Header

Project manager Partnerships - UTZ Certified

Do you want to be involved in the international dynamics of sustainability, where ideals and pragmatism meet?
UTZ Certified is a label and a program for sustainable farming worldwide. Our mission is to create a world where sustainable farming is the norm. Sustainable farming helps farmers, workers and their families to fulfill their ambitions and contributes to safeguard the world's resources, now and in the future. UTZ Certified is one of the largest programs for responsibly produced coffee, tea and cocoa in the world, working across all continents with leading brands and retailers, such as Mars, Ahold, IKEA, D.E Master Blenders 1753, Migros, Tchibo and Nestle.
UTZ Certified is headquartered in Amsterdam and works closely with its partner network in Africa, Asia and Latin America. UTZ Certified is looking to hire a:
Project manager Partnerships
Being a successful sustainability program in coffee, cocoa and tea, UTZ Certified is continuously exploring opportunities to diversify its services as well as to expand into new sectors. As Project manager you are responsible for exploring and managing these new propositions during a development phase. Together with supply chain actors you determine the viability of the proposition at hand for the farmers, for the sector at large as well as for UTZ.
You will be member of the Partnerships department. This team develops strategic alliances with organizations and companies to strengthen and expand the UTZ programs in accordance with UTZ requirements and vision. Working closely with partners of UTZ, other stakeholders and colleagues, you will contribute to the continuous improvement and innovation of our programs.
Your strong interpersonal skills enable you to work effectively with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders. With your analytical capabilities and innovative mindset you are able to build business cases that help to make sustainable farming the norm. You are ambitious, energetic, a team player, and a self-starter.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Explore viability of possible new programs and services, including assessing the business case for relevant stakeholders, building coalitions, setting up of the governance structure, co-funding, producer and business development
  • Lead and manage the multi-stakeholder dialogue to identify key elements for the UTZ Codes of Conduct, traceability system, impact and other (partner) requirements for the program
  • Coordinate with the UTZ departments to develop, test and implement the requirements for the operational programs
The Program Development Manager reports to the Head of Partnerships department.
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS
  • MSc in International Business, Development Economics, Business Administration, or related field
  • Minimum 10 years of work experience
  • Track record in sustainability business development, preferably both in origin as well as with markets
  • Project management experience
  • Experience with private sector
  • Knowledgeable about the latest developments in sustainability in agriculture
  • Experienced in successfully managing multi-stake holder dialogues and projects
  • Knowledge of the rice and nuts sectors as well as of voluntary standards is a pre
  • Credible ambassador: initiator, connector, perseverant, flexible, compelling communicator
  • Fluency in English
  • Pro-active in giving and receiving feedback
Employment is based upon 32 - 40 hours/week. The position is based in Amsterdam and implies occasional travel within Europe and to producing countries. This position is open to applicants of all nationalities, however, we can only consider candidates who have, may get or do not need a work and residency permit for the Netherlands.
Please send your application (1-page letter and 2-page CV, including references) toapplication@duurzaamheidwerkt.nl before August 18th 2014mentioning Project manager Partnerships in the subject line. For more information about this position please contact Brigitte Ligtvoet: +31 (0) 6 55 10 03 41.
More information about UTZ Certified: www.utzcertified.org.
This is your opportunity to create real value for a meaningful global sustainability initiative!
Commercial inquiries and applications (via intermediary) regarding this vacancy are not appreciated.