Senior Program Officer (IDH)

IDH, The Sustainable Trade Initiative

The mission of IDH, The Sustainable Trade Initiative is to catalyze systemic change through collaborative action and to achieve market transformation for impact at scale. IDH convenes companies, CSOs, governments and others in public-private partnerships. Together we drive the joint design, co-funding and prototyping of new economically viable approaches to realize green & inclusive growth at scale in commodity sectors and sourcing areas. Our approaches are designed to drive sustainability from niche to norm in mainstream markets, delivering impact on Sustainable Development Goals. We focus on creating positive impact on deforestation, living incomes and living wages, working conditions, toxic loading and gender. IDH is supported by multiple European governments (Dutch, Swiss, Danish and Norwegian) and we work together with over 600 companies, CSOs, financial institutions, producer organizations and governments in 11 sectors (apparel, cotton, tea, coffee, spices, aquaculture…) and 11 landscapes in over 50 countries worldwide. IDH is a dynamic and demanding organization of about 140 staff members and permanent consultants at the Headquarter in Utrecht, the Netherlands and many overseas offices and hubs in South America, Asia and Africa.

Starting operation in Vietnam in 2010, IDH has since established strong partnerships with businesses, government and civil society organizations working on coffee, tea, cocoa, spices/pepper, aquaculture and apparel/footwear sectors. Recently, promoting and enabling embedded sustainable manufacturing practices (IDH manufacturing program) has been newly identified as one of IDH focus sectors in Vietnam from now up to 2025. Through textile and apparel program, IDH would like to deliver the impacts on: reduced use of natural resources and energy, reduction in plastic & textile waste, greater transparency & traceability in production, increased gender equality and participation, reduced carbon footprints, increased circular production and manufacturing models, and increased living incomes of workers.

To strengthen its team in Vietnam, IDH is recruiting a: Senior Program Officer, Textiles and Manufacturing - Vietnam

(this position is based in Hanoi city)

Job profile

IDH is currently looking for candidates for the position of Senior Program Officer to support the development and implementation of textiles and apparel program in Vietnam regarding environmental and social issues. The position will be based in Hanoi and report to the Textiles & Manufacturing Program Manager and Country Director of IDH in Vietnam.

Key responsibilities

The Textiles and Manufacturing Program – Senior Program Officer is technically in charge of supporting of the Textiles and Manufacturing program’s activities in Vietnam to create positive impacts on Better Environment, Better Jobs and Better Income. He/she will be responsible to coordinate with local partners and stakeholders to ensures that work plans and agreed targets are met timely while complying with cost limits.

Duties

Program Supporting

Support for overall coordination of Textiles & Manufacturing program with environmental and social issues under INSTEP’s (IN Sustainable Textile and Apparel Parks) initiative in Vietnam and ensure targeted results and impact of the program at field levels and upscaling to lead for the changes at business practices and sector governance levels with support and guidance from IDH headquarter.
Provide technical assistance in the planning, organizing and servicing of technical and ad hoc expert group meetings to provide a forum for PPP (Public Private Partnership) to share experiences and arrive at decisions on the implementation and follow up to IDH conferences and programmes which pertain to environmental and social affairs.
Supports the planning process, implementation and monitoring of the program.

Stakeholder networking

Support private sector and donor engagement.
Maintain contacts with partners and stakeholders with existing programs on textiles and apparel and develop new partnerships, especially within Vietnam.
Support working on the maintenance and expansion of the IDH network and donor base, supporting colleagues doing similar work and contributing to the further strategic development of IDH.

Textiles and Manufacturing program development

Support in development and implementation of Textiles and Manufacturing program in Vietnam up to 2025 in general and INSTEP’s initiative in particular.
Support for implementation of Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production (RECP), group Rooftop Solar (RTS) program under collaboration between IDH and/or Brands applied for Tier 1&Tier facilities.
Support for the collaboration between IDH and MONRE, brands working on ZDHC zero discharge of hazardous chemicals in the textile and footwear factories to improve the environment and people’s wellbeing.
Support for the collaboration with business support organizations (BSOs) for promoting sustainable industrial parks, especially Textile Industrial Parks, in Vietnam.
Support for the collaboration between IDH and MOLISA, VGCL, brands, BSOs and other public-private partners on promoting labor issues.

Requirements

Candidates will be selected on the basis of key criteria:

Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in trade, economics, environment or relevant with +5 years of relevant working experience.
Good general knowledge and understanding of Vietnamese textiles and apparel industry.
Good knowledge and experience working with the private sector, especially private sector in textiles and apparel industries.
Strong track record and background in environmental and social issues and an ability to articulate an understanding of both domestic and international requirements.
Able to manage programs with a diverse group of stakeholders with an inclusive attitude, defining common goals and implementing actions.
Able to oversee field level implementation issues and resolve conflicts.
Fluent in Vietnamese and English.
Familiarity with the manufacturing supply chain (e.g., apparel and footwear industry).
Works to achieve agreed objectives and is accountable for meeting or exceeding them.
Demonstrated ability in team working.

Terms and conditions

The successful applicant will be offered a consultancy contract for one year with competitive remuneration, but with very high possibility to extend. IDH offers a challenging position with opportunities for growth within an enthusiastic and passionate team and as an IDH team member you can contribute to positive global change.

For more information about IDH, please visit http://www.idhtrade.org. For questions about this position, please contact Ms. Tran Thi Minh Phuong at phuongtran@idhtrade.org.

How to apply

Interested candidates should send their CV/resume and motivation letter (in English), explaining your interest and capabilities for the position, to Ms. Le Thi Huong Lan, HR Officer, at Vietnam@idhtrade.org before 15th July 2023 mentioning “Application for Textiles and Manufacturing Program – Senior Program Officer” in the subject line.