Deputy Director, Responsible Sourcing and Production Quick look:Position: Deputy Director, Responsible Sourcing and ProductionType: Permanent, full timeSalary: £60,000 per annumLocation: OxfordDescriptionWho are we? Proforest is a mission-driven organisation that provides a consultancy service working throughout agricultural supply chains supporting the production and sourcing of agricultural and forest commodities that deliver positive environmental and social outcomes for People, Nature and Climate. These cover issues such as protecting and restoring forests and natural ecosystems, respecting worker's rights, advancing gender equality, and engaging with communities and indigenous people.
What will you do? This role is Europe based and sits within the Responsible Sourcing and Production Team, a team of expert technical consultants who support the implementation of our clients' responsible sourcing and production commitments working on commodity supply chains including palm oil, sugar, soy, coconut and cocoa. Our client projects share our mission to deliver positive outcomes for People, Nature and Climate.
This role specifically focuses on the African workstreams of our global projects. This position offers a unique opportunity to bring an African perspective to Proforest's work with European and international clients. We are looking for someone with a deep understanding of African realities and dynamics, who can effectively communicate these insights to our clients and help bridge strategic gaps. By adding this perspective to our European team, we aim to strengthen our understanding of responsible production challenges and opportunities in Africa while enhancing Proforest's capacity for impactful engagement and fundraising related to Africa-focused initiatives.
Key responsibilities include: Serve as a primary advisor on responsible sourcing and producing practices in Africa, bringing a local lens to commodity supply chains and contextualizing issues for European and international clients.Develop, manage and nurture client relationships, presenting African realities, challenges, and opportunities in a way that enhances client understanding and strategic alignment.Lead fundraising initiatives focused on African projects and represent African perspectives at workshops, conferences, and within Proforest's strategic planning.Lead the development of client proposals and design large scale projects with our global teams and external network to support multi-country delivery.Provide strategic oversight of a portfolio of clients and projects within our Africa region, taking accountability for effective planning, resources, and budget.Lead the technical delivery and act as strategic lead for key global clients and complex projects.Lead training for various courses/topics (including RSPO, P&C, Supply Chain Lead Auditor courses, HCV-HCS and conversation area management, HREDD).Lead ESG due diligence assessments and GIS team.Implement Proforest recommended approaches in client work and where relevant provide thought leadership on technical topics and issues; lead institutionalisation of this knowledge and collaborate with others in Proforest to maximise impact across the organisation.Provide oversight to project technical teams, mentor/coach and develop people into their roles within responsible sourcing and production projects.What is your profile? You'll be a strategic thinker with excellent business acumen, expert in environmental and social issues in agricultural supply chains and be able to shape and advise on client's strategy. To be considered for the role you will also have:
Substantial experience within responsible sourcing and production in Africa either gained in the private sector or within a consultancy environment.In depth knowledge and understanding of social and/or environmental issues in tropical agriculture supply chains such as deforestation, regenerative agriculture, climate change, livelihoods, gender equality and respect for human rights.Experience working in Africa.Proven expertise in Soy, Sugar, Palm oil, Cashew, Cocoa, Tea, Shea and Timber.Experience working on complex & high value projects with high profile FMCG clients internationally to include Africa.Team and line management experience with proven ability to motivate and drive performance.Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex local insights into strategic guidance for a global audience.A passion for fostering meaningful connections between African perspectives and European stakeholders.Experience facilitating training and workshops.Fluent in English and French.GIS experience to include environmental/social risk analysis, land use change analyses and map visualisations.Why should you work for us? You'll be part of a global organisation with a shared vision, working in offices across 8 countries with staff from more than 17 countries, speaking more than 40 languages.
What else does Proforest offer? 25 days plus public holidays (with an extra 2 days the following year should you take your well-earned holiday within the year).We contribute to your pension (up to 8%).We support learning and development with a dedicated team to help you achieve your goals; we provide access to training for knowledge and competency development.Life insurance and income protection insurance.We organize regular in-person team gatherings, regional and international knowledge exchanges and social events.Key information Location: Oxford, UK.Salary: £60,000 per annum.Working hours: Full time.Hybrid working: Proforest operates on a hybrid basis, a minimum of two days a week attending the office.We are committed to supporting diversity throughout Proforest globally, ensuring an inclusive environment where all individuals can thrive and therefore welcome applications from all. To apply please email your CV and covering letter to ******
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