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The Rainforest Alliance (RA) 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. The Sustainable Agriculture Division of the Rainforest Alliance, based in San José, Costa Rica, is the international secretariat of the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN), a coalition of independent conservation and rural development groups that promote responsible farming practices. By integrating all three pillars of sustainability -- Environment, Ethics and Economy -- the Rainforest Alliance and SAN help farmers improve their livelihoods, conserve natural resources and protect the environment. The program addresses the major commodity crops (e.g. bananas, coffee, cocoa, tea, citrus, flowers) that profoundly affect the economies, environments, cultures and politics of tropical countries. Rainforest Alliance and SAN guide, motivate and verify social and environmental improvements on farms, awarding a seal of approval (Rainforest Alliance Certified™) to farms that meet comprehensive standards. The program began in Latin America in 1992. Now, more than 25,000 farms in 18 countries are certified, and Rainforest Alliance Certified products are widely available in mainstream markets. Position Summary The European Network Liaison will be a central member of the network of RA staff and consultants in Europe. S/he will be responsible for ensuring coordination and communication among staff and consultants, particularly around sustainable agriculture matters. S/he will build alliances and serve as spokesperson to external stakeholders. S/he will foment constructive dialogue between RA and NGOs, key-opinion leaders and companies that participate in RA programs. S/he will cultivate relationships with NGO partners and serves as a resource for media, government agencies and the private sector. Responsibilities - Cultivate dialogue and alliances with select stakeholders, including NGOs, European institutions, sustainable development institutions, and government agencies;
- Build understanding of and support for the RA mission among NGOs involved in sustainable agriculture, poverty alleviation, environmental protection and human rights through outreach, information sharing, dialogue and collaboration;
- Assist RA staff and representatives with providing communications and marketing services to companies using the Rainforest Alliance Certified trademark;
- Serve as first point of contact, relationship manager and/or communications coordinator for some companies;
- Represent RA and SAN in conferences, workshops, trade fairs and other events;
- Assist the RA Communications, Marketing and Education Division with monitoring press coverage, responding to journalists' queries, reaching out to media and following up on articles or media events;
- Monitor needs and manage the development of RA public information materials and tools;
- Contribute to the development and use of RA's Marketplace database, Salesforce and other information management systems, and procedures for approving the way that companies can use the trademark; and
- Other duties as assigned.
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Qualifications - University degree in environmental sciences, communications, or other related field required;
- Minimum 3 - 5 years experience in international development, tropical agriculture, environmental protection, communications, public relations and/or marketing;
- Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to ethical business practices and sustainable agriculture;
- Demonstrated understanding of and successful experience with the activist groups and government agencies that influence ethical sourcing, supply and shopping;
- Ability to independently organize and implement a workplan while at the same time fostering teamwork;
- Fluency in English required; fluency in other European languages strongly preferred;
- Experience in conducting public presentations;
- Excellent interpersonal skills;
- Strong computer skills (MS Office and Internet);
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to handle sensitive business information; and
- Willingness and ability to travel 35 percent of the time.
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