The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting responsible forest management through certification and supply chain assurance. Through its global network, FSC works to ensure forests are managed in ways that are environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable.
Respect for Indigenous Peoples' rights is a fundamental part of FSC's mission. Through its governance structures, certification system and partnerships, FSC works to strengthen the participation and representation of Indigenous Peoples across its activities and decision-making processes.
The assignment
Millar Cameron supported FSC in the appointment of a Senior Manager, Indigenous Peoples Engagement, a newly created position established to strengthen collaboration between the FSC Secretariat and the FSC Indigenous Foundation (FSC IF).
The role was designed to improve coordination, knowledge sharing and relationship management across FSC's governance structures, programmes and stakeholder groups, while ensuring Indigenous Peoples' perspectives were effectively integrated throughout the organisation.
Acting as a bridge between FSC, FSC IF and Indigenous Peoples' organisations, the successful candidate would support stronger engagement, better organisational alignment and more effective collaboration across the wider FSC system.
What the role required
This was a highly relationship-driven appointment requiring a combination of stakeholder engagement, programme coordination and governance experience.
The successful candidate needed to operate effectively across complex international environments while building trusted relationships with Indigenous Peoples' organisations, FSC governance bodies, the FSC Indigenous Foundation and internal stakeholders.
The role required:
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Experience working directly with Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Peoples' organisations;
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Strong understanding of Indigenous rights, governance and engagement principles;
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Experience operating within multi-stakeholder environments and international organisations;
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The ability to navigate complex governance structures and organisational relationships:
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Strong communication, facilitation and partnership-building capabilities;
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Cultural sensitivity and the ability to work across diverse perspectives and communities; and
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A collaborative approach and commitment to meaningful stakeholder engagement.
Success depended on the ability to connect priorities across multiple organisations and ensure Indigenous Peoples' perspectives remained integrated within FSC's programmes, governance and decision-making processes.
The outcome
Millar Cameron successfully supported FSC in completing this appointment, securing a candidate whose experience working with Indigenous Peoples, international stakeholders and complex partnership environments aligned closely with the requirements of the role.
