Forestry and Biomass Specialist

Are you a forestry and biomass professional interested in combining sustainability certification, auditing, and client support? Do you enjoy working across biomass assurance and FSC/PEFC forestry certification while maintaining high technical quality and professional integrity? If so, this role could be the right fit for you.

What you can expect:
Preferred by Nature is looking for a Forestry and Biomass Specialist based in Vietnam to support sustainable biomass use in the energy sector and forestry certification services worldwide. You will deliver SBP audits, contribute to biomass-related service development and industry engagement, and support FSC/PEFC Forest Management and Chain of Custody certification activities. The role combines auditing, technical coordination, customer service, quality control, and engagement with certification schemes and stakeholders.

Working with us is never routine, so in your first year you can expect the following areas to be central to your work.

• Stay up to date with SBP developments, relevant biomass policies, regulations, and industry standards.
• Conduct SBP audits and maintain accurate records in Salesforce.
• Participate in ANAB assessments related to SBP, including office and onsite assessments.
• Develop SBP engagement proposals and participate actively in SBP working groups and relevant scheme activities.
• Coordinate and execute FSC/PEFC Forest Management and Chain of Custody evaluations and annual audits, including budgeting, service contracts, logistical planning, audit preparation, reporting, report review, and database updates.
• Act as an auditor on selected FSC/PEFC Forest Management and Chain of Custody evaluations, initially as a team member and later as a lead auditor.
• Develop and implement evaluation schedules and support timely and efficient completion of certification activities.
• Ensure efficiency, quality control, and adherence to Preferred by Nature’s technical and administrative certification protocols.
• Provide customer service and technical guidance to current and potential clients on certification standards, processes, and trademark or logo use.
• Develop and maintain strong technical expertise in FSC and PEFC policies, standards, and protocols.
• Support the administrative and technical coordination and execution of new Preferred by Nature services.
• Manage questions and disputes relating to active certification evaluations and clients in line with Preferred by Nature, FSC, and PEFC policies.

Your first year with us:
Within three months, you will:

• Build a strong understanding of Preferred by Nature’s SBP, FSC, and PEFC certification services, internal systems, and technical and administrative protocols.
• Stay current with SBP updates and begin supporting or conducting audit activities within your qualification and experience scope.
• Develop effective working relationships with forestry and biomass colleagues and become familiar with relevant client portfolios and evaluation schedules.

Within six months, you will:

• Coordinate and execute assigned SBP and FSC/PEFC audit activities, including planning, client liaison, reporting, and Salesforce updates.
• Contribute to SBP engagement proposals, working groups, and relevant external scheme activities.
• Provide consistent customer service and technical guidance to certification clients while maintaining quality and impartiality.

Within twelve months, you will:

• Independently coordinate selected certification evaluations and contribute as a lead auditor where qualification requirements have been met.
• Maintain strong technical knowledge of SBP, FSC, and PEFC requirements and apply Preferred by Nature’s quality-control protocols consistently.
• Contribute to the development and coordination of biomass and forestry certification services and maintain effective relationships with clients and relevant stakeholders.

Important that you:

• Have a university degree in forestry, biology, geography, environmental management, or a related field.
• Bring approximately 2 to 3 years of experience in the forest product sector, including timber, printing, paper, forestry, related industries, or environmental management.
• Are proficient in English and Vietnamese.
• Are based in Vietnam and comfortable travelling nationwide and internationally as part of the role.
• Demonstrate a high level of integrity and business ethics, balancing client service with the impartiality required of an auditor.
• Are comfortable making independent decisions and working independently, often remotely from colleagues.
• Believe in Preferred by Nature’s mission and want to contribute to it.

Would also be great, but not necessary, if you:

• Have auditing experience and/or familiarity with FSC/PEFC Chain of Custody or Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Standard (RA SAS) requirements.
• If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you!

What Sets Us Apart:

• Global work culture
• High degree of flexibility - remote work, work from home.
• An in-depth onboarding and professional training that prepares you with the right skills and knowledge to thrive in this role.
• Excellent opportunities for growth and professional development
• Potential future international travel opportunities
• A friendly, international team of colleagues, with a pleasant work environment
• 20 days of vacation leave per year

Preferred by Nature
Preferred by Nature is a non-profit, mission driven organisation that works for sustainable land management and climate-friendly solutions. With 350+ employees and a network of local experts, we develop practical solutions to drive positive impacts in production landscapes and supply chains in 100+ countries. We focus on forest and climate impact commodities and related sectors.

How to apply: If you feel you meet the requirements of the role, please submit your application, including salary expectations, via the application form below. Application pre-screening will be conducted during the application period. Preferred by Nature wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.