Company Description
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a passion for collaboration looking to make a direct impact by helping companies to understand and utilise one the main tools being used by the palm oil companies to understand and report on the most urgent sustainability issues in the sector. The Implementation Reporting Framework (IRF) which was developed under the Palm Oil Collaboration Group to support progress on transforming the whole sector to source from oil palm plantations where there is no deforestation, no expansion on peatland and no exploitation of workers or local people (NDPE).
The Palm Oil Collaboration Group and the IRF
The POCG is an informal group of over 40 companies from all stages of the palm oil supply chain (producers through refiners and traders to manufacturers and retailers) who have come together to address precompetitive barriers to delivering on their NDPE commitments. Proforest provides technical support and is currently hosting the Secretariat as well as leading the development of the IRF.
The NDPE IRF is one of the main tools that the Group has developed, and it is already widely used across the sector. As a result, there is a need to have a dedicated person to lead further development including supporting uptake, further developing methodologies and supporting longer-term institutionalisation of the IRF.
Job Description
About Proforest
Proforest is a global mission-driven organisation that supports the production and sourcing of agricultural and forest commodities that deliver positive environmental and social outcomes for People, Nature and Climate. We do this via facilitation and capacity building of multi-stakeholder and collaborative platforms between companies, NGOs, governments and civil society; working at landscape level to bring stakeholders together to collectively address systemic issues at scale, and working directly with companies in a consultancy capacity on responsible sourcing and production. Through our work we support positive change on cover issues such as protecting and restoring forests and natural ecosystems, respecting worker’s rights, advancing gender equality, sustainable livelihoods for producers, and respecting the rights of communities and indigenous people.
What will you do?
You’ll have responsibility for leading the development and implementation of IRF workplan, working closely with the Active Working Group of companies that have developed the tool and addressing everything from short term challenges to the longer term vision for the tool. Using your facilitation experience and excellent communication skills you will ensure all involved are informed, engaged and committed to delivering the IRF’s intended purpose and mission.
Key responsibilities include:
* Manage and deliver on the IRF workplan for the year
* Manage and run the IRF Active Working Group of companies (operational for the development and maintenance of the tool)
* Maintain helpdesk function for companies getting on board with the tool and new members within companies already using IRF
* Continue sustaining external communication on the development of the IRF – maintain relationships with external organizations and interested stakeholders
* Work closely with the POCG secretariat to make sure that the deliveries are aligned with the group’s expectations and agreed direction
* Support with preparation for POCG in person meetings and IRF sessions specifically
* Make sure IRF is creating links and integrating, where appropriate, outputs from the other POCG working groups.
Qualifications
What is your profile?
You’ll have strong project management skills and be a confident communicator with the ability to bring people together to form and maintain a shared vision. To be considered for the role you will also have:
Essential:
* Relevant professional experience in one or more regions relevant to the sourcing of palm oil (particularly SE Asia but also Latin America and Africa)
* Experience facilitating multi-stakeholder activities
* Sufficient technical capacity to build a good understanding of the palm oil supply chain and to oversee IRF work
* Familiarity with Excel/comfortable working with data
* Experience in transparency and reporting
* Project management experience including budget management
* Experience of using monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) techniques
* Excellent presentation skills including using PowerPoint to a high level
* A strong team player with the ability to work with a diverse set of stakeholders
Desirable:
* Experience of working with palm oil sector
* Masters degree (or above) in relevant discipline e.g Agriculture, sustainability, international studies, environmental or similar
* Exposure to the IRF tool.
Additional Information
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. This role also offers a unique opportunity to influence and contribute to an exciting, innovative tool which is, and will continue to shape the future of palm oil production.
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: Dependent on skills, experience and location
* Closing date: 12th November (please note that first interviews will be w/c 25th November, second interviews w/c 9th December)
* Working hours: Full time (or 4 days per week will be considered)
* Hybrid working: Proforest operates on a hybrid basis. The role requires two days per week in the office, we encourage staff to attend regularly to maximise interactions with colleagues and encourage collaboration, but we also appreciate individual circumstances and preferences.
We are committed to supporting diversity throughout Proforest globally, ensuring an inclusive environment where all individuals can thrive and therefore welcome applications from all.
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