Are you up for one heck of an adventure....? The search is on for an entrepreneurial, solutions-orientated, resilient individual to set up overseas projects for this international sustainable farming initiative.

Join this new multi-stakeholder initiative that is affiliated to WWF and is helping to improve the standards of farming in the cotton industry from social, economic and environmental perspectives. This organisation aims to drive global change in in farming practices across the industry, to the benefit of the environment and those dependent on cotton for their livelihood.

The initiative already has some high-profile participants, including a multitude of multinational brands. The coordinating organisation’s approach is to establish principles of excellence relating to issues in the sustainable farming of cotton and then apply these by delivering regionally specific strategies for implentation. The focus of this initiative is on building capacity rather than policing the industry and as such it’s complementary to organic and fairtrade cotton initiatives.

Joining a small team of 4-5 people internationally, you will work to build the infrastructure of the organisation ‘in the field’ in the overseas regions.

The job…
•    Developing project plans, proposals, and budgets for field testing projects to start in 2009
•    Securing funding and partnerships for specific field projects, whilst constructing a long-term fundraising strategy.
•    Preparing and delivering kick-off meetings/ workshops in international locations, in cooperation with local partners.
•    Recruitment, support and management of regional coordinators, in cooperation with the technical and social coordinators, and local partner organisations.
•    Supporting the development of a global implementation strategy for the initiative.
•    Supporting the activities of Regional Working Group meetings - Brazil, India, Pakistan, and West Africa.

You…
•    Can demonstrate success in establishing co-funded development projects.
•    Don’t necessarily need to know anything about cotton, but you have the ability and experience of generating funding. You have experience of public private partnership projects.
•    Have a proven track record in creating solutions with different perspectives and agendas.
•    May have experience working in sustainable agricultural development and global organisations.
•    May have knowledge of value chains in commodities.
•    Are a good relationship builder, leader, facilitator and cross-cultural communicator.
•    Have a fun, bubbly personality and a great sense of humour!

Location: Flexible – international travel

CLOSED: This opportunity is now closed, but if you are interested in similar positions, please register with us. Remember, not all of our positions make it to the website.