Business Developer (Forestry Programmes) (Gabon and Cameroon)

The Business Developer is responsible for developing and managing our key certification schemes and services in the global forestry and nature management sector and related industries in the Congo Bassin. These include, among others, FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®), PEFC, TLV (Timber Legality Verification), and due diligence systems (such as the EU Timber Regulation).

As a Forestry Expert, you are responsible for increasing Control Union’s client base, while ensuring compliance with all requirements applicable to CUC under certification and accreditation standards or legislation.

To achieve this, you will plan and chair internal and external meetings, monitor relevant developments, instruct and train colleagues, and you will lead new developments and set up services initiated within the Forestry & Land Use business unit. This may include topics such as deforestation, carbon credits, or remote sensing.

Responsibilities

• Adapt and implement regional strategies within the company aligned with local execution needs and goals, ensuring alignment with global objectives.

• Lead business development efforts in the Congo Bassin and key account relationships in the country aligned with regional strategy.

• Prepare and support tenders and bids at national level, contributing to regional proposals when required.

• Maintain country-level client and authority relationships and coordinate with region for multinational engagement.

• Ensure compliance with procedures in the selection of local subcontractors and suppliers and review of performance.

• Implement pricing strategies and monitor margins at national level.

• Ensure local compliance with all relevant standards, policies, regulations and PCU Management System.

• Oversees HSEQ system/policies implementation, maintenance and training.

• Build and maintain high-performance leadership teams at the national level.

• Foster integrity, engagement and performance excellence across country operations.

• Promote national talent development, diversity and skills-building programs.

• Conduct capacity planning to ensure workforce availability and suitability.

• Represent national interests in regional discussions; support global forums as delegated.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry or related field

• Working knowledge of Forestry certification standards

• A relevant national and regional network

• Proven track record in business development

Experience

• 8–12+ years in business development in the forestry sector

• Demonstrated delivery of KPIs (quality, timeliness, efficiency) and client satisfaction improvement

• Hands-on experience with audits as well as marketing

• Experience building and leading cross-functional teams; capacity and workforce planning

Requirements

• Fluent in English AND French

• Willing to travel internationally

• Based in Cameroon or Gabon