Country Sustainability Manager

The Country Sustainability Manager will lead the development and implementation of sustainability initiatives across LDC operations in Uganda. Whilst initially the focus of this role is on the sustainability initiatives within the Coffee operations, the scope of the role will gradually expand to include carbon offsetting activities as well as sustainability pilot initiatives in other crops (e.g. maize and pulses). This role involves strategic oversight of Uganda sustainability initiatives in alignment with LDC´s global sustainability strategy. In this position, the incumbent is responsible for leading the team, managing budgets, and engaging with donors and clients, as well as overseeing and project management of implementing partners in the country. 

• Define the Responsible Sourcing Strategy for the country based on LDC’s Coffee Responsible Sourcing approach, the business strategy, and the local context.

• Lead the delivery of LDC’s Responsible Sourcing Program, including targets, budgets, and workplans.

• The Responsible Sourcing Program includes the development of certified and/or verified supply chains under third-party programs and/or LDC RSP, and supply chains free of deforestation and compliant with human rights due diligence regulations.

• Manage the implementation and track progress of LDC’s Responsible Sourcing Program in coordination with local suppliers, their field teams, external partners, and the LDC commercial team.

• Proactively analyze, identify, and ensure appropriate follow-up actions on compliance issues.

• Monitor the roll-out of the LDC Suppliers Code of Conduct, providing adequate support to the procurement team to promote it with LDC’s suppliers.

• Supervise the yearly implementation of the Supplier Mapping by the procurement team to identify LDC’s main sourcing risks related to Deforestation and Human Rights.

• Facilitate the development of a supplier engagement program by organizing training for suppliers related to LDC’s Suppliers Code of Conduct.

• Report regularly to the Regional Sustainability Manager and Country Head about the strategy’s implementation, including coffee volumes and costs versus established targets and budgets.

• Coordinate plans and activities with other key departments to ensure the Responsible Sourcing Strategy is well-known and implemented at each level of LDC’s operations.

• Build the capacity of LDC Coffee employees on LDC’s Responsible Sourcing Program and third-party standards to ensure compliance and successful audits.

• Coffee - Stronger Coffee Initiative (SCI):In coordination with the Regional Sustainability Manager and SCI Global Manager, define the implementation strategy for the Stronger Coffee Initiatives in the country.

• Identify how to maximize SCI investments within existing and/or new supply chains covered by LDC’s Responsible Sourcing Program.

• Supervise the delivery of targets, work plans, and budgets linked to the development of SCI within the country.

• Oversee project implementation, ensuring quality, timeliness, and budget compliance.

• Manage relationships with implementing partners, suppliers, and internal teams.

• Establish and follow best practices in project monitoring and analysis.

• Lead and develop LDC Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning approach.

• Identify relevant local and international stakeholders to engage in the program financing, expansion, and development.

• Actively engage in identifying new funding opportunities and support the Global SCI Manager in securing these opportunities.

• Represent the organization externally, raising visibility of sustainability efforts.

• Carbon off-setting projects and other crops:

• Oversee project implementation, ensuring quality, timeliness, and budget compliance.

• Work closely with the Carbon team as required and lead on all partner engagement and oversight activities.

• Stay updated on trends in voluntary carbon markets, helping LDC navigate changes and adopt new technologies and methodologies.

• Liaise with the various stakeholders of the Coffee Platform to generate commercial benefit from the sustainability activities.

• Communicate with the Sustainability team across the countries/regions, the country managers, the lead buyers, and the lead sellers.

• Represent LDC in fairs and exhibitions to bring visibility to our sustainability programs.

• Liaise with third-party stakeholders including foundations, governmental organizations, and commercial certification agencies.

• Produce engaging material to help promote the program to new and existing clients and donors, and to strengthen internal engagement.

• Build and manage high-performing, diverse teams.

• Foster a culture of feedback, collaboration, and accountability.

• Support staff development and succession planning.

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in a field such as Agronomy, Economics, International Development, or Environmental Science.

• 5-8 years’ experience related to country and community level programs with a focus on sustainability and liaising with customers on budgets and proposals.

• Proven leadership in managing country-level operations and donor relations.

• Strong understanding of smallholder agriculture, responsible sourcing, certification schemes, and MRV.

• Excellent communication skills in English and Kiswahili.

• Strategic thinker and systems-oriented leader.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to navigate multicultural environments and build inclusive teams.

• Passion for sustainable agriculture and rural transformation.

• Ability to deliver results in a clear, organized and methodical manner.

• Attentive to cultural diversity and good rural community living knowledge.

• Ability to work independently and proactively.

• Enjoy spending time in the field with farmers.

• Experience in the coffee sector.

• Commercial experience in agriculture and private sector engagement.

• Technical background: experience in using remote-sensing and GIS tools.

• Expertise in forestry, agroforestry, and managing carbon offset projects from nature-based solutions.

• Carbon standards knowledge: familiarity with carbon standards and their methodologies.

• LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards, with diversity and inclusion being part of our DNA.

• LDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion.

• LDC encourages diversity, supports local communities and environmental initiatives.

• We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

• Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company.

• We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders.