Assurance & Capability Manager (Maternity Cover)

Acre is working alongside a non-profit agricultural organisation committed to promoting sustainability in the global food and beverage industry. With nearly 200 members across the value chain, the organisation addresses shared sustainability challenges by fostering collaboration and supporting sustainable agricultural practices. Their tools and systems help farmers adopt and scale regenerative and sustainable farming techniques, enabling companies to transform their sourcing, farming, and supply chain management for a more sustainable future.

The organization is currently seeking a proactive Assurance & Capability Manager to join the team on an initial maternity cover contract, with the potential to transition into a permanent position based on performance and business needs. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the agricultural sector's sustainability initiatives by leading key programs and solutions.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Farm Sustainability Assessment Director, helping to drive the future of sustainable agriculture.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing the assurance program for the Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA) and supporting the development of the verification protocol for the relevant framework
• Organizing and facilitating the assurance workstream, ensuring robust verification and assurance processes for new claims within the FSA system.
• Developing training content for FSA users and auditors for new modules
• Guiding members on the verification process, and claims they can make using the FSA system while ensuring static content stays up to date.
• Assisting members in sharing their FSA experiences through case studies to promote the FSA to new audiences.
• Managing third-party service providers responsible for training, and oversight of verification bodies, and auditors.
• Maintaining strong relationships with verification bodies via our verification body community of practice.
• Assisting in the organization and delivery of key events, such as the FSA community of practice meeting.
• Overseeing expert consultants working on auditing processes, guidance materials, and communications.

About You:

• A minimum of 3 years experience, preferably within food supply chains or sustainable agriculture, with knowledge of voluntary sustainability schemes.
• Proven ability to manage projects in a multi-stakeholder environment and build consensus across diverse groups.
• Experience in developing guidance and communications material and the ability to manage events and facilitate workshops.
• Familiarity with assurance processes, verification bodies, and sustainability standards, with the ability to guide members on compliance and best practices.
• Public Speaking Skills: Experience presenting to stakeholders and facilitating discussions.
• Education: Relevant degree within food systems and agriculture (preferred but not essential).

Why This Role?

You will be at the heart of efforts to transform global agriculture to be sustainable. You will have the opportunity to work with industry leaders, shaping the future of agricultural supply chains while helping farmers and companies adopt more sustainable practices. This role offers the potential for career growth, including the possibility of transitioning to a permanent position based on performance and business needs.

How to Apply

Acre is leading the search for this position. To apply, or for more information, contact Jesse Harford at jesse.harford@acre.com.