The Rainforest Alliance is an international nonprofit organization that works to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behavior. Based in New York City, with offices throughout the United States and worldwide, the Rainforest Alliance works with people whose livelihoods depend on the land, helping them transform the way they grow food, harvest wood and host travelers. For more information, please visit http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/about.

Position Summary:

The Vice President, Field Implementation will plan, direct and oversee the management of program activities for Rainforest Alliance’s full field implementation portfolio including projects in climate, sustainable agriculture, sustainable tourism and sustainable forestry. S/he will be responsible for assuring the integrity and quality of the implementation of the Rainforest Alliance’s implementation work with three main objectives: (1) delivering on donor commitments, (2) supporting the integrity and quality of the certification and compliance programs, and (3) enabling structures for cross-functional and cross-project collaboration and integration. S/he will lead and strengthen program staff across multiple offices/countries and collaborate closely with other Rainforest Alliance units as needed.

Responsibilities:

• Deliver effective and impactful Rainforest Alliance projects and programs;

• Work with senior leadership to set field implementation vision, goals and ensure integrated approach to enable to better deliver on Rainforest Alliance strategic priorities;

• Support leadership in management of stakeholder relationships;

• Lead change management, assisting the programs to embrace new strategic directions;

• Integrate strategies, priorities, and programs across the unit as appropriate; establishing and leading one integrated, highly functioning and performing, cohesive team;

• Oversee the management of program activities in accordance with Rainforest Alliance policies and procedures, project description, approved work plans and budgets, and contractual agreements/donor policies and regulations;

• Ensure that program activities are coordinated effectively, are making progress towards objectives, and are well integrated with other relevant initiatives; 

• Ensure new projects fit the portfolio and priorities and include achievable deliverables and contribute directly to project proposal completion as needed; determine the assignment of new projects;

• Proactively identify challenges and emerging issues and work with senior leadership to recognize opportunities and solutions;

• Implement and oversee quality assurance processes through effective policies and procedures, quality monitoring, training, and technical and administrative systems (including but not limited to implementing  risk registers, governance structures, issue logs and end of project learning);

• Provide technical leadership in major program components as needed;

• Represent Rainforest Alliance to external stakeholders, both nationally and internationally, as needed;

• Create a positive, collaborative and high-performance work environment supported by optimal organizational design, effective performance management, accountability and goal setting; and

• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position may oversee staff. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.  Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Qualifications:

• MBA or MA in conservation biology, agronomy, rural development, natural resource management, resource economics or related field;

• Minimum 10  years field experience in international conservation and project management;

• Demonstrated  experience in market-based conservation, change-management, certification and traceability;

• Demonstrated capacity to lead and manage large aid agency-funded projects, USAID project management experience highly desirable;

• Experience building good working relationships with local and international partners, including government authorities, NGOs, technical partners, and bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors;

• Program management skills including program planning, technical direction and oversight, and program administration and financial management;

• Knowledge of, and commitment to environmental issues and sustainability practices; experience in a non-profit and international environment preferred;

• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple priorities in a time sensitive manner;

• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to interact culturally, linguistically, and diplomatically with diverse internal and external individuals;

• Positive team leader with ability to inspire staff and create a compelling vision for the future;

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills;

• Written and verbal proficiency in Spanish preferred;

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint and willingness to learn new software as necessary (e.g. Salesforce, SharePoint, administrative/budgeting software, etc.); and

• Willingness and ability to travel a minimum of 30% per year, nationally and internationally, sometimes to remote field areas.

Salary:  Commensurate with experience.

To apply:  Please apply online at https://home.eease.adp.com/recruit/?id=11638861. Combine cover letter and resume as one single document and upload.

The Rainforest Alliance is an equal opportunity employer.