The World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) is an international membership organization whose members span the entire global cocoa and chocolate sector, including farmer cooperatives, cocoa processors, chocolate manufacturers, supply chain companies and other companies worldwide.
WCF’s vision is to be a catalyst for a thriving and equitable cocoa sector where farmer income is improved, child labour is significantly reduced and deforestation is reversed. WCF’s unique position at the centre of the cocoa and chocolate industry, governments, civil society and cocoa farming communities, enables WCF to realise its vision through the creation of strategic relationships and collaborative programmes that deliver real impact and systemic reform.
About the role
The Programme Team provides technical insight guiding the development and delivery of World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) programmes and projects focused on improving farmer income, combating child labour, and protecting and restoring the environment. The Programme Team also leads fundraising activities and works closely with WCF members, partners, and donors across a range of cocoa sustainability initiatives. Possessing extensive expertise in the agricultural, environmental, social, economic, and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) fields, the Programme Team plays a critical role in ensuring the success, impact, and sustainability of organizational initiatives, as well as their alignment with the mission.
WCF is seeking an experienced and motivated Interim Programme Development and Environment Lead to cover a resourcing gap whilst the Environment Director is on maternity leave. Given the interim nature of this role, WCF have identified some priority projects that will need focused attention throughout 2025. This role will be responsible for leading and delivering on these projects. The role will also be expected to be able to provide technical knowledge and leadership regarding WCF’s environmental focus area, with knowledge on key topics such as deforestation, reforestation, and forest conservation. Finally, the role will also play a key part in fundraising and resource mobilization, engaging with key stakeholders in the funding and investment community to garner interest key WCF programmes such as the Cocoa and Forests Initiative (CFI).
Key dimensions of the role
1. Fundraising and resource mobilization
- For identified projects, conduct donor mapping and reach out to prioritised stakeholders in coordination with Country Directors / Head of North America to promote key initiatives such as CFI, identifying opportunities to build innovative partnerships that maximise upon the existing assets within CFI and other WCF programmes;
- Build and sustain strong relationships with current and potential donors interested in providing support to CFI and WCF’s environmental sustainability work, including leading on fundraising and resource mobilization, in collaboration with the WCF VP, Country Directors / Head of North America, and President.
2.Technical and thematic leadership; portfolio management
- Act as the lead for WCF’s Environment portfolio (excluding climate), providing strategic leadership and technical support/guidance both internally and externally;
- Serve as lead expert on environmental sustainability to WCF Members and staff, and ensure delivery of the latest thinking, innovation, research, and science to accelerate environmental outcomes in CFI and WCF work;
- Oversee the overall Environment portfolio (excluding climate), a key part of which is the Cocoa and Forests Initiative (CFI), in close collaboration with CFI Country Managers and the Environment Manager.
3. Programme and project management
- Oversee the development and continuation of collaborative programmes and projects related to CFI, climate-smart cocoa, and environmental sustainability issues (including with industry, government, technical, donor, and civil society, and media stakeholders) to deepen WCF results and impact;
- Alongside the Environment Manager/s, ensure delivery of key project deliverables related to CFI, such as reporting.
Skills and experience
- Leadership, independence and a strong understanding of the cocoa industry, farming communities, challenges, and opportunities in each country is important in this role;
- Specialized experience in project management, budgeting, and financial oversight within the cocoa sector and/or agricultural development in an international organization, NGO, or private sector;
- Knowledge of the funding and investment environment as it pertains to climate and environment is essential;
- Fluency in English is essential. Knowledge of French as a second language is an advantage.
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