Global Head of Sustainable Agriculture Initiatives

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 4,200,000 - 6,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation package

Global remote work flexibility

Professional development budgets

Comprehensive health benefits

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Global Head of Sustainable Agriculture Initiatives to spearhead worldwide programs from a fully remote setting. You will shape strategy, drive impact across supply chains, and lead a diverse team of experts with global stakeholders.

Ideal candidates hold a Ph.D. or Master’s in a related field, 10–15 years in leadership roles, and a track record of scaling sustainability programs. Remote leadership and international collaboration are essential.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s in relevant field is required.
• 10–15 years leading sustainable agriculture or global development programs.
• Proven ability to design and scale large strategic initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develop a global strategy for sustainable agriculture initiatives.
• Lead design, implementation, and evaluation of programs with metrics.
• Build partnerships with international bodies, corporations, and governments.
• Oversee a distributed global team and budgets.
• Represent the organization at global forums and drive policy advocacy.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Program management

Budgeting

Global experience

Remote leadership

Education

Doctorate (Ph.D.) or Master's degree in Sustainable Agriculture, Environmental Science, International Development, Agribusiness, or a related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a visionary international organization at the forefront of promoting sustainable and ethical agricultural practices worldwide. We are seeking an exceptional and globally-minded leader to serve as our Global Head of Sustainable Agriculture Initiatives. This executive-level, fully remote position will spearhead the development, implementation, and scaling of innovative programs aimed at enhancing environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability across global agricultural supply chains. The Head of Sustainable Agriculture will work closely with diverse stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, corporations, and farming communities, to drive systemic change and foster a more resilient and equitable food system. This role requires a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of sustainable agriculture principles, global policy landscapes, and effective program management. The successful candidate will leverage cutting-edge research and best practices to design impactful initiatives that address critical challenges such as climate change adaptation, biodiversity loss, and food security. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of agriculture on a global scale, driving positive impact from a remote setting. The position is pivotal in setting our organization's strategic direction in sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive global strategy for sustainable agriculture initiatives.
• Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of innovative programs and projects focused on sustainability metrics.
• Build and manage strategic partnerships with international organizations, corporations, and governmental bodies.
• Provide thought leadership and represent the organization at global forums and conferences.
• Drive research and innovation in areas such as regenerative agriculture, precision farming, and supply chain transparency.
• Oversee a global team of program managers and subject matter experts.
• Develop and manage budgets for global sustainability programs.
• Ensure effective communication and reporting on program impact and outcomes.
• Advocate for policies that support sustainable agricultural development worldwide.
• Foster a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing across all regions.

Requirements

• Doctorate (Ph.D.) or Master's degree in Sustainable Agriculture, Environmental Science, International Development, Agribusiness, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive leadership experience in sustainable agriculture, global development, or corporate sustainability, with a significant portion in strategy and program management.
• Proven track record of designing and implementing large-scale, impactful sustainability initiatives globally.
• Deep expertise in key sustainable agriculture concepts (e.g., climate-smart agriculture, organic farming, biodiversity conservation, water stewardship).
• Exceptional strategic thinking, leadership, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage relationships with diverse senior-level stakeholders globally.
• Experience in managing complex budgets and international teams.
• Strong understanding of global agricultural markets, supply chains, and policy frameworks.
• Experience working remotely and managing distributed teams effectively.
• Commitment to driving measurable positive impact in agriculture.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation package, including a significant base salary, annual performance bonus, and long-term incentive awards.
• Comprehensive global health benefits, a generous retirement plan, and substantial professional development budgets are provided.
• This is a fully remote position, offering unparalleled flexibility and the opportunity to work from anywhere while leading critical global initiatives.
• The impact of this role is far-reaching, contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future for agriculture, touching regions including East London, Eastern Cape and beyond.