Senior Advisor Coffee

Fairtrade is the most recognized and trusted sustainability label, working to make trade fairer for people and planet.   For more than three decades, Fairtrade has been making an impact on the way trade works. We believe that every farmer and worker should have access to a better way of doing business, and a better way of living.    Fairtrade International is an independent non-profit organisation representing more than two million small-scale farmers and workers worldwide. It owns the FAIRTRADE Mark, a registered trademark that appears on more than 37,000 products. Beyond certification, Fairtrade International and its member organisations (three producer networks and 19 national Fairtrade organisations) partner with producers and businesses, engage consumers, and advocate for a fair and sustainable future.   OBJECTIVE/PURPOSE: The key objective is to effectively work in partnership with stakeholders within Fairtrade and with external partners to deliver key components of a successful coffee strategy and plan, and to lead and manage the Global Coffee team. In particular, the role is to give shape and manage a diverse range of projects and work streams, and related plans, in the scope of the Fairtrade coffee strategy and global operations to ensure growth of markets and to maximize the impact of Fairtrade on coffee producers worldwide. The post holder will liaise with Fairtrade market-facing and producer-facing organizations, Fairtrade International and FLOCERT staff, and in general with Fairtrade stakeholders and the coffee sector at large.  Finally, the role is to act as a global resource for information on Fairtrade coffee.

Development and implementation oversight of a global coffee strategy:
-        Provide strategic guidance and technical expertise to the development and implementation of the global coffee strategy based on evidence and analysis of producer and production reality, pricing mechanisms, social and environmental trends, and understanding of wider competitive landscape and conventional trading practices amongst others. -        Cultivate and disseminate in-depth understanding of the current, future and historical context of conventional coffee operations and the Fairtrade market. Provide product specific guidance and update information on short term supply and demand, and long-term projections.  -        Integrate thematic programs and polices into the strategic plan and co-lead on the implementation of these. -        Develop projects together with the Producer Network teams with global/national scope that benefit producers in their ability to run their business (e.g. price-risk management, farm improvement, climate change adaptation, income resilience, elimination of child labour, gender equity), and National Fairtrade Organization in their ability to engage successfully with commercial partners.  -        Lead and coordinate across the system the development of the annual work plan and budget, and oversee its execution.   Coordination of Fairtrade coffee work within Fairtrade International and within Fairtrade members:
-        Guide the Global Coffee team (currently 2 team members, and 10 colleagues from Fairtrade members). -        Coordinate with all relevant business units in Fairtrade International and FLOCERT. -        Work collaboratively with Fairtrade stakeholders and colleagues from the system and act as point of first reference for all product related enquiries.  -        Contribute to thematic working groups across the Fairtrade system and support implementation by the Producer Networks. -        Work closely with coffee producers and Producer Networks to optimize operations at all times. -        Ensure appropriate communication to Fairtrade market-facing and producer facing-organizations and Fairtrade International and FLOCERT staff.   Lead on external engagement of Fairtrade in the coffee sector: 
-        Develop and nurture relationships with relevant external organizations -        Represent the Fairtrade system at relevant industry events, conferences, fairs and in working groups.  -        Review of sector trends and information, and disseminate relevant information to Fairtrade markets and Producers Networks. -        Support the identification and management of opportunities/ threats for supply (related to surplus, shortages or quality issues) and demand (new business opportunities in markets or certain segments).  

Knowledge / Job Specific Competencies: -     University degree in international development, environmental sciences or comparable qualifications  -      In depth product knowledge including regulatory context -      Experience in coffee production and trade for at least 7 years -      Experience working in or with Fairtrade coffee supply chains or with related standards, certification or development programs -      Experience in managing cross-functional teams and groups -      Proven budget management skills   Professional Skills  -      Excellent communication and relationship management skills  -      Fluent English is essential, Spanish is desirable -      Project management experience gained in a complex, matrix organisational structure - both as a project lead and project member -      Proven track record of accountability, and result and solution orientation  -      Proven work experience in a multicultural environment -      Strong interpersonal communication skills, including conflict and facilitating resolution skills    Personal Qualities -      Ability to work both as part of teams and independently -      Demonstrated ability to drive forward work on own initiative and lead -      Demonstrated ability to motivate and enthuse others -      Clear and demonstrated desire to improve the lives of coffee farmers -      Passion for the job and the desire to go the extra mile -      Motivation for Fairtrade
 

• Please consult www.fairtrade.net for more information on Fairtrade International and the Fairtrade system
• We are actively recruiting for this role and reserve the right to close this advertisement at any time."

Please note that Fairtrade International is strict on compliance with the required qualification criteria mentioned above, and only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.