The Global Biocredit Standard (GBS) was launched at COP 16 in Colombia as the world’s first and only standard for biodiversity credits focused on production landscapes. The standard is now in the implementation phase, and an organizational structure is being established to operationalize and promote GBS globally.

The Global Biocredit Standard (GBS) is established as a social enterprise, combining a strong commitment to biodiversity conservation with a market-driven approach to sustainability. As CEO, you will lead the organization’s strategic and operational development and report directly to the Board of Directors, ensuring alignment with GBS’s mission and long-term vision. We are seeking an exceptional individual to lead this transformative initiative as CEO, driving its growth and impact on biodiversity conservation and sustainable production landscapes.

• Organizational Leadership:
  • Establish and develop the GBS organization, including building an effective team and operational framework.
  • Oversee the implementation and governance of the standard.
• International Outreach and Marketing:
  • Promote GBS as the leading standard for biodiversity credits globally.
  • Build international recognition and credibility by establishing strategic alliances with stakeholders in forestry, agriculture, and environmental sectors.
  • Educate and lobby within relevant EU departments and relevant EU politicians about GBS.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Attract methodology and project developers to adopt GBS for biodiversity credit projects.
  • Foster relationships with buyers interested in biodiversity credits, ensuring market growth.
• Resource Mobilization:
  • Secure funding for the organization through grants, partnerships, and other financial mechanisms.
  • Advocate for GBS in international forums (such as Biodiversity-COP, World Economic Forum and other relevant forums) to gain financial and institutional support.
• Collaboration with Environmental NGOs:
  • Maintain and strengthen partnerships with environmental NGOs to enhance GBS credibility and conservation impact.

Education:

• A relevant university degree in environmental science, business administration, policy, or a related.

Experience:

• Experience in standard development, certification systems, or market development related to biodiversity and climate, even if not directly within the forestry or agricultural sectors.
• Proven leadership experience in senior roles within forestry, agriculture production organizations, or major industrial users of wood or agricultural products.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with environmental NGOs.
• Experience in developing and managing international partnerships and networks.

Skills:

• Strong international network in forestry, agriculture, and environmental sectors.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Exceptional organizational and leadership skills, with a track record of successfully building and managing teams.
• Experience in securing funding and managing financial sustainability for organizations.

The GBS will be based in Sweden, with its main office in Stockholm. The CEO is expected to spend significant time traveling internationally and working from the Stockholm office. However, remote alternatives for this position may be considered for exceptional candidates.

• Visionary leadership with a commitment to advancing biodiversity conservation.
• Entrepreneurial mindset to drive organizational growth and impact.
• Strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills to engage with diverse stakeholders.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a detailed CV and a cover letter explaining their suitability for the role to maria.hedblom@worldforestforum.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

This position offers a unique opportunity to lead a pioneering initiative in biodiversity conservation and make a lasting impact on global sustainability.