Project Country Coordinator

TFT (The Forest Trust) is an international fast growing and dynamic non-profit organization which helps companies transform their supply chains across the world for the benefit of people and nature.

TFT is seeking an experienced and motivated

 PROJECT COUNTRY COORDINATOR

Dominican Republic

who will lead the Cacao Forest project implementation in collaboration with international, regional and local collaborators.

About Cacao Forest

 Cacao Forest (http://www.cacaoforest.org/) aims to create the sustainable cocoa of the future. Through agroforestry – growing cocoa trees alongside other types of tree – we hope to create innovative agricultural models that will increase the quality and productivity of the cocoa trees, improve farmers’ livelihoods and protect the environment.

To truly change the way cocoa is grown and to have a positive impact on farmers’ lives and the environment, we are working together with people all along the value chain, from producers and researchers, to NGOs, private companies and customers. Together we are innovating together for the sustainable cocoa cultivation of tomorrow.

About The Forest Trust (TFT)

 TFT currently has offices in 16 countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Ecuador, India, and several locations within West Africa, Europe and the Americas.  We employ more than 260 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 fast-growing and dynamic non-profit directly impacting the conservation of the environment and improvements in human rights and social equity through supply chains.
• A dynamic environment with the chance to work in a multicultural team.
• The opportunity to manage complex projects, customer relationships and develop new business with exposure to different tasks;

 Responsibilities and Scope

 The main responsibilities of the Project Country Coordinator are to:

• Coordinate the implementation of the Cacao Forest program in the Dominican Republic with local stakeholders.
• Manage stakeholder relationships with government and non-government institutions in the Dominican Republic, including signing legal agreements for collaboration, providing regular follow-up, and creating open communication channels.
• Provide regular written reports and updates on work plan to project supervisor.
• Lead the implementation of project activities working in close collaboration with local farmer cooperatives, farmers, local non-profit and government actors, and the project’s scientific partners.
• Coordinate closely to ensure the successful community and stakeholder relationships between the project’s scientific partners and local groups.
• Develop workshops and lead training activities to train local actors.
• Identify new market opportunities, both local, regional and national, for local farmers and cooperatives.
• Develop new market connections based on those identified in the 2016 market study.
• As needed, provide support to TFT-Ecuador and TFT-Africa cocoa teams, and TFT-Ecuador team for other commodities in Latin America.
• Share lessons learned from Cacao Forest with TFT cocoa teams in Africa and Ecuador, creating opportunities for exchange and professional growth.

Requirements – Candidate Profile Minimum Qualifications

•  Bachelor’s degree in business, business administration, or related field and 5 years related experience in working with small businesses on sustainability and/or sustainable agriculture.
• Experience negotiating and working with the private sector including small and large businesses, civil society, and government actors.
• Minimum experience of 3-years in project management.
• Strong organizational and negotiation skills, accuracy, attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Demonstrated experience using diplomacy and tact to navigate tough negotiations, and build strong relationships.

Language:

• Spanish and French proficiency.
• English proficiency desirable.

Personal characteristics:

• Passion for working on issues related to sustainability, resilience, and supply chains;
• Hands-on, practical, innovative.
• Flexibility, takes initiative/proactive and positive attitude.
• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary and multicultural team;
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and work autonomously;
• Committed to TFT values:
  • Focus on action and on-the-ground results;
  • Entrepreneurial spirit;
  • Client-focused;
  • Open collaboration and communication;
  • Humble;
  • Respect for each other.

Working conditions / Physical effort:

• Frequent trips inside the Dominican Republic.
• Activities will be implemented in rural communities throughout the island, and position will require regular visits and overnight stays in these regions.
• Work with smallholders in remote and rural regions.

Other information:

• 40 hours/week
• Immediate start

To Apply

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume via email to ecuador.recruitment@tft-earth.org. Please send us your application until 31st January 2018 at the latest and put your last name and DR2018 in the subject line of the email.  Successful candidates will be contacted by phone for an initial interview.  The position will be open until filled.  Only candidates who send a resume and cover letter will be considered.  Only selected candidates will be contacted.