Asia-Pacific Forester/Operations Coordinator

The Rainforest Alliance (RA) is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting ecosystems and the people and wildlife that depend on them by implementing better business practices for biodiversity conservation and sustainability. Companies, cooperatives, and landowners that participate in our programs meet rigorous standards for protecting the environment, wildlife, workers, and local communities.

SmartWood (SW) is a program of the Rainforest Alliance created in 1989; it is the oldest global forestry certification program and has been accredited by the internationally recognized Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). SmartWood's mission is to promote the implementation of sustainable forestry worldwide. 

Summary of Position: The Asia-Pacific Forester/Operations Coordinator will be responsible for providing certification services to SmartWood clients, providing administrative project management on certification jobs, and assisting the Regional Manager in developing new clients. In addition, the Forester/Operations Coordinator will provide assistance in the day-to-day operational management of the region, including portfolio management, financial management and other management, and staff management. The positions reports to the SW Asia-Pacific Regional Manager. 

Responsibilities: 

Forestry Certification: 

* Conduct scopings, field forestry and chain-of-custody certification assessments and audits; 
* Write and review certification assessment and audit reports for the region;
* Serve as lead assessor on forest management and chain of custody scopings, assessments and audits; 
* Assist the Regional Manager with related project management functions to include job budgeting, service contracts, team identification and contracts, arranging logistical support to consultants, report review, liaison with clients in assessment and report review, peer review identification and contracts;
* Provide customer service to current and interested clients in the region with information about certification, market linkages, guidance on certification process, marketing, etc.;
* Work with the Regional Manager to develop and meet sales and business targets for the region and related market linkages outside the region;
* Directly market SW certification to potential forestry and wood products industry clients, while assisting SW in identifying new alliances with local NGOs and other stakeholders;
* Provide input from the region in SW policy development and technical improvements to the certification system; and 
* Assist in the organization and facilitation of training courses for regional specialists in forest assessment, chain-of-custody assessment and audits, and SmartWood administration requirements. 

Office Operations: Provide support to the Regional Manager with the following: 

* Management of support staff; 
* Financial management of the region; and
* General office administration. 

Qualifications: 

* BS or BA degree in forestry or forest industries, ecology, or natural resource management; preferred MS or MA degree in forestry or forest industries, ecology, or natural resource management;
* 3-5 years of field experience in forestry or rural natural resources management and/or economic development; 
* Knowledge of SmartWood FSC certification protocols, a plus; 
* Project management skills (e.g. planning, management, evaluation) and attention to details;
* Experience in marketing and sales; 
* Strong verbal and written communication skills in English language; 
* Asian language capability in either Chinese or Malay-based language; 
* Strong organizational management and development skills; 
* Strong computer skills (i.e. word processing, spreadsheets and presentations);
* Strong analytical skills; 
* Strong cross-cultural skills; and 
* Business management skills a plus. 

Compensation: Salary commensurate with experience. Competitive benefits package provided. 

To apply: Email, fax or send resume, cover letter and salary history to

Human Resources,
Rainforest Alliance,
665 Broadway Suite 500,
New York, New York 10012

The Rainforest Alliance is an equal opportunity employer.