Job Description

About the Job

Are you purpose-led and ready to embark on a journey to shape the future of sustainable cotton? Join us at Better Cotton as Senior Programme Partnership Coordinator play a pivotal role in driving Better Cotton’s 2030 Strategy, ensuring measurable progress in sustainable farming practices for the world’s largest cotton sustainability initiative – we support more sustainable farming practices and farm livelihoods for nearly 3 million farmers in the Better Cotton network in 23 countries around the world. 

The Senior Programme Coordinator – Partnerships, will lead the partnership portfolio of country Programme, monitor and enhance capacity of Programme Partners to increase programmatic outreach, deliver field-level impact and contribute to the organizational mission of improving livelihoods in the country. This role strongly focuses on cotton sector mapping, partner engagement, support and monitoring, programme coordination, due diligence, and GIF cycle support and ownership of the capacity building and practice adoption datasets.  

The Challenge

Looking ahead to 2030, we are targeting reducing GHG emissions from cotton production by half, big cuts in synthetic pesticide use, improve soil health across our network, improve farm income and support women’s empowerment among farmers and farm workers.  

Better Cotton embraces Programme Coordinators and the overarching idea that it gives back, rather than takes from nature and society and in our approach, we emphasise the interrelation between nature and people. 

Areas that play to your strengths

The Senior Programme Coordinator will take leadership of the Partnerships stream within the Programmes team and be responsible for:?  

PARTNERSHIP ENGAGEMENT – IDENTIFICATION, ONBOARDING, ENGAGEMENT AND MONITORING 

• Identifying opportunities for new partnerships and funding that can support the scale and growth of the Better Cotton programme.? 

• Leading the full lifecycle of partnership development, from partners?identification and onboarding?to?ongoing engagement and conclusion (where necessary)?including but not limited to?initial expressions of interest?for partnerships, programme partner screening, endorsement visits and ensuring alignment with Better Cotton programme priorities at national and global level.??  

• Facilitating and provide oversight to both parties (third-party consultant and the prospective partners) during any due diligence assessment?- ensuring CAP follow-ups are conducted on a quarterly/bi-annual basis?? 

• Ensuring compliance with Better Cotton’s partner onboarding framework and risk mitigation protocols.? 

• Developing capacity-building plans for newly onboarded partners, in collaboration with CB, Impact streams within the Programme portfolio and SSI and?MEL teams externally.? 

• Implementing a systematic relationship management and monitoring approach to increase the quality of delivery through programme partners and conducting regular virtual and in-person meetings.? 

• Mapping and updating cotton landscape with the GIS and data teams and other stakeholders to identify potential expansion areas? 

• Testing and rolling out an effective partnership monitoring and evaluation criteria for all partners through various tools and IP managers for an objective scoring at the end of the season??? 

• Overseeing programme implementation with existing partners to ensure quality delivery in line with Better Cotton standards and KPIs.? 

• Conducting regular field visits and partner performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and innovation.? 

SUPPORT TO CAPACITY BUILDING WORKSTREAM 

• Co-Identifying the training needs of programme partners and provide capacity building support to ensure the continuous improvement according to Better Cotton Standard Systems (BCSS).???? 

• Facilitating the capacity building stream owners to deliver activities including the cascading model, master trainer program, PU Managers training and relevant follow-up activities jointly with programme partners.???? 

• Supporting the capacity building team in devising organisational development models for programme partners to strengthen their sustainable cotton farming practices and learning methodologies.???? 

• Supporting execution of knowledge exchange networks including BKN, Research Group and Newsletter via creating online/face-to-face formats on key sustainability issues to facilitate programme partners.???? 

LINE MANAGEMENT & WORKPLAN DELIVERY 

• Providing oversight to the partnerships workstream team members within the Programmes function?? 

• Supporting Programme Manager in ensuring alignment of team objectives with organisational priorities to directly contribute to Better Cotton’s strategic goals.?? 

• Monitoring the progress of the team’s workplan and ensure all planned milestones are achieved as per plan with efficient budget utilization.??  

SUPPORT TO IMPACT/THEMATIC AREAS 

• Building and demonstrating expertise of at least one impact area/principle and developing guidelines/knowledge outputs for field level delivery and enabling accurate monitoring and reporting or progress along with impact targets?? 

DATA, COMMUNICATIONS, CONMPLAINTS 

• Data: Providing inputs to develop and rollout practice adoption and capacity building modules in collaboration with digitalization and global MEL teams, reviewing data dashboards to track partner performance 

• Work planning and strategy setting: Co-developing workplan for new year to ensure smooth transition and achievement of country and organizational?targets?? 

Line Management Responsibilities 

Better Cotton Line Management Responsibilities:?? 

• Lead, coach, and develop direct reports to ensure high performance and engagement.?? 

• Work collaboratively with staff to define and agree on objectives, ensuring they are meaningful, achievable, and aligned with Better Cotton’s goals.?? 

• Regularly review progress on objectives, providing feedback and ensuring adjustment as necessary.??? 

• Support staff development, ensuring opportunities for growth and training.?? 

• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback. Performance reviews should focus on achievements, challenges, and professional growth opportunities.?? 

• Foster a culture of inclusion, accountability, and collaboration within the team.?? 

External relationships and BCI representation:?? 

• Explore, cultivate and maintain strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including programme and knowledge partners, government bodies, strategic partners, donors, and industry/value chain partners.?? 

• Represent Better Cotton at external events, forums, and conferences, ensuring that the organization's vision, mission, and outcomes are effectively communicated.? 

We are looking for someone who has the following skills, knowledge, and experience: 

Essential 

• Master's degree in development/agronomy/economics or equivalent experience.?? 

• 8+ years of experience in programme design/delivery and MEL.?? 

• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Uses analytics to optimise workflows and improve efficiency.?? 

• Process Improvement: Identifies gaps and implements solutions that enhance performance.?? 

• Coordination & Coaching: Develops talent and builds morale for a high-performing teams.?? 

• Partnership monitoring and evaluation, strong understanding and experience with theory of change?? 

• Training design and delivery for diverse stakeholders?? 

• Excellent computer and IT skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook.?? 

• Fluency in English and Urdu required.?? 

• Punjabi/Saraiki/Sindhi/Baloch preferred for working with field staff and farmers in remote districts.?? 

What we offer

• Competitive salary 

• Hybrid working – Two to three days/week in the office 

• The opportunity to work from anywhere in the world for up to one month per year 

• Flexible working, with core hours from 10 am to 4 pm local time 

• Continuous learning and development 

• 25 days paid annual leave, plus 9 Bank Holidays  

• Enhanced parental benefits 

• A warm, positive working environment where everyone is valued 

• The opportunity to make your mark and make a difference. 

Working arrangements

The position is full-time (40 hours per week) and will be based in Lahore. Better Cotton offers flexible working, with core hours being 10 am – 4 pm Frequent travel to cotton-growing regions will be required. Some international travel may be required.? 

Apply now

Send us your CV (2 pages maximum) and a brief cover letter (1-page maximum) by or before 25.05.2025 via this link. https://ats.rippling.com/en-GB/better-cotton-careers/jobs/7b6c1a73-4abd-4449-a891-aae1c8cbad00

In your cover letter, please include an explanation of why your experience is specifically relevant to this role at Better Cotton. We want to see your personal style – what makes you tick and why you think your next opportunity is here with us.

Our hiring process

Initial Screening:

Applicant screening is a crucial step in our recruitment process. This stage may involve a brief phone interview or video call to evaluate your suitability for the position. During this screening, we review resumes and cover letters, and may conduct initial background checks to narrow down the pool of applicant. Internal candidates are encouraged to inform their line manager about their application to promote transparency and help facilitate a smooth transition if selected.

Interviews:

If you successfully pass the initial screening, you will be invited for interviews. The interview process at Better Cotton may include one or more rounds of interviews with various stakeholders, such as the hiring manager, team members, and potentially senior management. As an internal candidate, you may have discussions regarding your current responsibilities and how they will transition to the new position.

Assessment and Testing: 

Depending on the role, you might be required to complete assessments, technical tests, or skills evaluations to gauge your competency and suitability for the position. Internal candidates may have the option to demonstrate their existing skills through current job performance or past project outcomes.

Reference Checks: 

Once you progress further in the process, reference checks are conducted to validate your work history, skills, and qualifications, and for some roles, your education and criminal history. Internal candidates may be asked for references from current or previous supervisors within Better Cotton to provide insights into their performance and capabilities.

Offer stage:

After completing interviews, assessments, and reference checks, the hiring team evaluates your performance and fit for the role. If you are selected and your references are relevant and satisfactory, you will receive a formal job offer letter outlining the terms of employment, compensation, benefits, and any other relevant details. For internal candidates, the offer process may include a discussion about how your transition to the new role will be managed and any support needed for a smooth handover.

About Better Cotton

Better Cotton is a?global not-for-profit organisation?supporting the?production of more?equitable?and?sustainable cotton at farm?level. We exist to catalyse the cotton farming community?with?partners,?governments and others to continuously drive positive impact by setting standards and facilitating the supply and demand of more sustainable cotton from farm to?brand. In just 15 years we have aligned more than a fifth of the world’s cotton with our standard and helped farmers and farming communities thrive. Join us in building a better, more sustainable future for cotton worldwide.

About our Values

The post holder will be expected to operate in line with our workplace values which are:  

• Trustworthy (including honest, transparent, credible) 


• As having Integrity (including responsible, authentic) 


• Positive (including problem-solving, pragmatic) 


• Engaging (including adaptable, inclusive, holistic) 


• Daring (including courageous, innovative, game-changing)  

Being you @ Better Cotton

Better Cotton is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to good practice and transparency in the management of natural, human, and financial resources.

We have a zero-tolerance approach to any attitudes or behaviours that put children or adults at risk of harm. Safeguarding incidents are acts of serious misconduct and are grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including, dismissal and referral to relevant authorities for criminal prosecution. Therefore, all offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks.