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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 Vice President will support and guide the development and enhancement of a visionary, global and collaborative program that is inventing and implementing innovative ways to integrate equity, conservation and sustainable development in the agroscape. S/he will lead a senior-level management team in the areas of: Sustainable Landscapes (producer support activities and field projects), Sustainable Value Chains (market linkages and positioning), and Sustainable Agriculture Auditing Services. S/he will also liaison closely with the Sustainable Agriculture Network Secretariat. S/he will be expected to grow the program’s grant-supported projects through conceptualization of new activities, fundraising and demonstrating positive impact, as well as assist in the development of a long-term business model for fee and licensing related revenues.
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Responsibilities
- Overall responsibility for the strategic direction and financial and administrative management of the division, in coordination with Sustainable Agriculture Division managers and directors, President VP for Programs, SAN Director, RA Chief of Agriculture and Sustainable Agriculture Network members;
- Oversee strategy development for alliance building, credibility assurance, private-sector partnerships, stakeholder outreach, and market development with the managers of those divisions, the SAN, and other RA divisions, especially Communications, Marketing and Education;
- Represent program to external stakeholders and together with the Chief of Agriculture, raise the profile of the program in the food industry, from producers to retailers and within the conservation, social justice and equitable trade communities;
- In collaboration with the RA Development Division and Ag managers, lead the creation and implementation of a long term financial strategy, including fundraising and revenue generation Manage a complex and growing budget;
- Advance division plans for revenue generation through fee for service activities. Develop detailed plans with Ag managers and ensure implementation;
- Ensure the continual improvement of the operational systems to maintain the highest standards and credibility;
- Guide the annual and long-range planning process for the division in sync with other RA programs;
- Provide input into RA-wide policy and program development; and
- Other duties as assigned.
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Qualifications
- MBA and/or M.S. in conservation biology, agronomy, rural development, resource management, resource economics or related field;
- Minimum 10 - 12 years field experience in international conservation and project management;
- Demonstrated experience in program development and personnel and budget management;
- Experience in business building, market-based conservation, change-management, multilateral funding, and certification preferred;
- Proven ability to work effectively in cross-cultural situations and with a wide range of people with diverse economic, political and professional backgrounds in both public and private sectors;
- Knowledge of the socio-environmental impacts of agriculture on tropical communities, ecosystems and local economies;
- Excellent communications skills in English/Spanish; French language skills a plus;
- Strong computer skills (MS Office and Internet); and
- Ability to travel internationally at least 25% of the time.
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