Are you passionate about forests, Indigenous rights and sustainability? We’re looking for six committed experts to join our Technical Working Group (TWG) and help develop indicators that will guide responsible forest management in Intact Forest Landscapes.
At the recent FSC General Assembly in October 2025, members passed Motion 45/2025 (M45) “Moving beyond fixed thresholds to outcome-based conservation for Intact Forest Landscapes” changing the FSC’s approach to Intact Forest Landscapes (IFLs). M45 calls for maintaining ecological integrity and socio-cultural values of IFLs. It places an emphasis on the connection with Indigenous and Traditional Peoples, who have a key role in the implementation of the new approach.
As a result of this decision, during the BM104 conducted in Bonn, Germany from 8-12 December, the FSC Board of Directors mandated the Secretariat to constitute a Technical Working Group (TWG) for the initial implementation of M45. The immediate objective of the TWG is to develop generic indicators for enhanced management and monitoring of IFL/ HCV 2 areas.
The Secretariat is now looking for candidates with academic background and relevant experience in forest management/ monitoring/ ecology related to Intact Forest Landscapes and/or High Conservation Values as well as in standard development, to start working as a part of the TWG from February 2026.
This is a unique opportunity to contribute to shape the long-term approach to FSC-certified forest management in IFLs.
The Technical Working Group (TWG) will consist of six (6) members. Membership applications will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
Practical experience in management and monitoring of Intact Forest Landscapes (IFLs) and/or High Conservation Values (HCVs);
Academic background in forest management, forest ecology, forest monitoring or related fields;
Expertise in Indigenous Peoples’s rights and values (including Indigenous Cultural Landscapes);
Knowledge and experience of FSC’s systems and procedures;
Ability to review and provide feedback in the TWG’s working language (English);
Support the FSC’s mission and vision.
Note: Balance in gender and diversity will be considered in the final appointment. The criteria outlined will be part of TWG’s Terms of Reference (TORs). The TORs are expected to be available in January 2026.
Expected commitment
TWG members should expect to dedicate about 8-10 hours per month, including an average of 2 meetings per month. A few in-person meetings may be scheduled, including a potential first meeting in February 2026 (to be confirmed).
The TWG aims to develop an initial draft of the generic indicators by March–April 2026, followed by a public consultation and a corresponding submission for approval by the Policy and Standards Committee expected in June 2026.
How to apply
Send your expression of interest by Friday, 16 January 2026 to Douglas Muir at d.muir@fsc.org
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