VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
JOB TITLE: SR. MANAGER/MANAGER-SUSTAINABLE COTTON PROGRAMMES
ABOUT THE ORGANISATION:
Aga Khan Rural Support Programme India (AKRSP India) is a non-denominational, non-political, non-government organization. AKRSP India was established in 1983 and it seeks to contribute to rural poverty reduction through community involvement and empowerment that leads to efficient management and an improved environment.
JOB LOCATION: Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Reporting Line: Director-Programmes
No of position : 1
Position brief
The Senior Manager / Manager - Sustainable Cotton Programmes will provide strategic, technical, and managerial leadership for large-scale sustainable cotton initiatives. The role demands deep expertise in cotton agronomy, agroecology, sustainability standards, certification systems, traceability, market engagement, and multi stakeholder coordination.
The position will ensure high-quality programme delivery aligned with international sustainability standards such as Better Cotton Initiative, Organic Cotton standards, and Regenerative Cotton frameworks, while strengthening farmer livelihoods, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion.
The level (Manager or Senior Manager) will be determined based on the candidate’s experience, strategic exposure, and leadership capacity.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Technical leadership in cotton agronomy
- Provide sound and updated technical expertise on agronomical practices applicable to cotton crops including:
- Soil fertility management
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
- Water stewardship
- Climate-resilient farming practices
- Nutrient management and crop planning
- Promote agroecological practices applicable in cotton landscapes.
- Introduce innovative and regenerative approaches to enhance soil health, biodiversity, and productivity.
- Provide technical troubleshooting support to field teams.
2. Sustainable cotton program implementation
- Lead implementation of all types of sustainable cotton programs including:
- Better Cotton Initiative
- Organic Cotton standards
- Regenerative Cotton programs
- Ensure programme alignment with global sustainability benchmarks and evolving market expectations.
- Integrate climate, biodiversity, and carbon considerations into cotton programming.
3. Certification & compliance management
- Demonstrate practical knowledge of certification systems including:
- Organic certification systems
- Regenerative certification frameworks
- Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS)
- Establish and oversee Internal Control Systems (ICS).
- Coordinate audits and ensure compliance readiness.
- Maintain documentation and traceability compliance across the value chain.
4. Training, capacity building & knowledge development
- Conceptualise and develop training curricula, technical manuals, and field guides on agroecological cotton practices.
- Prepare structured training materials for different stakeholder groups.
- Conduct Training of Trainers (ToT) for field teams and partners.
- Build capacities of farmer groups, producer collectives, and grassroots institutions.
- Promote continuous learning within programme teams.
5. Monitoring, evaluation & traceability
- Establish strong data collection systems applicable for cotton crops.
- Develop and oversee Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) frameworks including:
- Yield tracking
- Adoption rates of sustainable practices
- Environmental and social indicators
- Ensure robust traceability systems from farm to ginnery/trader level.
- Analyse data for reporting, donor communication, and strategic planning.
- Strengthen digital data systems where applicable.
6. Market & value chain engagement
- Demonstrate knowledge of sustainable cotton markets and evolving brand requirements.
- Engage textile brands, sustainability platforms, and corporate buyers.
- Work closely with cotton value chain players including ginners, traders, and mills.
- Support development of responsible sourcing partnerships.
- Contribute to positioning the programme within global sustainable cotton markets.
7. Stakeholder management & partnerships
Effectively engage diverse stakeholders including:
- Funding agencies and CSR partners
- Textile brands
- Government agencies
- Certification bodies
- Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
- Represent the organisation in national and international platforms.
- Build strategic partnerships for programme scaling and resource mobilisation.
8. Social & environmental safeguards
Demonstrate sound knowledge of:
- Issues faced by cotton farm workers
- Gender equity and inclusion concerns
- Environmental risks in cotton production systems
- Integrate gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches in programme design.
- Promote safe working conditions and ethical labour practices.
- Ensure environmental compliance and climate-sensitive programming.
9. Programme management & grant oversight
Lead large-scale cotton programmes ensuring:
- Timely delivery of activities
- Achievement of programme milestones
- High-quality reporting to donors and partners
- Prepare annual work plans and implementation schedules.
- Oversee grant management and compliance.
- Ensure alignment between technical and financial progress.
10. Planning, budgeting & reporting
- Lead programme planning processes.
- Develop detailed programme budgets and monitor expenditure.
- Ensure cost-effectiveness and financial accountability.
- Prepare donor reports (technical and financial narratives).
- Provide regular updates to senior management and governing bodies.
QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Master’s degree in Agriculture (Agronomy / Soil Science / Agricultural Extension) or related discipline.
- 8–12 years (Senior Manager) or 5–8 years (Manager) of relevant experience in sustainable cotton programming.
- Hands on experience with Better Cotton Initiative, Organic, and Regenerative cotton initiatives.
- Experience in certification systems including Organic, Regenerative, and PGS.
- Strong knowledge of M&E systems and digital traceability platforms.
- Experience engaging with textile brands and sustainability focused markets.
- Prior experience managing donor-funded projects preferred.
CORE TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES
- Advanced cotton agronomy expertise
- Knowledge of sustainable cotton certification systems
- Strong M&E and traceability systems understanding
- Programme planning, budgeting, and financial management
- Market and value chain engagement
- Stakeholder coordination and partnership management
BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCY
1. Strategic thinking
- Ability to connect field-level implementation with long-term sustainability goals.
- Demonstrates systems thinking across the cotton value chain.
2. Leadership & team development
- Inspires and mentors multidisciplinary teams.
- Delegates effectively while maintaining accountability.
- Builds a culture of continuous learning and collaboration.
3. Stakeholder sensitivity
- Engages respectfully with farmers, brands, donors, and government officials.
- Navigates complex stakeholder dynamics with maturity and tact.
4. Results orientation
- Demonstrates strong ownership for programme outcomes.
- Ensures timely delivery of activities and reporting commitments.
5. Analytical & data-driven decision making
- Uses data and evidence to guide programme adjustments.
- Interprets technical and market data effectively.
6. Communication excellence
- Articulates complex technical concepts in simple language for diverse audiences.
- Strong report writing and presentation skills.
7. Integrity & compliance orientation
- Upholds ethical standards in certification, traceability, and reporting.
- Demonstrates transparency and accountability.
8. Adaptability & field orientation
- Comfortable working in rural and field settings.
- Adapts to changing donor priorities and market conditions.
9. Gender & social inclusion sensitivity
- Demonstrates awareness of gender and labour issues in cotton systems.
- Promotes inclusive participation in programme activities.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
The role requires extensive travel to project locations in rural areas.
KEY BENEFITS:
- Opportunity to work with a renowned NGO.
- On-site and off-site training opportunities.
- 5-day work week.
- Comprehensive medical insurance for employee, spouse, and children.
- Maternity and paternity leave as per organizational policy.
- 15 General Leaves and 16.5 earned leaves annually (earned leaves can be encashed if not utilized).
- 10 declared public holidays and 3 optional holidays.
- Annual break for 5 days every year.
Please note that we will begin the search immediately, and if a suitable candidate is found, we will close the application process!
We strongly encourage women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and specially abled candidates to apply.