Sustainability Manager (Social and environmental assessment)

The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) Association seeks a highly motivated person to join our organisation as Sustainability Manager (social and environmental assessment), an ideal position for an individual interested in furthering an international career in an organisation focused on sustainability and industry transformation.

About Us

Our growing, dedicated team of committed professionals works globally to develop solutions to some of the world’s biggest challenges. We operate remotely in many countries worldwide, with a robust and collaborative working environment fostering professional development and a healthy work-life balance. Our team allows for individual autonomy and the opportunity to engage with a full spectrum of roles within our stakeholder base's diverse range of organisations.

RSB is a global, multi-stakeholder organisation dedicated to driving the sustainable development of the bioeconomy based on our best-in-class sustainability framework. Frequently noted as industry leaders in navigating the complexities of supply chain sustainability, we take pride in applying our robust sustainability framework in diverse sectors, including aviation, chemicals, materials, and shipping. For more information, visit www.rsb.org

Your role

As a Sustainability Manager, you will play a key role in driving a just and sustainable energy transition in hard-to-abate sectors such as aviation, shipping and materials by supporting the design and development of projects related to sustainable feedstock for the bioeconomy, social and environmental assessments, sustainability certification, and sustainability impact claims beyond carbon emission reductions.

This position will give you the opportunity to apply and grow your technical skills across different sustainability areas and requires an appetite for continuous learning.

You will report to the Programme Director and work closely with RSB’s Programme and Certification teams.

You will be responsible for:

• Performing sustainability analyses for EU-funded or other international projects, including:

• Social and environmental life cycle assessments (LCA), and
• Bio-based feedstock gap analyses using RSB and EU RED certification standards and tools.

• Supporting the development of impact indicators in key sustainability areas such as water, soil, biodiversity, and social impact (based on RSB’s 12 Principles and Criteria).

• Working with farmers, producers and buyers to pilot the implementation of sustainability impact indicators in real, sustainably certified biomass and biofuel supply chains, ensuring that learnings are adequately integrated into relevant RSB systems.

• Contributing to policy insights and ensuring alignment with EU and global frameworks through project deliverables and stakeholder consultations.

• Writing project-related technical reports, including occasional scientific publications, and giving presentations at workshops and events.

• Representing RSB in multi-stakeholder settings such as working groups and international conferences, including preparing technical case studies, articles, and presentations.

• Supporting fundraising efforts, including partnership development, proposal writing, budgeting, and project design.

Requirements

Required – Education, experience, and qualifications

• 5+ years of professional experience in the bio-based and circular economy sector (e.g. agriculture, materials, bioenergy, biorefinery)
• Master’s degree and/or relevant qualifications in environmental science, sustainability, or similar.
• Professional experience designing and conducting environmental (LCA) and social assessments (SLCA) for the bio-based economy.
• Professional experience with European sustainability policies for bioenergy and materials.
• Experience in working with broader sustainability areas such as water, soil, biodiversity, social impact in biomass and industrial production
• Eagerness to work in a fast-paced, international environment and to find pragmatic solutions to technical challenges through a mix of theory, practical implementation and stakeholder dialogue
• Experience in communicating and working collaboratively with companies, government institutions, non-profit agencies, academia and technical experts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and the ability to collect data and prepare professional and accurate fundraising proposals, technical reports, scientific publications and presentations.
• Able and willing to travel regularly in Europe and internationally (4 to 6 annual trips).

Required – Personal attributes

• Service-oriented mindset with a can-do attitude
• Comfortable with a working culture of excellence.
• Comfortable to work remotely (home-office-based).
• Ability to work in a multicultural and virtual team with an attitude of knowledge sharing.
• Ability to work calmly and efficiently under pressure.
• Flexible and willing to learn continuously in a dynamic environment

Desired – Education, experience, and qualifications

• Experience developing, implementing and validating sustainability impact indicators in water, soil, biodiversity and social impact, including the integration into certification systems or supply chain assessments.
• Experience in working with corporations on sustainability impact metrics

Benefits

Join a small, dedicated, and multicultural team of professionals committed to building a brighter future for people and planet.

Our benefits

• Competitive salary
• Excellent holiday provision with 30 days annual paid leave
• Annual salary adjustments for cost-of-living increases
• Flexible working hours
• Remote work in home office with periodic in-person team meetings
• Professional development opportunities

Important information

• Location: Home office based for candidates currently located in Spain, Germany, or UK and possession of a valid work permit for the respective country

• Travel: Required for meetings several times per year
• Position type: Full-time
• Duration: Permanent contractual agreement with probationary period
• Start Date: As soon as possible
• Application Deadline: 30th April 2025