Sustainability Manager – Sustainable Fuels (Marine Fuels)

ISCC – the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification; Köln; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid set-up

4 weeks remote work after probation

30 vacation days + 3 extra days

Pension scheme (bAV)

JobTicket/Deutschlandticket

Annual bonus scheme

Job summary

ISCC – International Sustainability and Carbon Certification seeks a Sustainability Manager – Sustainable Fuels (Marine Fuels) for its Cologne headquarters. You will lead AMF scheme development, provide technical AMF expertise, and collaborate with global regulators and stakeholders to advance sustainable marine fuels.

You will monitor evolving requirements (FuelEU Maritime, IMO, EU ETS) and craft robust certifcation solutions while driving training programs for auditors, regulators, and system

Qualifications

• University degree and 3+ years post-graduation experience in sustainability or certification environments.
• Proven ability to engage with international stakeholders and communicate complex topics clearly.
• Experience with sustainable fuels or marine fuels is a strong asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and ongoing improvement of ISCC schemes for Alternative Marine Fuels (AMF).
• Provide technical AMF pathway expertise to support scheme development, audits, and system docs.
• Monitor global regulatory frameworks (FuelEU Maritime, EU ETS, IMO) and adapt ISCC schemes accordingly.
• Develop certification solutions to address new regulatory requirements, including mass balance and book-and-claim approaches.
• Engage stakeholders across maritime sector and coordinate with fuel producers, traders, and regulators.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Public speaking

English proficiency (C1+)

Education

University degree in environmental sciences / law / policy / economics / business management / natural sciences

Job description

Your tasks

ISCC – International Sustainability and Carbon Certification is one of the leading certification systems for global sustainability, traceability and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Our activities and impact are expanding and our teams are growing exponentially since the last 3 years.

To further strengthen your Aviation & Maritime activities, we are looking forward to welcoming you as Sustainability Manager – Sustainable Fuels (Marine Fuels) at ISCC headquarters in Cologne.

In this role, you will be responsible for developing, maintaining, and improving ISCC certification schemes and systems relating to Alternative Marine Fuels (AMF). You will work closely with international stakeholders across the maritime sector and contribute to advancing sustainable fuel solutions in line with evolving regulatory and market requirements.

If you are passionate about sustainability and would like to join a culturally certified Great Place to Work company with highly motivated and diverse teams making a real difference, we look forward to your application!

Your Main Duties Will Be

• Leading the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of ISCC schemes for Alternative Marine Fuels (AMF), ensuring alignment with evolving legislation, market requirements, and international standards


• Providing technical expertise on AMF pathways to support scheme development, audit procedures, and system documentation


• Monitoring global regulatory frameworks for sustainable marine fuels and assessing their implications for ISCC certification schemes


• Developing proactive responses and certification solutions to address emerging regulatory requirements, including FuelEU Maritime, EU ETS, IMO frameworks, and other relevant initiatives


• Researching and further developing chain of custody methodologies and systems for alternative marine fuels, including mass balance and book‑and‑claim approaches


• Building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders across the maritime sector, including fuel producers, suppliers, traders, ship operators, port authorities, policymakers, and regulatory bodies


• Proactively identifying opportunities for collaboration, market development, and enhancement of ISCC activities


• Designing, developing, and delivering training programmes for certification bodies, auditors, system users, regulators, and other stakeholders


• Representing ISCC at conferences, industry events, stakeholder workshops, webinars, and meetings as a subject matter expert on alternative marine fuels


• Developing presentations, technical papers, guidance documents, and other thought leadership materials for the marine fuels sector

Your profile

University degree in environmental sciences, law, policy, economics, business management, natural sciences, or a related field

Min. 3 years of professional experience after graduation, with at least 2 years in a relevant industry, such as a certification organization, sustainability scheme, fuel producer or trader, shipping company, or stakeholder association

Proven background in sustainable and alternative fuels (e.g. marine fuels, biofuels) or conventional fuels

Proven experience in marine fuel operations such as fuel infrastructure, trading, bunkering and/ or vessel operations

Understanding of sustainability certification systems and relevant regulatory frameworks (e.g. FuelEU Maritime, IMO CII, MARPOL, EU RED)

Familiarity with voluntary market frameworks applicable to the marine sector such as SBTi and GHGP

Knowledge of chain of custody methodologies (e.g. Mass Balance, Book & Claim) and product supply operations

Proven ability in stakeholder engagement, external communications, and public speaking

Experience in client relationship management or similar stakeholder‑facing roles

Strong communication, organisational, analytical, and independent working style

Excellent English language skills (at least C1, written and spoken)

Why us?

We are an international and diverse team of passionate and experienced experts, joining forces for a sustainable future! We believe that our team is our core asset and we support our people as best we can.

To help you build your future and thrive with us, we offer:

Great Team Environment

• Various team events throughout the year (Celebrating Diversity, Summer Team Event, Christmas Party)


• Close collaboration with our sister companies Meo Carbon Solutions GmbH, GRAS Global Risk Assessment Services, 4C Services, ClimatePal, and TYC


• The opportunity to work independently and shape processes

Individual learning and development plan

• Professional onboarding to help you have an ideal start with us


• Frequent feedback sessions to ensure a high quality of communication and mutual reflection


• Many free language classes


• Access to several trainings as well as specific technical courses


• We promote from within!

Work-Life Balance

• Hybrid set-up


• 4 weeks remote work at a place of choice (after probation)


• Flexible working hours and trust based working time


• 30 vacation days and 3 additional vacation days (Christmas Eve, New Years Eve, Carnival Monday)


• Sabbatical options

Financial Benefits

• A generous pension scheme (bAV) in line with our sustainability values


• JobTicket/Deutschlandticket


• Annual bonus scheme based on performance

Wellness Programs

• Subsidized Urban Sports Club


• Health weeks promoting healthy habits in personal and professional life

Ready to join our team?

We are looking forward to your application and hope to welcome you in our team soon!

We are a company with equal opportunities for everyone and encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, race, gender or any other criteria that is not a professional qualification for an open position.

About Us

ISCC – International Sustainability and Carbon Certification is a globally applicable and leading certification system designed to enhance traceable, sustainable, deforestation‑free, and climate‑friendly supply chains. ISCC certifications are widely recognised and cover sustainable agricultural biomass, biogenic wastes and residues, non‑biological renewable materials and recycled carbon‑based materials. The development and implementation of different certification standards is ISCC’s tool to promote its mission to mitigate climate change and bring more traceability into global markets and supply chains. To date, ISCC holds more than 15,800 valid certificates in 130 countries.

Our close‑knit team of dedicated, supportive, and highly motivated professionals at ISCC come from a variety of backgrounds, which contributes to the diverse and dynamic work environment. We all work together with a shared enthusiasm for sustainability and a common objective. We look forward to having you join our team at the ISCC headquarters in Cologne if you think we are a good fit for you.