Senior Programma Manager Cocao

For the scaling up of the cocoa programmes IDH is recruiting a senior programme manager cocoa. He/she is empowering and accelatering the current cocoa programme and will be driving the expansion of IDH’ initiatives for a sustainable cocoa sector.

 

He/she can think and act strategically/tactically and push important developments in sustainability forward in a complex and very dynamic multi-stakeholder international environment. This requires solid experience in agro-commodities like cocoa, coffee or tea, in developing result-oriented programmes and in building alliances for change.

 

Other important dynamics of the job are to convene the main players in a sector on a strategic level, maintain relations with the participating actors, outreach to other donors and set up, monitor and positively influence their large scale implementation programme.

 

IDH does not implement the programmes themselves, but plays an important role in the further expansion of the programme, convening the stakeholders and accelerate sustainability in the sector. The programme manager cocoa is a strong and substantive connector, a team player who has a strategic and change management vision, and is able to manoeuvre diplomatically while being focussed on results.

 

The programme manager cocoa actively maintains and expands the Dutch, European and international network of the IDH and contribute to further development of the IDH.


He/she functions within a team of 4 programme managers, headed by a strategic business developer and supported by a learning manager. The programme manager is responsible for the administrative organisation and communication of their programmes and – in certain circumstances – act as the spokesperson for, or external representative of IDH.

 

Furthermore, they are focused on learning within the sectoral improvement programmes, and contribute to the (inter) sectoral learning programme (ISL). IDH staff closely work together as a team and are able to represent and complement each other. The division of tasks will be based on interests and experiences.

 

IDH and cocoa

World demand for cocoa is growing annually by 2 to 3%. However, production in West-Africa (70% of world supply) has shown a declining trend of 2% per annum in recent years. To ensure future supply, the sector is working on improving yields and profitability for farmers. The sector wants to increase current yields of approximately 400 kg/ha to over 1000 kg/ha. The most important steps are: training farmers in modern farming techniques, using new plant material, increased use of fertilizer and dialogue with authorities to improve enabling factors.

 

The Netherlands has taken the lead in this challenge, given that over 25% of the world’s cocoa processing industry is located in the Netherlands. The Dutch cocoa sector has an annual turnover of 2.5 billion Euros and generates over 10,000 full time jobs. In the next 6 years, businesses will invest an estimated 325 million € into sustainability.

 

The IDH Cocoa Program brings together parties that account for approximately 30% of the chocolate market. The current program is directed at training and certifying farmers in efficient, sustainable agricultural techniques, and strengthening of farmer organizations to achieve economies of scale and better market access. IDH wants to play a central role in the scaling up and acceleration of focused initiatives to make sustainability in the cocoa sector as a “license to operate”.

 

Responsibilities

  • Process leader of IDH activities in the cocoa sector.
  • Upscale the current cocoa program and initiate programme(s) for revitalisation of the cocoa sector.
  • Monitor and facilitate the implementation of the programmes, ensure periodic strategic reflection, quality control and further enhancement of the programme goals.
  • Proactively develop knowledge and collect innovative practices in the field of sustainability in the whole international value chain of cocoa.
  • Contribute to the conceptual and process-wise realisation of the IDH.
  • Relations management with national and international stakeholders in multinationals, SMEs, NGOs, government and unions.
  • Communication and knowledge exchange about IDH and its activities towards several internal and external actors.


Requirements

  • Extensive working experience (minimum 7 years) as a change agent in agro-commodities such as cocoa, coffee or tea.
  • Knowledge of/experience in international trade (e.g. sourcing, marketing ) In-depth knowledge of West-Africa, both political and agronomical.
  • Good knowledge of, and experience with multi-stakeholder initiatives.
  • Experiences in building innovative alliances between powerful international stakeholders with different agendas.
  • Experience with process management and change management.
  • Knowledge of, and experience in the field of sustainability (people, planet, profit).
  • Master’s degree working level.
  • Fluent in English and French, and preferably Dutch.

 

Competencies

  • Proactive and result-driven ability to inspire and lead
  • Creative and strategic thinker
  • Connector and networker
  • Good relationship manager

 

Conditions

  • Gross salary, depending on relevant working experience, between €3.800,- and €5.500,- per month, based on 40 hours per week.
  • Solid fringe benefits, including a good pension scheme
  • The position is for 32 – 40 hours per week.
  • The duration of the IDH is until 2015

 

React

For more information, please contact Patrick Waardijk via email (p.waardijk@mvorecruitment.nl) or by phone (06-24770562).


If you would like to apply for this vacancy, please send your motivation and CV before March 1 to p.waardijk@mvorecruitment.nl.

 

 

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