Earthworm Foundation (EF) is an international, dynamic non-profit organization which helps companies transform their supply chains across the world for the benefit of people and nature.

EF is seeking a motivated Senior Programme Manager, based in Abidjan, Ivory Coast to join our Ivorian team. The candidate will play a critical function in developing and improving our operations everywhere in the country or in the region where we have projects. The candidate should have a strong experience on data management, and excellent critical thinking, problem solving, organisational and analytical skills. The ideal candidate is deeply passionate about dealing with people to improve our environmental and social commitments, and interested in a career with a dynamic non-profit that builds relationships with companies, governments and civil society organizations to bring responsible products to market.

About Earthworm Foundation

Earthworm Foundation currently has presence in more than 16 countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Ecuador, Brazil, India, and several locations within Africa, Europe and the Americas. We employ more than 250 people worldwide and work with big and small companies, communities and producers of raw materials to create compelling cases of transformation. With an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit, we work on the ground with people to create inspiring transformation stories. We focus on creating value, engage without judging and carry hope and a positive vision of the future.

What Makes Us Unique

Beyond providing advice on policy set up based on our strong technical expertise, we see the world through interactions and relationships. Operating between two worlds (NGO-Companies/Buyer-Supplier), we encourage our partners to look inside, and are not only their environmental conscience. In addition to traceability and assessments, we create and innovate solutions to the challenges companies and communities face.

What We Offer

• A unique work experience in a dynamic non-profit directly impacting the conservation of the environment and improvements in human rights and social equity through supply chains.
• An organic environment with the chance to work in a multicultural team with passionate people.
• The opportunity to lead complex projects, build customer relationships and develop new business, with exposure to different tasks.

• Solid collaborative oversight on existing projects in Ivory Coast in the current Landscapes (Soubre, Cavally) and the Green Innovation Center in Aboisso;
• Support of the operations in the African regions where needed;
• Where EF is working with companies and independent farmers, ensure the operations of any field work carried out by EF, also when working with companies and independent farmers, remain compliant with local laws and regulations, global best practices and meet EF’s requirements and procedures;
• Develop and implement strategies and work plans for advancing the production and availability of responsible products;
• Research and evaluate product supply chains against responsible sourcing guidelines and international standards;
• In collaboration with other team members, develop and implement management, workshops and training recommendations internally, and for companies working towards responsible production;
• Monitor and update supplier information for EF members/clients regarding key commitments made towards responsible sourcing procedures, work plans or agreements, etc;· Undertake company assessments where required;
• Undertake business development and communication actions in Ivory Coast to make EF’s work known in the Country;
• Meet regularly with current and potential EF member/client representatives and their suppliers to maintain, enhance and develop new business opportunities in current or new product groups;
• Maintain and build collaborative relationships with relevant agencies, institutions, civil societies organizations, NGOs and consultants related to programmes or products groups EF is working on;
• In collaboration with the Operational HR and Finance Manager, Project Teams and the Country Head, produce regular and statutory reports meeting the members’ or partners’ requirements;
• Undertake regular communications with Senior Managers in West Africa, Country Heads and other Senior staffs with a view to providing clear updates on progress, highlighting challenges and presenting recommendations to address challenges before they impact negatively on EF.

• Higher education (Bac+5) in regenerative Agricultural engineering, Environmental engineering, forest management, Economy, etc.
• At least 5 years’ experience, including 3 in a similar position;
• Strategic thinking & planning (particularly in management related to forests, environmental and social issues);
• Understand current issues and environment we are working in;
• Demonstrate ability to understand technical issues around the environmental, social and legality risks within EF product groups;
• Ability to break down complex problems, through practical wisdom, develop and implement action plans that close out GAPs that address the challenges within acceptable timeframes;
• Demonstrated ability to work with businesses on management, supply chain and certification issues;
• Ability to proactively pass on knowledge;
• Ability to work independently and in a small team;
• Ability to prioritize and organize own work schedule;
• Capacity to lead meeting and produce related reports;
• Excellent computer skills;
• Excellent communication skills.

Language skills

• Fluency in French (written & spoken);
• Proficiency in English (written & spoken).

Working conditions / Physical effort

• Based in Abidjan, Ivory Coast;
• Office-based position (be able to do remote work/work from home when required);
• Possibility to travel locally to company offices.

Other information

• Open-ended contract;
• Full-time position;
• Legal authorisation to work in Ivory Coast required.

Interested candidates are invited to send a cover letter and CV via email to ivorycoast.recruitment@earthworm.org. Successful candidates will be contacted via email or phone for an initial interview. The position will be open until filled. Only candidates who send a full application will be considered. Only selected candidates will be contacted.