Dear IFSA World,

IFSA is opening applications for several Official positions for the 2026/2027 term.

We are looking for enthusiastic, committed, and self-motivated IFSA members who are ready to contribute to the network, collaborate across countries and cultures, and support the development of IFSA at the international level.

Whether you are interested in communication, capacity development, international partnerships, policy, membership engagement, regional coordination, or organizational leadership, there is an opportunity for you to contribute to IFSA in a meaningful way.

Introduction

Being an IFSA Official means volunteering your time, knowledge, creativity, and energy to contribute to the international IFSA network.

As an Official, you may work with Local Committees, Regional Representatives, Councilors, fellow Officials, partners, alumni, and other members of the network. Depending on your position, your responsibilities may include coordinating international partnerships, supporting policy engagement, developing educational opportunities, managing communication platforms, strengthening membership engagement, or contributing to the strategic direction of IFSA.

The workload varies depending on the position. Some roles require only a few hours per week, while others may require more regular coordination and project management. You will not be working alone: IFSA Officials are part of an international network where collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and peer support are an important part of the experience.

Throughout the term, Officials may participate in international meetings, commission meetings, General Meetings, regional activities, IFSA events, and other initiatives connected to their respective positions.

This is an opportunity to gain international experience, develop professional and interpersonal skills, expand your network, and contribute to the global forestry student community.

IFSA Structure

IFSA is organized into several departments and commissions that work together to achieve the Association’s objectives.

For the 2026/2027 term, the available Official positions include roles within the Board, Internal Department, External Department, and Membership Department.

For more information about the overall structure of IFSA, please visit the IFSA Structure.

List of Positions

Board

Council

  • Internal Councilor

Internal Department

Communication Commission (CC)

  • HoSC Design
  • HoSC Publications
  • HoSC Social Media
  • HoSC Podcast
  • HoSC Web
  • HoSC Discord

Capacity Development Commission (CDC)

  • HoSC Equality and Inclusion
  • HoSC Carbon and Sustainability
  • HoSC Cultural Competencies
  • HoSC Forestry Education and Mentorship
  • HoSC Language
  • HoSC TreE-Learning
  • HoSC Gender
  • HoSC Workshop and Project Design

External Department

Partners Commission (PAC)

  • HoSC Landscape Alliance
  • HoSC GLF/YIL — 2-year position
  • HoSC Regional Partnership
  • HoSC EFI
  • HoSC ITTO
  • HoSC IUFRO
  • HoSC RECOFTC
  • HoSC The Forests Dialogue
  • HoSC FAO
  • HoSC FSC
  • HoSC IUCN
  • HoSC Rainforest

International Policy Commission (IPC)

  • HoSC Forest Europe
  • HoC International Policy
  • HoSC UNFF
  • HoSC UNFCCC
  • HoSC UNCCD
  • HoSC UNCBD
  • HoSC UNEP
  • HoSC WFF
  • HoSC FAO
  • HoSC UNECE

Membership Department

Regional Representatives (RR)

  • Northern America Regional Representative
  • Southern Africa Regional Representative
  • Northern Africa Regional Representative
  • Northern Europe Regional Representative
  • Southern Europe Regional Representative

Regional Representatives play an important role in connecting IFSA’s international structure with Local Committees and members across their respective regions.

Before Applying

Before applying for an Official position, we strongly encourage applicants to learn more about the position they are interested in.

If possible, get in touch with the relevant Councilor, Head of Commission, Regional Representative, or previous position holder. They can provide valuable insight into the responsibilities, ongoing work, expectations, and opportunities associated with the position.

If you are unsure which position is suitable for you, take some time to explore the different departments and commissions and consider where your interests, experience, and skills could contribute most effectively.

Requirements

Applicants should:

  • Be a member of an IFSA Local Committee proven by a letter of verification form respective LC
  • Be an active student or have graduated no longer than one year ago, in accordance with IFSA requirements.
  • Have sufficient proficiency in English, as English is the official working language of IFSA.
  • Have reliable internet access, as most Official activities are conducted remotely.
  • Have access to a computer or tablet suitable for online meetings and organizational work.
  • Be willing to actively contribute throughout the term and communicate regularly with the relevant team.

Application

To apply for an IFSA Official position, applicants are expected to prepare the required application materials and submit them through the official application form.

The application may include:

  • Personal information
  • Motivation letter
  • Work plan
  • Video introduction
  • IFSA membership verification
  • Additional materials where relevant to the position

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the requirements and application instructions before submitting their application.

In order to apply you need to fill this form: https://forms.gle/25CGdEYDzbi2Gj9f6

Multiple Applications

Applicants may apply for up to two Official positions, subject to the rules of the respective open call.

If applying for two positions, applicants should submit the required information separately for each position and indicate their preferred position where requested.

 

What Can You Expect?

Becoming an IFSA Official is more than holding a position. It is an opportunity to become part of an international community of forestry students and young professionals.

During your term, you may have the opportunity to:

  • Collaborate with members from different countries and cultural backgrounds.
  • Develop international communication and teamwork skills.
  • Gain experience in project management and organizational coordination.
  • Build connections with forestry students, professionals, organizations, and partners.
  • Contribute to international forestry and environmental discussions.
  • Develop initiatives that support IFSA members and Local Committees.
  • Participate in international IFSA meetings and activities.
  • Explore your interests within forestry, sustainability, education, communication, policy, partnerships, and youth engagement.

Most importantly, you will become part of a network where your ideas, experiences, and contributions can help shape the future of IFSA.

Application Timeline

Kindly submit your application no later than 10th of October 2026,

https://forms.gle/25CGdEYDzbi2Gj9f6

Applications will be reviewed according to the official application procedure, and applicants will be contacted regarding the outcome of their application.

For questions regarding the open call or the application procedure, please contact:

opencall@ifsa.net

For more information about becoming an IFSA Official, visit:

https://ifsa.net/get-involved/become-an-ifsa-official/

For the IFSA organizational structure:

https://ifsa.net/structure

Good luck to everyone interested in contributing to the IFSA network!

We look forward to welcoming the next generation of IFSA Officials for the 2026/2027 term.

The IFSA Board