Do you have a passion for forestry or agriculture and the environment? Do you want to make an impact on sustainability by ensuring businesses meet the right standards and address environmental deficiencies? If so, then you might be the match for our role as Sustainability Specialist with a forestry or agricultural background based in China.

What can you expect:

As a Sustainability Specialist, you will play a crucial role in advancing our mission by working with clients in sectors such as timber, pulp/paper, rubber, palm oil, and textiles. This includes supporting them to establish and implement systems for responsible sourcing and associated activities, including but not limited to, the development of policy, due diligence system, tools, training delivery and verification audits. The role also includes responsibilities related to the management and implementation of donor-funded projects in relation to sustainability. 

For this, your professionalism and focus on quality will be central in managing part our client portfolio. Upon joining Preferred by Nature, you will have the opportunity to learn and develop the skills needed to provide advisory services to clients and learning how to audit sustainability standards all with our distinct Preferred by Nature quality.

Working with us is never routine so the first year you can expect the following areas to be central to your work.

• Support clients in the development of systems for responsible sourcing and associated activities to meet the legal requirements in the regulated markets (such as EU Deforestation Regulation), including policy development, due diligence procedures and tools.

• Support clients in the implementation of systems to meet the legal requirements in the regulated markets meeting legal requirements, including training, supplier engagement, risk assessment and onsite audit at either farm/forest or supply chain level.

• To help organizations meet their sustainability goals you will tackle ambiguous problems and take action to develop and implement bespoke sustainability requirements, including the creation and implementation of Sustainable Sourcing Programs that suit specific organizational needs.

• Support Preferred by Nature team activities including quality, timeliness and financial oversight in relation to client service delivery. This includes oversight of a project team, management of capacity, as well as providing technical guidance and quality control for the work conducted by the project team.

• Support/conduct direct sales for sustainability services, including sales meetings with clients, identifying service needs, creating/reviewing budgets and proposals according to internal sales procedures, negotiating service agreements, and completing associated sales procedures in the Salesforce database.

• Establish trust-based relationships with clients to better serve their organizations and communicate effectively with all audiences, including senior leaders, in a structured manner.

Your first year with us

Within three months, you will:

• Complete onboarding and on-the-job training to gain a thorough understanding of Preferred by Nature’s mission, operations, and sustainability standards, including Preferred by Nature’s certification

• Participate in client advisory and audit processes under supervision, while supporting sales and marketing activities through material preparation and record updates.

• Handle basic administrative tasks and ensure accurate reporting to support smooth operations.

Within six months, you will:

• Deliver independent advisory services, offering expert guidance and tailored solutions to clients.

• Take charge of leading sales meetings, and create detailed proposals and budgets to drive client engagement and business growth.

• Oversee and manage audit schedules and client progress, ensuring timely reporting and enhanced operational efficiency with a high degree of autonomy.

Within one year, you will:

• Independently lead major projects, advisory services, and audits, maintaining high standards and ensuring client satisfaction in line with Preferred by Nature’s mission.

• Coordinate with Team to implement service improvements and best practices.

• Oversee and execute comprehensive administrative and reporting tasks, providing leadership and support to the team.

Important that you:

• Have at least a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, forestry, agro-forestry or other natural science major, etc…

• Have minimum 5 years of experience working in agricultural or forestry sectors of rubber, timber, palm oil and other EUDR-covered commodities with technical expertise in social and environmental aspects.

• Understanding or experience with social and environmental issues related to forest and agriculture sector, quality management system, agricultural sustainability standards, and one or more certification schemes such as FSC, Rainforest Alliance, RSPO, either as an auditor or auditee.

• Experiences in corporate social responsibility, responsible sourcing or ESG policy development and implementation at big retailers/brands or international organizations. Understanding with conducting relevant ESG assessments, supply chain risk management, gap analysis of agricultural commodities.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in Chinese Mandarin and English.

• Strong skill for writing technical reports.

• Strong computer knowledge (Microsoft word, excel, power point, and Salesforce).

Would also be great, but not necessary, if you:

• Knowledge of the main legislations and initiatives related to legality, deforestation and sustainable development.

• Experience working with small holders, deforestation issue, carbon footprint, social issue

• Experience in working with wide range of stakeholders (private, NGOs government, etc.)

• Familiarity with relevant laws and regulations related to responsible sourcing, as well as experience conducting supplier audits and assessments.

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you!

What Sets Us Apart:

• Global work culture

• High degree of flexibility - remote work, work from home.

• An in-depth onboarding and professional training that prepares you with the right skills and knowledge to thrive in this role.

• Excellent opportunities for growth and professional development

• Potential future international travel opportunities

• A friendly, international team of colleagues, with a pleasant work environment

• Private life/accident/medical insurance plan

• Start with 20 days of vacation leave per year.
  

Preferred by Nature

Preferred by Nature is a non-profit, mission driven organisation that works for sustainable land management and climate-friendly solutions. With 300+ employees and a network of local experts, we develop practical solutions to drive positive impacts in production landscapes and supply chains in 100+ countries. We focus on forest and climate impact commodities and related sectors.

How to apply:

If you feel you meet the requirements of the role, please submit your CV and cover letter (in English), including salary expectations by 5th September 2024 via the application form below

Application pre-screening will be conducted during the application period.

Preferred by Nature wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.