Sustainability Officer - Agriculture

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 360,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedule

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Sustainability Officer to drive and monitor ESG initiatives across a remote agricultural cooperative in South Africa. You will develop strategies, set targets, and report on environmental, social, and governance performance, collaborating with farmers and stakeholders to embed sustainability across operations.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in sustainability with experience in agriculture, data analysis, and reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Agriculture, Agronomy, or related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in sustainability management.
• Knowledge of sustainability principles, frameworks (e.g., GRI), and ESG reporting.
• Strong analytical, research, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to work independently in a remote team environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sustainability strategies and action plans for the cooperative.
• Monitor, measure, and report on KPIs related to environmental impact, resource management, and social responsibility.
• Promote sustainable farming practices, such as water conservation and soil health management.
• Engage with member farms, guiding sustainability initiatives and compliance.
• Prepare sustainability reports for stakeholders and regulatory bodies.
• Facilitate training and awareness programs on sustainability.

Skills

Sustainability management

Data analysis

Report writing

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading agricultural cooperative dedicated to environmentally responsible farming practices, is seeking a Sustainability Officer to join their fully remote team. This role is pivotal in driving the implementation and monitoring of sustainability initiatives across the cooperative's member farms. You will be responsible for developing strategies, setting targets, and reporting on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance within the agricultural sector. This is a unique opportunity for a passionate professional to influence positive change and promote best practices in sustainable agriculture from anywhere in South Africa. The successful candidate will work closely with farmers, stakeholders, and internal teams to integrate sustainability into all aspects of the cooperative's operations. We are looking for a proactive individual with a strong understanding of sustainability principles and a passion for agricultural innovation.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement comprehensive sustainability strategies and action plans for the agricultural cooperative. Monitor, measure, and report on key sustainability performance indicators (KPIs) related to environmental impact, resource management, and social responsibility. Conduct environmental impact assessments and identify opportunities for improvement. Promote the adoption of sustainable farming practices, such as water conservation, soil health management, biodiversity enhancement, and reduced chemical use. Engage with member farms, providing guidance and support on sustainability initiatives and compliance. Stay abreast of relevant sustainability regulations, certifications, and industry best practices. Prepare sustainability reports for internal stakeholders, external partners, and regulatory bodies. Facilitate training and awareness programs on sustainability for cooperative members and staff. Collaborate with research institutions and industry bodies to advance sustainable agriculture. Contribute to the development of the cooperative's long-term vision for environmental stewardship.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Agriculture, Agronomy, or a related field. Minimum of 4 years of experience in sustainability management, environmental management, or a related role, preferably within the agricultural sector. Demonstrated knowledge of sustainability principles, frameworks (e.g., GRI), and ESG reporting. Understanding of sustainable agricultural practices and their challenges. Strong analytical, research, and report-writing skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders effectively. Proficiency in data analysis and performance monitoring. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote team environment. Proactive approach to problem-solving and driving initiatives. Passion for environmental protection and sustainable development in agriculture.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and performance-based bonuses. As a remote-first organization, you will enjoy a flexible work schedule and the convenience of working from home. Professional development opportunities, including access to relevant training, workshops, and conferences, are provided. You will be part of a supportive and forward-thinking team committed to making a real difference in sustainable agriculture. This role offers significant autonomy and the chance to shape the future of responsible farming practices within the cooperative.