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Agriculture & Biodiversity

at WBCSD
Published 11 April 2019
Location Geneva, Switzerland
Category Fixed-term  
Job Type Associate  

Description

The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) is a global, CEO-led organization of over 200 leading businesses working together to accelerate the transition to a sustainable world. We help make our member companies more successful and sustainable by focusing on the maximum positive impact for shareholders, the environment and societies.

Our member companies come from all business sectors and all major economies, representing combined revenues of more than USD $8.5 trillion and 19 million employees. Our global network of almost 70 national business councils gives our members unparalleled reach across the globe. WBCSD is uniquely positioned to work with member companies along and across value chains to deliver impactful business solutions to the most challenging sustainability issues.

Together, we are the leading voice of business for sustainability: with a vision of a world where more than nine billion people are all living well and within the boundaries of our planet, by 2050.

Job Overview

The WBCSD is seeking an Associate to support the launch of a new project on Agriculture and Biodiversity. Biodiversity is the backbone of our ecosystems. Yet, it is decreasing at an alarming rate, estimated to be at least 1000 times higher than the natural extinction rate. Since 2000, 6 million of forest hectares have been lost every year, and the food system alone is responsible for 60% of global biodiversity loss.

The Associate will support the development of a workplan together with WBCSD members and agreed external partners, to shape up joint action towards to the preservation and restoration of biodiversity by agriculture-related businesses.

The Associate, Agriculture and Biodiversity, will be a member of the Food & Nature program. He/she will work in close collaboration with WBCSD’s Ambassador for Biodiversity,  and will report to the WBCSD’s FReSH Project Manager. This is a fixed-term position for 12 months, with possibility of contract extension

Responsibilities and duties

The Associate, Agriculture and Biodiversity, will help lead and coordinate the development and implementation of the biodiversity work along three main axes:

  1. Facilitate the development of a workplan together with WBCSD members, and engage prospects and key stakeholders in the project.
  2. Coordinate actions by interested members and external stakeholders towards to the preservation and restoration of biodiversity by agriculture-related businesses as per the work plan.
  3. Support the development of communication material and organisation of events.

Main Accountabilities:

  • Project Management: Lead day-to-day project activities to deliver the agreed biodiversity work, action agenda and implementation plan.
  • Organizer and Catalyst: Report into and work in coordination with the FReSH Project Manager and other Food and Nature employees, as necessary.
  • Collaboration and Cooperation: Foster and promote a pre-competitive collaborative environment across the project member companies by cultivating ample opportunities for companies to communicate and engage in strategy and technical stream development.
  • Communication and events management: Knowledge of, and demonstrated skills in communication (communication tools such as PPT and social media); database management (proficient with database management software’s such as Salesforce) and events organization (excellent organisational skills).

Qualifications

  • Master’s degree or equivalent professional qualification in agricultural sciences, agribusiness, environmental protection or sustainable development
  • 3+ years of operational experience in international project management, agribusiness, environmental protection and/or sustainable development, with a focus on biodiversity preservation a plus
  • Experience working with private sector, government and other sector stakeholders
  • Excellent understanding of the food value chain and related global sustainability, health, societal and political challenges
  • Track record in day-to-day project management, planning, and execution including working with a wide range of companies and/or stakeholders from different regions to achieve common goals and objectives
  • Strong project management skills with ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels and with different backgrounds
  • Strong facilitation skills and ability to manage complexity
  • Fluent in both written and converstional English; fluency in French, Spanish, or other languge a plus.

The position is full-time and based in Geneva, Switzerland, with some international travel.

WBCSD is a purpose driven, forward-thinking and action-oriented organization, characterised by diversity of gender, nationalities and work experiences.

Work Environment

WBCSD offers a competitive, modern, and flexible working arrangement:

  • Geneva-based organization with offices in London, New Delhi and New York City
  • Competitive compensation and benefits
  • State-of-the-art facilities and ICT-enabled working tools
  • Flex-time and part-time possibilities
  • Dynamic working atmosphere
  • Open culture encouraging interaction and sharing of ideas and opinions
  • International relocation support
  • Sustainable commuting incentives
  • Annual community service

Please also note that WBCSD will only respond to candidates selected for the interview process.