Director, SHARP Programme

Project Background

The Smallholder Acceleration and REDD+ Programme (SHARP) is a new multi-stakeholder partnership which works with the private sector to support sustainable smallholder development, while improving livelihoods, minimising deforestation and improving food security. SHARP does this by working with the private sector – both producer and supply chain companies as well as financial organisations- as key agents of change in collaboration with other stakeholders and the smallholders themselves. For further information about SHARP, please refer to www.sharp-partnership.org.

Proforest coordinates the SHARP Partnership and are offering an exciting opportunity for an experienced, dynamic and innovative professional to become the first Director of SHARP and to coordinate and further develop the SHARP initiative.

Job Description

SHARP is an evolving and growing programme that is implemented globally and therefore requires a dynamic and adaptive individual that can manage change, enjoys cultural differences and is willing to travel internationally. The candidate will have the responsibility for managing day-to-day activities and operations of SHARP, maintaining relations with SHARP partners, coordinating and managing teams and fundraising and strategy development for SHARP in the long term.  The candidate will report to the directors of Proforest in addition to the Executive Board of SHARP.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and growth of the SHARP initiative through fundraising and building networks;

• Oversee the development and implementation of SHARP programmes. These are currently 1) successful models for sustainable smallholder development, 2) integration of smallholders into sustainable supply chains and 3) practical approaches for smallholders to minimise deforestation);

• Coordinate communication and collaboration with the SHARP partners and project funders;

• Oversee and coordinate the work of SHARP personnel and consultants;

• Together with SHARP colleagues, establish platforms for mutual learning and information sharing;

• Manage, oversee and report on the overall SHARP budget;

• Lead in monitoring and reporting of SHARP results and deliverables;

• Develop a long term strategy for SHARP as an independent organization.

Qualifications, Experience, Qualities

The SHARP director should have a Master’s degree in a related discipline (e.g. agriculture, natural resources, social sciences, economics) and have extensive experience of project management and reporting, budgeting and team management.  The candidate should be capable of multi-tasking, be able to work under pressure to tight deadlines, and be willing to work outside of normal working hours if required, also taking into consideration time differences between the various regions. 

The candidate should have experience of working with the private sector, particularly in the implementation of responsible sourcing or smallholder production.  A minimum of 15 years relevant international work experience with some experience in agricultural commodity sectors and project management, is required. Additionally, proven experience of managing multiple-source funding of global programmes is an advantage.

We expect the candidate to have a proven track record in developing and leading programmes, managing international teams and overseeing implementation of complex activities. In addition to this, the candidate should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills in order to communicate with SHARP partners and other stakeholders effectively.

The candidate must be proficient in written and spoken English.

The following would be desirable:

• Experience living or working in at least one of the regions in which SHARP will be implemented (South-East Asia, Latin America or West/Central Africa);

• Fluency in a second language (particularly French, Portuguese, Spanish or Bahasa Malaysia/Indonesia)

SHARP is run from the Proforest office in Oxford, UK, where the the Director will be based.

Reports to:              Proforest Directors andSHARP Executive Board

Duration:                       Fixed term fulltime position with funding secured until the end of 2015

Start Date:                   September 2014

Salary:                           £50,000 – £60,000 (commensurate with experience)

To apply

Send your CV and a cover letter to  info@sharp-partnership.org

Application Deadline:  24.00 GMT on Sunday 13^th July, 2014

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by Monday 21^st July, 2014

Proforest is an equal opportunity employer.