At the Organic Cotton Accelerator (OCA), we believe organic cotton is the catalyst for a truly sustainable textiles sector. Our platform unites 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.

About the Role 

You will work with the Organic Cotton Accelerator (OCA) Secretariat and report directly to 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 you can demonstrate success in sustainability, organic agriculture and/or sustainable fashion, who can Implement a multi-stakeholder initiative and expand OCA’s partnerships.

Responsibilities

Business development

  • Manage relations and expand OCA’s partnership portfolio for Pakistan-based stakeholders, Brands, Manufacturers, NGOs, civic 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 groups 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 chains 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, civil 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.

What you bring

  • Relevant university degree (Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in science) such as Relevant Business studies, Agronomy, and Social Sciences. (Degree level will be evaluated in combination with the number of years relevant experience).
  • Prior experience of 8+ years of which 3 to 5 years as a 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 collaboratively 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 organisation.
  • Driven and delivery-oriented – comfortable working with established deadlines.
  • Good IT skills in Microsoft Office, particularly Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Excel.
  • Fluent in English.

What OCA offers

  • 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

Application process

​Please note that this position would require you to be based in Pakistan.

To apply for this position, please submit your application here.

We appreciate all applications, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.