Join Our Team: Career Opportunities

Are you passionate about making a positive impact on the environment and communities? At DFS, we are on a mission to empower sustainable solutions and create a greener world for present and future generations. We are always on the lookout for talented individuals who share our commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.

Join our team of experts and be part of an organization that has been at the forefront of natural resource management and green initiatives in international cooperation since 1979. With a diverse range of projects and opportunities, DFS offers a stimulating and rewarding work environment.

If you are team-oriented, possess strong interpersonal skills and are known for your reflective approach, we invite you to explore our vacancies, ongoing tender procedures and current projects and contribute your skills to our green vision.

Forest Management & Carbon Sink Development Project

To strengthen our international project team, DFS Deutsche Forstservice GmbH is seeking a Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) for phase 2 of the Sino‑German Financial Cooperation Project “Hunan IV – Forest Management and Carbon Sink Development”.

The position is planned to start in May 2026. Ideally, the selected candidate is available for an initial on‑site mission in Hunan from end of March 2026 (exact dates to be agreed). The assignment comprises a total input of approximately 13 person‑months over the full duration of Phase 2 (until end of 2029), corresponding to an average of around 3,5 PM per year. A higher level of input is foreseen during the initial implementation phase, followed by a gradual reduction once project structures, processes and teams are fully operational.

Project background:

The Hunan IV Project supports climate‑smart, close‑to‑nature forest management (CNFM) and the development of forest carbon sink mechanisms in Hunan Province, China. The project is financed through KfW Financial Cooperation, co‑funded by the European Union, and implemented in close cooperation with the Hunan Forestry Bureau and county‑level project entities. Phase 2 focuses on large‑scale implementation, institutional strengthening and carbon market integration until the end of 2029. Strategic concepts, guidelines and safeguard frameworks have been developed in Phase 1 and will be applied, adapted and operationalized during implementation.

Your Tasks:

As CTA you will be responsible for the overall technical and managerial leadership of Phase 2, including:

  • Overall management and coordination of the project implementation in line with KfW standards
  • Providing specific technical expertise on climate‑smart and close‑to‑nature forest management (CNFM), including arbor forests, bamboo and under‑forest economy, where necessary
  • Strategic coordination with the Project Management Office (PMO), Project Executing Agency (PEA), KfW, EU and other stakeholders
  • Supervision of participatory planning processes, forest management plans (FMPs) and on‑site implementation
  • Oversight of environmental and social safeguard implementation (ESMS, ESMF, FPIC, labour safety)
  • Steering of carbon sink development, MRV systems and benefit‑sharing mechanisms
  • Financial oversight, procurement supervision and reporting in line with German Financial Cooperation requirements
  • Team leadership of international and national experts, including short‑term specialists
  • Representation of the project at provincial and national level and support to communication & visibility activities
What you bring along:
  • University degree in forestry, natural resource management or a related field (postgraduate degree desirable)
  • At least 10 years of professional experience in sustainable forest management and development cooperation
  • Proven CTA / Team Leader experience in donor‑funded projects (KfW, World Bank, ADB or similar)
  • Experience with carbon sink projects and/or forest carbon accounting is a strong asset
  • Solid knowledge of project management, procurement, financial management and reporting under German Financial Cooperation
  • Excellent command of English; German is an asset
  • Strong leadership, coordination and intercultural communication skills
  • Willingness to work on site in China and to travel within the project region

Please send your detailed application documents, including your salary expectationsincluding your salary expectations (fee rate per day), earliest possible start date, and language proficiency, via email to laura.kilian@dfs-online.de with the subject: “CTA Position Hunan IV”.

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Benefits

At DFS, we prioritize a collegial and direct working environment, fostering a culture of enablement. Our team members enjoy ample opportunities to contribute their unique skills and abilities, benefiting from a high level of autonomy and creative freedom. Embracing diversity and versatility, our employees engage in diverse tasks, unbounded by limitations to specific processes or projects. For those seeking international exposure, we offer exciting possibilities for onsite assignments in our projects worldwide. Continuous learning and personal growth are at the heart of our values, providing our team members with access to training and development opportunities. While we appreciate the small perks of complimentary drinks and coffee at our headquarter, we know that true benefits lie in the rewarding experience of making a meaningful difference in the world through our sustainable projects and solutions and work that is appreciated and valued.

Expert Registration

Calling all professionals with practical working experience in the field of international cooperation! Whether you’re seeking short- or long-term assignments, we welcome you to join our experts’ database – simply send us your CV via email at info[at]dfs-online.de. Your registration will play a vital role in helping us identify the most suitable candidates for various positions and keep you informed about relevant tender and employment opportunities that match your profile.

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