Are you ready to join an organisation where you can make extraordinary impact on the sustainable agriculture transition? Are you passionate about driving sustainability in the private sector by supporting the adoption of more sustainable business practices? Are you a collaborative leader who can nurture strong team and partnership working? If yes, IDH has an excellent opportunity for you. We are looking to hire a Country Director to lead IDH in Brazil, where we have big ambitions to contribute to the transformation of the cattle sector, and to help achieve farmer and forest positive outcomes at scale.
The Director is responsible for delivering a positive impact for farmer income, sustainable agriculture production, and forest protection, in pursuit of IDH’s mission to transform agricultural markets. You will be our most senior representative in one of our most important country programmes, accountable for our performance in Brazil, a significant budget, staff wellbeing and the development and success of external partnerships with business, government, and civil society.
IDH operations in Brazil are supported by a core team of 10 people, and a network of business, civil society organisations and state and national government partners. Our programs are situated in several regions of Brazil: Mato Groso, Para, and the semi arid region as well as at national level. You will report to the Global Director of Landscapes and be a member of the Global Leadership team of IDH. The role will be based in Sao Paolo.
Your role
As Country Director, you will lead the program development and operations of IDH, represent IDH in Brazil and be responsible for our strategic impact. Presently, IDH has two main program clusters in Brazil: Landscapes (Cattle and Soy) and Textiles and Manufacturing (Cotton and Food crops).
Your key responsibilities, include, but not limited to the following:
- Lead the strategic development of our programmes and partnerships to strengthen our impact on sustainable agriculture, small farmer income and deforestation in Brazil.
- Be the representative of IDH in Brazil, responsible for high quality external communications and engagement.
- Oversee country operations including HR, legal compliance, financial management and administration, acting in accordance with the guidelines provided by IDH HQ in The Netherlands.
- Lead and nurture the Brazil team with the highest ethical standards and ensure the safety and well-being of all our employees Lead the development and implementation of landscapes and textile and manufacturing programs in Brazil under the respective BU strategies and direction.
- Be responsible for the implementation of the IDH Strategic Plan for Brazil within the multi-year/annual plans and the allocated budgets.
- Be accountable for the project management and delivery of the Program with high quality deliverables within the agreed budget allocation and timeframe.
- In collaboration with IDH Global, support the fundraising efforts for IDH programs and projects in Brazil.
- Be responsible for the expansion and maintenance of the relevant partner network with the private sector, donor base, civil society, and governments at all levels.
- Be responsible for sharing knowledge and outcomes externally and internally from the organization through events, congresses, and internal presentations.
Who you are
- To succeed in this role, you have a strategic and entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to lead, manage and collaborate with external partners and internal teams.
- You possess broad knowledge of Brazilian land use sector and experience of strategic program management. You are an organized and committed team player who can lead teams both through guiding and coaching. You have a strong interest in agricultural supply chains, particularly in the cattle sector, and a personal commitment to farmer and forest positive outcomes.
- Internally and externally, you operate at the highest level of integrity. You are a trustworthy partner for colleagues as well as external stakeholders. You can manage change and gain commitment easily as you are able to connect to different people with different backgrounds. You can make the link between the ideas and the needs of our partners worldwide. Working in a results-oriented, flexible, cooperative, and hands-on manner, you are committed to your team’s targets. You are able to balance multiple and competing priorities and deadlines and track multiple tasks as delegated to the team members.
- You are a strategic and independent thinker, while being able to manage and collaborate with both external partners and internal teams. You’ll be an expert in program management and how to approach complex issues.
- The ideal candidate is organized, a team player, and a leader who can both guide and coach.
- You are passionate about agricultural supply chains, sustainability, and helping farmers and contributing to forest protection.
- Honesty and integrity are essential, both internally and externally.
- You’re a management professional who can build consensus easily because you connect well with people from all backgrounds. You can bridge the gap between ideas and the needs of our global partners.
- You’re results-driven, adaptable, a team player, and someone who likes to get things done. You can juggle multiple priorities and deadlines and keep track of all the tasks assigned to your team.
What you bring
- At least 15 years of relevant working experience in the civil society or private sectors, out of which at least 5 years must in senior and leadership roles.
- Experience in organisational and programme development, building and implementing high impact and collaborative programs.
- A thorough understanding of the Brazilian cattle sector and experience of working with Agri SMEs and small farmers from a commercialisation point of view
- Minimum of master’s degree in economics, business-related discipline, agriculture, or natural resource management.
- Experience of work in international companies, organisations or working in different countries and cultures.
- Experience in engaging with high level government and industry representatives and complex institutional landscapes.
- Strong budget management experience and adherence to governance, detail-oriented, and able to work well in evolving circumstances.
- Experience in engaging with high level government and industry representatives and complex institutional landscapes.
- Strong convening and diplomatic skills, with experience in establishing, developing, and managing coalitions and partnerships.
- Proven leadership skills and management experience, including the ability to develop team performance and a genuine desire to coach and mentor.
- Strong senior networks with international soft commodity traders, processors, brands, and retail organizations, as well as in governments, knowledge institutes and civil society organizations.
- Proven leadership skills and management experience, including the ability to develop team performance and a genuine desire to coach and mentor.
- Willingness to travel internationally and nationally.
- Fluency in English and Portuguese with strong communications skills.
Who we are
IDH seeks to transform markets through collaborative innovation, convening and investment in inclusive and sustainable solutions that enable businesses to create value for people and planet. To achieve this, IDH brings together coalitions of committed stakeholders from across global value chains towards joint visions and program agendas for sustainable trade.
IDH’s international presence extends to multiple regions and landscapes, facilitated by a network of around 400 staff including experts who are embedded in key agricultural, manufacturing, apparel and commodity value chains. In 15 years of operation, IDH has mobilized private sector investment and support to test and innovate new business models designed to create better jobs, better incomes, a better environment, and gender equity for all.
For more information, go to http://www.idhtrade.org or follow @IDHTrade on Twitter and LinkedIn.
What we offer
IDH offers a challenging position with opportunities for growth within an enthusiastic and passionate team. As an IDH team member you can contribute to positive global change. The position is for 40 hours per week. We offer a competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
Interested?
Would you like to apply? Please apply directly including your CV and cover letter in English via this link: https://jobs.matteria.co/jobs/37821-country-director-brazil-idh
We encourage applicants to respond as soon as possible, at the latest by August 24, 2024.
Please note that candidates should be Brazilian national or have permission to work in Brazil.