Programme Officer Textiles Sustainability

Job Description – Centre for Social Markets- Programme Officer Sustainable Textiles Value chains

1.

Introduction:

Centre for Social Markets’ (CSM) is a non-profit organisation working to create more environmentally, socially and economically sustainable societies. It’s main areas of focus include promoting sustainable agriculture, Climate Action and Responsible Business practices. As a part of its programmes CSM’s Fairtrade India project has been involved in promoting sustainable and Fairtrade Certified business practices across India and has been promoting sustainability in food and fashion production and consumption.Fashion and the textiles sector is termed as one of the most polluting industries in the world contributing to high pollution, waste and excessive use of natural resources. In recent years CSM has been increasing its work in promoting Sustainable Fashion and textiles. To this end, CSM is looking to undertake a series of programmes to promote Environmental Sustainability in Fashion & Textiles eco-system in India.For more information please visit: Summary

As a part of the core CSM team, the Programme Officer will be involved in the execution of key programmes for promoting the understanding and adoption of sustainable environmental and social practices across the textiles value chain from ginning to garmenting, particularly the MSMEs in South India. The role will involve providing direct support to the businesses to enable smoother and faster adoption of sustainable practices and to support the development of digital platforms which help with the knowledge sharing and solution discovery.Specific roles and responsibilities:

a.

Programme Delivery and Implementation:

The role will involve supporting the programme delivery and implementation related to building awareness and enabling adoption of sustainability practices especially among the MSMEs in the textiles value chains. Specifically, the role will involve:·

Support implementation of the awareness and engagement programmes.·

Support organisation of events, webinars, conferences, meetings and other engagement activities with the stakeholders for better adoption of sustainability practices·

Support and co-ordinate audits and implementation of training activities, facilitate the adoption and assist in resolving challenges related to adoption of sustainability solution and practices by businesses in the textiles value chain.·

Facilitate linkages of- solution providers, green finance providers- with the textiles businesses across the value chain and visa-versa.·

Undertake online and offline communications, newsletter development and dissemination and other communications activities related to the programme implementation.·

Undertake direct follow ups with attendees of workshops, conferences and seminars to evaluate their interest in sustainability and willingness to take up Fairtrade certification. Resolve any knowledge or information gaps to help build the business case for adoption of Fairtrade Standards and sustainability practices.

b.

Developing & Supporting the Sustainability Solutions network for the Textiles sector

: The role would involve developing and growing the network of solution providers, green finance providers, other facilitators and extensively support the MSMEs in textiles industry interested in promoting the adoption of greater sustainability in the textiles sector. Specifically the role will involve:·

Through research, networking activities and other means identify and connect with sustainability solution providers relevant for the textiles sector.·

Through various awareness and engagement activities create a network of MSMEs in the textiles sector who may be interested in the adoption of sustainability solutions.·

Onboard the network of MSMEs and Solution providers to the programme platform.·

Facilitate the cross-connections between the solution providers, finance providers and textiles sector businesses.·

Provide comprehensive support and guidance to the MSMEs, ensuring that each inquiry is addressed effectively. This includes identifying and connecting MSMEs with the appropriate resources or experts who can help them tackle their sustainability challenges. Ultimately, this position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a deep understanding of sustainability practices to support the MSME sector.

c.

Software development and management:

Work with vendors to develop a digital platform of solution providers, finance providers and other facilitators relevant for adoption of sustainability solutions in the textiles industry. The role will involve:·

Co-ordinate and manage the software vendors for developing a digital platform. From capturing the user requirements to testing and populating the data on the platform.·

Support MSMEs and Solution providers to enroll on and use the digital platform.·

Seed the digital platforms with content, network members from buy and sell side.·

Undertake the management, administration and maintenance of the digital platform.·

Generate reports on the platform for various users and management

d.

Programme Monitoring & Reporting:

The role will need to monitor and manage the progress on the programme implementation as well as report periodically to the senior management. Specifically, this will involve:·

Update the reporting indicators and reporting framework and templates for different stakeholder information requirements.·

Gather relevant data points and information for programme reporting.·

Provide monthly reports on the progress of the different aspects of the programme implementation and regularly maintain the programme log-frame.

3.

Skills and Experience requireda.

Minimum 2-4 years of experience in implementing sustainability solutions, and ensuring compliance with sustainability standards.b.

Thorough Knowledge of the textile supply chain and the production processes.c.

Should have had previous experience of sustainability practices with a specific focus on the environmental sustainability requirements across the textiles supply chain. Should have in depth knowledge about environmental impact of production practices in Textile mills, dyeing and printing units, fabric mills, CMTs and Spinning units.d.

Should have prior experience having conducted social and/or environmental compliance trainings in and audits specific to textile supply-chains. An auditor/trainer of sustainability standards and practices. Most preferable if experience is in conducting environmental indicators audits.e.

Exhibit’s ability to multitask on a regular basisf.

Should have prior experience of capturing user requirements and working with software development teams. Must be able to convey business requirements to software development teams.g.

Proficient in the use of Microsoft programs – word, excel and power pointh.

Excellent Communication skills in at least two of the following languages English, Tamil and Hindii.

Documentation and Reporting to be excellentj.

Should be atleast a Graduate in Textile or Environmental Science/Engineering.k.

A team player and flexible to undertake any task to achieve team objective.

4.

Application ProcessInterested applicants should apply online by emailing

and

, with the following :a.

A short letter of interest detailing how you fulfil the qualifications of the roleb.

A detailed resume with all the relevant experience highlightedc.

Applications to be submitted by 15th July 2024

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