Call for Nominations
Join the FSC Indigenous Foundation Council
Call for Nominations – FSC-IF Council Member
The FSC Indigenous Foundation (FSC-IF) is pleased to open a call for nominations for one member of its governing Council for a three-year term starting in 2026.
The FSC Indigenous Foundation is an indigenous-led organization that seeks to support and work with and for Indigenous Peoples worldwide by creating Indigenous-based solutions to strengthen self-determined and sustainable resource management of Indigenous territories throughout the Planet and is governed by a Council composed of leaders from Indigenous Peoples organizations from Asia/Oceania, Latin America, North America and Africa who serve in their individual capacities. The Council sets the strategic direction of the Foundation and supports its fundraising efforts. The FSC Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee (PIPC) is an Indigenous Global Governance Platform acting as an advisory body on Indigenous issues to the FSC Board of Directors. One of the roles of PIPC is to nominate members of the Council of the FSC Indigenous Foundation to the FSC Board of Directors.
This call is intended to identify a candidate who is recognized by Indigenous Peoples globally, demonstrates strong commitment to collective rights, and can represent regional perspectives in global forest fora. This call is for a representative from Central and South America and the Caribbean.
Purpose of the seat
The nominated candidate will contribute to the Indigenous Council by bringing perspectives from Indigenous Peoples into FSC-IF discussions.
- Advising on FSC-IF policies, standards, and decisions that affect Indigenous Peoples and their forests.
- Supporting communication between FSC-IF governance bodies and Indigenous constituencies.
- Helping ensure that FSC-IF Vision and Mission reflect Indigenous rights, self-determination, and culturally grounded decision-making consistent with collective rights and Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC).
Eligibility and Selection Process and other announcement package
Eligibility criteria
Candidates must meet all the following criteria:
- Be an Indigenous person, preferably from a forest community.
- Be formally endorsed by an Indigenous organization, council, network, or legitimate traditional authority.
- Have demonstrated experience in Indigenous rights, forest governance, land and territorial issues, biodiversity, or related advocacy.
- Be able to represent a regional perspective and consult regularly with Indigenous constituencies.
- Be available to participate in online meetings and, where required, in-person meetings related to the Indigenous Council.
- Be willing to uphold confidentiality, transparency, and conflict-of-interest standards.
Desired attributes
Preference may be given to candidates who demonstrate:
- Strong knowledge of FSC and/or forest certification issues.
- Experience in regional or international advocacy spaces.
- Must be able to communicate in any of the languages of FSC – English, Spanish, French. Ability to read and speak in English is preferred but not mandatory. (Most of the documents of the Foundation are in English but interpretation is provided in meetings.)
- Commitment to gender balance, youth inclusion, and intergenerational dialogue.
- Ability to work collaboratively across diverse Indigenous Peoples and organizations.
- Ability to support the FSC-IF in fundraising, strategic partnerships, and institutional stability.
Nomination package
Each nomination should include:
- CV (full name of the nominee, Indigenous Peoples/community affiliation and contact information)
- A nomination letter or resolution of support from an Indigenous Peoples Organization
- A statement from the nominee describing their motivation and relevant experience.
- Any relevant information on existing leadership roles or potential conflicts of interest.
Selection process
Nominations will be reviewed through a transparent process guided by Indigenous Peoples’ representation principles including fairness, regional balance, legitimacy, and accountability
The selection process may include:
- Screening for eligibility and completeness.
- Review by an Indigenous-led selection group or advisory panel.
- Consultation with regional Indigenous networks, where appropriate.
- The nominations will be reviewed by the PIPC and they will make the final recommendation to the FSC Board who will then make the appointment, our timeline is as follows:
- 26 July 2026: deadline to receive candidacy.
- 5 August 2026: PIPC meeting to decide on the candidate to be nominated.
- 10 August 2026: Send all material to FSC Director General to be evaluated by the FSC BOD.
- FSC BOD makes the appointment.
- Candidate joins the Council.
Key selection principles
The selection of the Council member will prioritize:
- Community legitimacy and clear constituency backing.
- Representation of Indigenous Peoples from one of the regions of PIPC.
- Balance across gender, generation, and geographic diversity.
- Accountability to Indigenous constituencies.
- Integrity, independence, and commitment to Indigenous rights.
Term and responsibilities
The representative is expected to serve for the agreed term set by FSC-IF governance arrangements and to remain accountable to the constituency throughout the mandate. Responsibilities include regular communication with Indigenous constituencies, participation in council meetings, and timely reporting on key decisions and issues.
How to submit a nomination
Please submit the complete nomination package by 26 July 2026 (5:00pm Panama) to fsc.if@fsc.org with subject line as “Nomination – FSCIF Council Member.” Incomplete nominations may not be considered.
For questions regarding this call, please contact fsc.if@fsc.org.
Equal opportunity and accessibility
FSC-IF encourages nominations from women, youth, elders, and representatives of underrepresented Indigenous Peoples. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to support participation in the nomination and selection process.