Forest and Climate Coordinator

POSITION TITLE: Climate & Forest Positive Coordinator

REPORTING TO: Sustainability & RnD Manager

LOCATION: Samborondón-Durán-Ecuador

ABOUT THE COMPANY:

The Zurich-based Barry Callebaut Group is the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products – from the origination and processing cocoa beans to producing the finest chocolates, including chocolate fillings, decorations, and compounds. The Group runs more than 60 production facilities worldwide selling in 140 countries and employs a diverse and dedicated global workforce of over 13,000 people.

The Barry Callebaut Group serves the entire food industry, from industrial food manufacturers to artisanal and professional users of chocolate, such as chocolatiers, pastry chefs, bakers, hotels, restaurants, and caterers.

The Barry Callebaut Group is committed to making sustainable chocolate the norm to help ensure future supplies of cocoa and improve farmer livelihoods.

SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Summary:

      The Climate & Forest Positive Coordinator is responsible for leading and managing the deployment of activities required for the implementation of strategic initiatives and the regulations on deforestation. He/She will work in close collaboration with the Sustainability, Data Management and IT Support teams, as well as with the local Sourcing and Sustainability teams to ensure the smooth running of activities and the achievement of results. He/she will manage verification activities with multiple stakeholders and must be able to plan, manage a team of agents and lead the implementation of activities while respecting time and budget constraints. He/She orchestrates initiatives that contribute projects/programs of the Sustainability and Traceability teams

Essential Functions:

The Thriving Nature Coordinator will be responsible for:

Data collection, analysis and management:

• Coordinate with internal teams (Traceability, M&E, Sourcing, etc.) the precision and regular updating of the data collected to comply with deforestation requirements.
• Contribute to the collection and analysis of GIS data related to plots verification and deforestation alerts, as well as any ad hoc data intended for impact assessment and learning studies.
• Ensure proper archiving of relevant documentation.

Project management:

• Manage verification and validation activities for deforestation alerts in identified agricultural plots, including: activities planning, recruiting, training and supervision of field teams.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with plots verification and deforestation alerts verification activities to ensure compliance with requirements and minimize negative environmental impacts within BCE supply chain.
• Continually evaluate and improve processes related to plots verification and deforestation alerts verification to improve efficiency and effectiveness, ensuring alignment with evolving regulations and industry best practices.
• Lead implementation of initiatives linked to forest positive and conservation within Ecuador supply chain (agroforestry, biodiversity, etc).

Reporting and communication:

• Develop and submit regular reports on the results of alerts verification and validation activities to internal and external stakeholders, as appropriate.
• Internally report incidences of deforestation and ensure the implementation of the actions required to take them into account.
• Maintain clear and proactive communication with internal and external stakeholders regarding the status of projects, key findings, and any emerging issues or challenges.
• Work together with the local & Global M&E team for reporting projects targets, progress and outcomes.

Training and capacity building:

• Organize and coordinate training and awareness raising of internal staff, suppliers, producers and other key stakeholders on requirements, verification procedures and best practices to build capacity and ensure consistent implementation across Ecuador.

Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder engagement:

• Coordinate with internal/external stakeholders the implementation of Thriving Nature strategies for Ecuador.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Traceability, Sourcing, Sustainability…) to resolve any issues related to plot verification and deforestation alert verification and ensure alignment with broader organizational goals and objectives.
• Collaborate with external stakeholders such as suppliers, regulators and industry associations to ensure alignment with regulations and promote transparency and collaboration.

All other tasks required for the proper conduct of his/her mission.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Work Experience:

• A minimum qualification of a Bachelor´s in Agriculture/Forestry/Data Analysis/Project Management or a master's in the above-named fields will be an added advantage (highly recommended)
• Sufficient experience and or knowledge in cocoa production or forest conservation
• A good understanding of national/international deforestation regulations within the cocoa supply chain.
• Experience in managing teams and carrying out complex tasks across different regions
• Experience engaging with local communities and farmers
• Experience organizing training programs for stakeholders (suppliers, farmers)
• Knowledge of GIS application for deforestation purposes
• Good knowledge of sustainability regulations
• Experience in training and coaching of farmers, cooperatives and farmer groups
• Project management skills
• Good knowledge of cocoa purchasing organizational structure
• Speak both Spanish and English

Additional Requirements:

Travel requirements: Travel 50% into cocoa rural areas within Ecuador.

●     Ability to drive and possess a valid driving license

• Others: be able to go on assignment outside the country
• The position will be based in Guayaquil with frequent travel within the country

What you can expect from Barry Callebaut:

• Complying with the national and international environmental regulations is critical to reassure clients on the fact that volume risks and reputational risks are controlled and mitigated.  This role will lead the development, implementation and continuous improvement of our BCE compliance system.
• The Barry Callebaut Group is the world's leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products. In Ecuador, Barry Callebaut Ecuador ranks among the top 3 cocoa exporters of the country.
• You will be part of a fast-growing team, leading transformation to align with global best practices
• This role will rely upon close collaboration with many stakeholders, including colleagues from BC globally as well as suppliers and national partners.