Associate, Standard Development (Ecology)

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the leading global standard for organic textile processing, focusing on both ecological and social criteria. Our collective vision is that organic textiles will become a significant part of everyday life, enhancing people's lives and the environment. Global Standard gGmbH is the operating entity of GOTS.

Global Standard gGmbH seeks a motivated and passionate individual for a junior-level, remote position to support the development of environmental criteria and certification policies. A background in environmental studies e.g. climate, wastewater in connection to textile industry will be an asset.

Start date: at the earliest

Reporting to:  Head of Sub-Unit

Key responsibilities:

Development and Implementation:

Environmental Criteria:
•    Collaborate on further developing the environmental criteria of the Standard, focusing particularly on climate-related issues, wastewater management etc.
•    Support in the continuous improvement of guidelines and procedural frameworks.
•    Contribute priority topics, including supply chain decarbonization, product emission footprint accounting and reductions, biodiversity preservation, and circularity.
•    Stay abreast of the latest developments in climate-related policies, environmental management regulations, industrial wastewater initiatives etc
•    Contribute to the preparation of reports, guidance, and communication resources
•    Support in the development of stakeholder training materials tailored to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Certification Policies:
•    Assist in maintaining and updating GOTS certification policies with a view to continuous improvement and enhancement.
•    Facilitate the communications for implementing certification policies with internal and external parties.

Standard Revision Procedure:

•    Collect and evaluate topics concerning environmental and certification matters for upcoming revisions of the Standard.
•    Contribute to facilitating the formal revision meetings of the Standard Revision Committee.

Monitoring and Analysis:

•    Support in establishing monitoring systems to track the environmental performance of certified entities ensuring compliance to GOTS criteria
•    Manage the development of internal training, data gathering and communication material
•    Stay abreast of the relevant regulatory changes, climate policies, emerging sustainability trends, and advancements in connection with the environment
•    Assist in benchmarking analyses of wastewater and emission management criteria of the Standard against key international norms and sustainability standards.
•    Facilitating collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
•    Support the monitoring the implementation and auditing activities of the Certification Bodies

Candidate profile:

•    A university degree in Environmental Science/Engineering, Environmental Policy, or a related field
•    Initial working experience
•    Knowledge of international environmental regulations, initiatives, conventions, and protocols
•    Knowledge of industrial wastewater management practices and initiatives
•    Knowledge of GHG emission assessment methodologies and management standards (e.g. Greenhouse Gas Protocol, Science Based Targets)
•    Familiarity with product carbon footprint, LCA methodologies (e.g. PEF) ideally in connection with the textile industry
•    Knowledge of ESG regulations (e.g. CSRD) in connection with climate impact reporting
•    Fluency in English, both written and spoken. Knowledge of French and/or German is a plus
•    Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
•    Strong interpersonal skills for cross-units collaboration
•    Ability to work independently, as part of an international team

We offer:

•    A workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.
•    A challenging, multifaceted, work-from-home position at a world-leading, internationally recognised standard-setting organisation.
•    The chance to support national and international movements towards sustainable textile production.
•    Growth potential based on performance and job requirements.
•    A highly motivated, worldwide team and harmonious work environment.

If you meet the above criteria and are interested in this position, please email your complete application to Jacqueline Schneider () by 30 April 2024.

Please include the following in your application:
• Subject line: “Associate, Standard Development (Ecology)”
• CV/Resume
• Motivation letter
• Salary expectations