Policy Influencer Advisor - Cocoa

We are looking for a:

POLICY INFLUENCING ADVISOR - COCOA

Solidaridad envisions a world in which everything we produce and consume can sustain us, while respecting the planet, one another, and future generations. We work across the entire supply chain to make sustainability the norm and ensure that farmers and workers have a living wage, a voice, and produce in harmony with nature. 

We are looking for an experienced professional to join the Policy Influencing team at Solidaridad Europe. This team advocates for regulatory frameworks and supporting policies to ensure that products sold on the European market are produced in a sustainable manner. We call on the private sector to implement comprehensive sustainability policies, adopt sustainable sourcing models, and implement responsible procurement practices. Key themes include sustainable natural resource management, decent work, and fair value distribution in international supply chains linked to Europe. This includes lobbying and advocacy on human rights, living income and wages, and smallholder and gender inclusivity. 

The Policy Influencing team develops recommendations and positions Solidaridad as a thought leader in its field. We collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders to set the agenda, influence policies in both the public and private sectors, and propose solutions. We work with policymakers in governments and multilateral agencies, policymakers in companies and industry organizations, and multi-stakeholder organizations and roundtables. 

The Policy Influencing team works across a range of commodities, one of which is cocoa. Roughly 70% of the world’s cocoa is produced in West Africa, while Europe is the largest consumer of chocolate and the port of Amsterdam is the world’s largest importer of cocoa beans. The crop is grown on relatively small plots of land and contributes significantly to rural incomes, national incomes, and livelihoods. Global demand for cocoa is rising. Yet the majority of the world’s cocoa producers are trapped in a cycle of poverty. Companies and governments are integral to a sustainable cocoa industry. Solidaridad believes in a market transformation approach that works simultaneously with farmers, markets, consumers, and governments—where progress in one area is impossible without progress in the others.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND PROFILE

Advocacy (70%)

• Develop, implement, and evaluate advocacy strategies;
• Develop clear policy positions on key topics related to a sustainable and inclusive cocoa supply chain, in close collaboration with colleagues from Solidaridad offices around the world; 
• Advocate for the adoption of Solidaridad’s recommendations for a sustainable and inclusive cocoa and chocolate industry;
• Build and maintain a strong network with key policymakers in cocoa and chocolate companies, industry organizations, governments, and other civil society organizations in Europe and around the world;
• Serve as a thought leader internally and a spokesperson externally on Solidaridad’s position and solutions for a sustainable cocoa sector
• Represent Solidaridad in various key coalitions, multi-stakeholder initiatives, advisory groups, and other thought leadership forums;

Communication (20%)

• Analyze complex policy debates and communicate them in an accessible way;
• Raise awareness of Solidaridad’s positions and recommendations by (co-)developing policy papers, organizing and participating in events, and engaging in public discourse and social media;
• Develop and contribute to communication and press strategies, as well as campaigns, in collaboration with colleagues from the communications team.

Other (10%)

• Develop work plans and report to donors;
• Internal management, coordination, and collaboration with colleagues on relevant topics.

The ideal candidate has advocacy experience, a knack for building movements with people from diverse backgrounds, and the ability to turn complex policy issues into compelling narratives. You are an excellent team player in an international setting with a high degree of autonomy; you take the initiative and are solution-oriented. You also possess excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and manage your workload.

MAIN EXPERIENCE AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Essential

• A strong alignment with Solidaridad’s vision, mission, and work, as well as knowledge of recent developments in the areas of public sustainability policies, corporate social responsibility, and sustainable economic development;
• At least 7 years of relevant work experience, preferably with a CSO or a multinational company; 
• Demonstrable interest in and knowledge of the cocoa sector, its stakeholders, and its supply chain. A good understanding of the social, environmental, and economic challenges in the cocoa sector;
• Experience in advocating to public and private policymakers; 
• Strong networking skills; ability to build and maintain a relevant network of decision-makers from the private and public sectors; 
• Intercultural sensitivity, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment;
• Academic level of work and thinking. Relevant higher education degree; 
• Professional fluency in English;
• Ability to travel to attend meetings and conferences, and to visit other Solidaridad offices; 
• Authorized to work in the EU.

Preferred

• Experience with CSO advocacy and campaigning;
• Experience working with various types of stakeholders throughout the supply chain, including smallholder farmers and communities in the Global South;
• Experience working in a decentralized network organization;
• Understanding of due diligence frameworks for international responsible business conduct and EU legislative processes;
• Proficient in French and Dutch. 

OUR OFFER

• A unique and rewarding position in an inspiring and international environment, starting as soon as possible; 
• You will join Solidaridad Europe’s Policy Influencing team in Utrecht and have the opportunity to work with an innovative and dedicated network of professionals in Europe and around the world;
• A one-year contract with the possibility of extension, 32–36 hours per week; 
• BBRA Grade 11 gross salary scale (minimum EUR 3,662, maximum EUR 5,586 per month); 
• An additional holiday allowance of 8% will be paid to the employee in May of each calendar year;
• In addition, Solidaridad pays an end-of-year bonus equal to 8.3% of the gross annual salary earned;
• Solidaridad offers a non-contributory pension plan;
• Contribution toward moving expenses; 
• Location: Utrecht, the Netherlands, with travel required both domestically and internationally.  

At Solidaridad, diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to our collective mission, vision, and values. 

We strive to make Solidaridad Europe an inclusive place where everyone feels heard, seen, and valued for their diverse identities, experiences, perspectives, and skills.

We are therefore committed to ensuring a safe and healthy work environment by treating everyone with dignity and respect, enabling and empowering us to be ourselves and achieve our full potential as individuals and fulfill our collective mission as an organization.

NEXT STEP

Do you see yourself in this candidate profile? If so, please submit your one-page cover letter and two-page resume in English to hr-europe@solidaridadnetwork.org and include "Application: Policy Influencing Advisor - Cocoa" in the subject line. We encourage applicants to respond as soon as possible, as all applications will be processed and evaluated on a rolling basis.

Questions can be directed to hr-europe@solidaridadnetwork.org or by phone to Boukje Theeuwes, Head of Policy Influencing, (+31 (0)30 272 03 13).

A reference check, a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG), or an equivalent document depending on the country of residence, as well as an assessment, may be part of the selection process. Work permit restrictions may apply. 

No agencies, please.

Any personal data submitted in an application is treated confidentially and processed solely for the purpose of filling a vacancy, in compliance with the GDPR. Once the selection process has been completed (upon the date the vacancy is filled), all personal data of applicants who have not been selected will be destroyed immediately, unless we have your explicit consent to store your personal data for a maximum period of one year.   

BACKGROUND

Solidaridad envisions a world in which everything we produce and consume can sustain us, while respecting the planet, one another, and future generations. We empower farmers and workers to earn a living wage, shape their own future, and produce in harmony with nature by working across the entire supply chain to make sustainability the norm. We bring together supply chain stakeholders and engage them in innovative solutions to improve production, ensuring the transition to a sustainable and inclusive economy that maximizes benefits for all. 

Solidaridad is an international network organization comprising seven regional centers of expertise located around the world (Asia, Southern Africa, East and Central Africa, West Africa, Latin America, North America, and Europe), each with its own specific expertise and focus. Globally, Solidaridad works across 13 commodities in over 40 countries.

Solidaridad Europe focuses on market development, policy advocacy, communications, and donor relations. We seek to inspire the private sector, governments, civil society organizations, and consumers in Europe to contribute to sustainable economic development. 

For more information, please visit our website: http://www.solidaridadnetwork.org.