Are you a proactive and organized all-rounder with strong communication skills who can drive a growing, dynamic, and innovative movement? Do you want to understand the reality, interests, and language of key stakeholders in organic cotton and textiles?

If you’re energised by the challenge of changing how organic cotton is produced, distributed, and consumed on a global scale - then apply today and join our team!

1.     About the Organic Cotton Accelerator

At the Organic Cotton Accelerator (OCA), we believe organic cotton is the catalyst for a truly sustainable textiles sector. As a multi-stakeholder organisation, we unite the sector to unleash the potential of organic cotton, from field to fashion, for people and the planet.

We envision a future where, every time a farmer switches to organic cotton, there is a ripple effect of positivity; farmers earn more and their land and soils are fertile for future generations, protecting our planet. We call this the Organic Cotton Effect.

We’re committing to enabling this future by creating a transparent, responsible and resilient organic cotton supply chain that prioritises delivering farmer prosperity and meeting the sector’s shared sustainability goals.

As an accelerator, we want to get to this future, faster.

For more information about OCA and what we do: https://www.organiccottonaccelerator.org/

2.     About you

You will work with the Organic Cotton Accelerator (OCA) Secretariat and report directly into the Programme Director based in Amsterdam. As the lead of the Pakistan team, you will represent the Organic Cotton Accelerator amongst its Pakistan based contributors and will build OCA’s future in Pakistan through the establishment of our Farm Programme. With the support of OCA’s global team, you will position OCA amongst the developing organic cotton community (NGOs, national and local governments, donors, public and private sector partners, etc). You have demonstrated experience working with apparel brands and manufacturing and you thrive in a results-oriented, collaborative and hands-on work environment. We are searching for a committed colleague, who represents us as a multi-stakeholder organisation in the organic cotton sector. Are you an organised, self-motivated, and proactive team player with a track record in managing textile sector sustainability projects and you can demonstrate success in sustainability, organic agriculture and/or sustainable fashion, who can Implement a multi stakeholder initiative and expand OCA’s partnerships.

3.    Your responsibilities

Business Development

• Manage relations and expand OCA’s partnership portfolio for Pakistan based stakeholders, Brands, Manufacturers, NGO’s, Civile Society Organisations and government representatives.

• Support the onboarding and development of new stakeholders and contributors to OCA. Ensure that local partners can connect to OCA’s value proposition.

• Represent OCA in Pakistan. Organise and participate in local events and stakeholder meetings on OCA’s behalf

• Create market linkage between Farm Group and Supply chain by implementing and developing OCA’s dedicated Farm Programme.

• In collaboration with the global team develop the OCA programmes in Pakistan.

Programme Management

• Lead and manage OCA’s Farm Programme together with our local Farm Programme Officer.

• Create market linkage between Farm Group and Supply chain by implementing and developing OCA’s dedicated Farm Programme.

• Accelerate the conversion of additional Farmers / Implementation Partners by convening the cotton growing community with local textile supply chain and global brands.

• Contribute to the publication of OCA’s annual impact reporting.

• Manage OCA’s grant programme.

• Provide your input towards building a diverse national team of experts.

Public Affairs

• Manage external relations and represent OCA and the wider global organic community with Pakistan based NGO’s civile society organisations and government representatives.

• Work with and inform OCA’s secretariat of local changes in law, standards and support to maximise OCA’s impact in developing organic farming.

• Create partnerships to develop low input agriculture maximisation projects which enhance organic farming output and farmer earnings, such as, seed breeding, trails and multiplication projects.

4.     What you bring

-        Relevant university degree (Masters or Batchelors degree in science) such as Relevant Business studies, Agronomy, Social Sciences or . (Degree level will be evaluated in combination with number of years relevant experience)

-        Prior experience 8+ years of which 3 to 5 years at manager or department leader, level in a business, programme or standards environment in the sustainability or textiles sector is expected.

-        Strong external communicator with excellent interpersonal skills, along with the ability to work in a collaborative manner with a team.

-        Experience related to business development and budgets in a project environment, with affinity and familiarity with the variety of actors we work with (producers, value chain players; brands, NGOs, and government) and the principles of the organic standard.

-        Comfortable multi-tasking and taking on diverse responsibilities within the organization.

-        Driven and delivery oriented – comfortable working with established deadlines.

-        Good IT skills in Microsoft Office, particularly Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Excel.

-        Fluent in English.

5.     What OCA offers

We offer

• A full-time employment contract

• 25 holidays, based on 40h/Monday to Friday working week

• Travel cost compensation

• Health insurance

• Flexible work hours / partially working from home possible

6.     Application procedure

To apply for this position, please send your CV (2-pages max) and cover letter (1-page)

OCA is an equal opportunity employer, and we strongly encourage women to apply for this position.

We look forward to meeting you!