous Peoples' rights, human rights, workers' rights and International Labour Organization standards, forest conversion and land-use change, High Conservation Values in tropical regions, supply chain integrity, illegal timber trade, environmental and trade regulations, genetically modified organisms in forestry, corporate law, GIS analysis, reputation management and dispute resolution. Candidates need not cover every area, since FSC aims for a diverse pool that covers them collectively.

Requirements

Successful candidates should analyse complex and conflicting information, assess evidence objectively, make fair and impartial judgements, handle sensitive matters with confidentiality and integrity, engage constructively with stakeholders and contribute to consensus-based decisions while staying independent.

How to apply

Interested professionals contact FSC by email for full role details and terms. They should state their areas of expertise and the contribution they could make to the panel or investigator pool, after reviewing the official FSC information.

Key dates

No fixed deadline is given; the opportunity remains open until filled.