Market Development Officer (m-f-d) – Congo Basin & West Africa

The Scope

We are looking for an engaged Market Development Officer who brings solid expertise and a passion for FSC’s mission, to work with us in a multinational environment.

The Market Development Officer will undertake market development across various value chains by driving Chain-of-Custody (COC) certification, Promotional License Agreements (PLA), and increasing FSC brand awareness in B2B and B2C market segments in the region.

Main Roles & Responsibilities

• Drive sub‑regional market and value chain development across forest product sectors.
• Build and manage relationships with key accounts, Certificate Holders, and Promotional Licence partners.
• Grow Chain of Custody (CoC) certification and Promotional Licence Holders in line with targets.
• Manage CoC enquiries, certification body coordination, and e‑training platforms.
• Monitor market trends and conduct targeted market analysis.
• Develop and deploy marketing and communications materials in line with brand guidelines.
• Deliver campaigns, events, digital content, and sub‑regional website updates in collaboration with international and regional teams.
• Administer Promotional Licence Agreements, including approvals, pricing, invoicing, renewals, and CRM management.
• Prepare quarterly market development and communications reports.
• Engage governments, private sector, and civil society to stimulate demand for FSC certification and support policy integration into public procurement.

Your profile

Education and Training: 

• University degree or equivalent training or experience in a relevant field, for example, e.g. marketing, communications, business studies.

Working Experience, Style and Skills: 

• At least 4 years of professional experience in marketing or sales for highly respected organisation(s), with executive level client-facing experience.
• Commercial orientation: understanding of private sector buying patterns and commercial value propositions.
• Some knowledge of Sustainability Certification Systems (e.g. FSC, Fairtrade, Fair wild, MSC, Better Cotton, Rain Forest Alliance). 
• Marketing/Communications/Sales Planning and reporting.
• Good time management: Ability to drive results within agreed timelines and handle simultaneous functions and stakeholder interests
• Solution oriented attitude to work.
• Natural and highly effective collaborator with ability to drive results through teamwork.
• Demonstrate good engagement and networking skills.
   

Language & Communication Skills: 

• Excellent command of English (spoken and written).
• Proficiency in another language for example French and other local languages is a plus.
• Exemplary verbal and written communication skills that create cohesive team efforts and support decision making.
  The ability to facilitate interactive discussions and maintain positive interpersonal relations.
   
  

Digital Skills – good skills in the use of/experience with:

• Standard software packages (MS Office).
• Social media posting.
• Creative design e.g. Canva, PowerPoint
• Experience (basic) with Customer Relations Management (CRM) systems such as Salesforce.
• Website content platform upload experience.

Why us?

• Be part of a globally recognized organization at the forefront of sustainable forestry and contribute to the mission to help protect the world’s forests. 
• Play an active role in the FSC global community of 400+ forest stewards who come together in-person at least once a year. 
• Benefit from cross-cultural collaboration and networking opportunities by working in a dynamic, inclusive, and diverse international culture with over 60 nationalities represented under one roof.

The Fine Print

• Location: Nigeria/ Ghana/ Republic of Congo
• Working Hours: Full time - 40 hours per week.
• Contract: Service and Licence Agreement.
• Duration: 2 years (extension possible).
• Starting Date: As soon as possible.
• Travel: Sporadic travel is required.

How to Apply 
Ready to make a difference? Join FSC and help shape a sustainable future. Don't delay - apply now!
 

• Please apply via our website by submitting your CV in English.
• Please do not send any photos of yourself.
   

For FSC, inclusiveness and diversity are important values. As such, we welcome and encourage applications from all backgrounds and are entirely committed to consider all qualified applicants regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, age and disability.   
 
We will confirm receipt of your application. Should you not receive a confirmation of receipt please check your spam filter and if you cannot find it there contact us at careers@fsc.org
 
Please be informed, that by applying for this position you automatically accept our Data Protection Information on processing your personal data.
 
We are looking forward to your application!