Manager: Sustainability Programmes

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

Main Purpose Of The Job

To support the operationalisation of the Sustainability Framework through the coordination and delivery of targeted sustainability programmes, products and services, internal capability building, and strategic stakeholder engagement. The role is responsible for translating the sustainability framework into action, embedding sustainability across the organisation, and strengthening the organisation’s external credibility and partnerships. This includes leading internal engagement platforms, facilitating awareness and training initiatives, and supporting the participation in national and international sustainability forums. The role requires strong relationship-building, project coordination, and communication capabilities to influence change within a growing and evolving sustainability function.

Key Performance Areas

1. Sustainability Programme Management And Implementation

• Coordinate and monitor cross-departmental sustainability projects and ensure alignment with the scorecard targets.
• Provide input into quarterly submissions to ExCo and Board, as required.
• Track implementation risks, recommend solutions, and ensure feedback loops are embedded in all programme cycles.

2. Implementation Of Sustainability Framework

• Translate the approved Sustainability Strategy into an annual implementation plan, prioritising initiatives as well as products and services with measurable impact.
• Design and facilitate internal sustainability committees, working groups, and staff engagement forums.

3. Stakeholder Engagement And Tracking

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with public, private, and civil society actors to drive sustainability initiatives.
• Design and implement a strategic stakeholder engagement plan aligned to the organisation’s sustainability goals and framework.
• Support the organisation's participation in key national and global sustainability platforms and forums (e.g. PRB, UNEP-FI, Just Transition forums).
• Collaborate with Communications to position the organisation as a credible and responsible sustainability actor by contributing to joint statements, industry consultations, and sector reports.
• Establish, nurture, and manage relationships with key sustainability actors to foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and funding opportunities.
• Lead and coordinate the planning, content development, and delivery of the hosted sustainability events and campaigns.
• Support the development and tracking of partnership agreements, MOUs, and co-investment proposals aligned with the organisation’s sustainability objectives.

4. Internal Capacity Building And Awareness

• Design a structured plan that aligns learning priorities with the Sustainability Strategy, incorporating key themes such as climate risk, just transition, ESG integration, and SDGs.
• Facilitate regular sessions for staff across functions and levels, using tailored content and formats (e.g. in-person, virtual, self-paced) to embed core sustainability principles and expectations.
• Develop toolkits, guides, explainer documents, and an internal sustainability resource hub (e.g. intranet space) to support ongoing learning and awareness.
• Establish and coordinate internal working groups, communities of practice, or knowledge exchanges to encourage peer learning and application of sustainability practices across business units.
• Track participation, gather staff feedback, and assess learning effectiveness to iteratively improve the relevance and impact of training and awareness efforts.
• Facilitate internal sustainability awareness and training programmes to strengthen organisational capability.

Preferred Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Public Policy, Business Administration, Agriculture, or a related field.
• 5 years’ experience in sustainability, development, or related programme implementation roles, preferably within the financial services, agriculture, or development sectors.
• 3 – 5 years’ demonstrated experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder sustainability initiatives, partnerships, or cross-functional projects.
• 3 – 5 years’ proven track record in facilitating internal awareness, learning programmes, or change management initiatives related to ESG, SDGs, or sustainability strategy.
• 3 – 5 years’ Strong exposure to sustainability-related reporting, communications, or strategic planning.

Critical Competencies

• Advanced Microsoft Office
• Problem Solving
• Business Acumen
• Stakeholder Management
• Organisation and Planning
• Reporting
• Excellent Written & Verbal Communication

Additional Requirements

• Knowledge/Experience of Business Environment