Director System Integrity

Established in 1993, FSC advances sustainable forestry that is environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable. With over 160 million hectares of certified forests worldwide, FSC addresses critical global challenges such as illegal logging, deforestation, and climate change while supporting biodiversity, economic development, and social empowerment.

About the role

As a key member of the leadership team, the Director, System Integrity will be responsible for safeguarding the credibility and integrity of FSC’s certification system. Reporting to the incoming Chief Programs Officer, the Director will lead a diverse, multicultural team, overseeing all aspects of system integrity including compliance, assurance, and remedy functions. The role demands a strategic leader who can balance proactive risk management with reactive investigation, ensuring the system remains robust against external pressures and stakeholder scrutiny.

Key dimensions of the role 

Based in Bonn, Germany, the Director Systems Integrity will:

• Provide strategic leadership to safeguard and enhance the credibility and integrity of FSC’s certification system.

• Lead and develop a geographically dispersed team of 26 professionals across multiple integrity functions.

• Oversee proactive risk management, integrity assurance, and reactive investigations to reduce systemic vulnerabilities.

• Drive the development and implementation of robust policies, protocols, and technological tools (including blockchain and data analytics) to strengthen operational excellence.

• Ensure effective performance, compliance, and accountability of certifying bodies and other assurance partners.

• Oversee critical programmatic areas such as Supply Chain Integrity, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Case Management, and Certifying Body Performance.

• Manage complex stakeholder relationships internally and externally, including certificate holders, certifying bodies, NGOs, and regulators.

• Represent FSC externally at conferences and stakeholder engagements, fostering trust in FSC’s approach.

• Collaborate closely with other FSC units to enhance cross-unit coordination and programmatic integration.

• Establish and monitor key performance indicators to measure effectiveness, drive improvement, and future-proof FSC’s integrity systems.

Skills and experience

The desired candidate will have:

• A university degree or equivalent training/experience in corporate compliance, supply chain integrity, audit, trademark protection/infringement, or accreditation assessment.

• At least 10 years’ experience in a global non-profit or international organization, with a minimum of 5 years in a leadership role within integrity-related fields.

• Strong competence in managing assurance or compliance functions in multi-stakeholder or governance-heavy environments.

• Proven ability to balance strategic thinking with operational leadership in high-pressure contexts.

• Experience leading multicultural and geographically dispersed teams.

• Familiarity with complex stakeholder ecosystems including NGOs, certifying bodies, regulators, and industry.

• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills with the ability to translate insights into operational improvements.

• Fluency in English; additional languages such as Spanish, French, or German are an asset.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Research shows that individuals from underrepresented groups are less likely to apply for roles unless they meet every listed qualification. At Millar Cameron, we are committed to supporting our clients in building diverse and inclusive teams. If you’re enthusiastic about this role but don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply - you could be exactly what our client is looking for, either for this position or another.

Please note that due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are only able to respond to candidates who are shortlisted for the next stage of the process. We sincerely appreciate your interest and the time taken to apply.

Since 2007 Millar Cameron has specialised in sourcing leadership and keyperson talent across a number of industries, including agribusiness, international development, industrial, consumer, financial and professional services, private equity, and technology, media and telecommunications. Our mission and purpose is to positively contribute to the development of Africa, and other emerging markets, through the provision of people.