Sustainability Lead

Are you an experienced sustainability professional ready to make your mark in the flower industry? Acre has partnered with Afriflora, one of the world's largest rose growers, to seek a Sustainability Leader who will spearhead the development and execution of a comprehensive sustainability strategy spanning Europe and Africa.

Afriflora is renowned for cultivating carbon-neutral roses with a significant social footprint. Their operations in Ethiopia support over 13,000 households and provide education opportunities to more than 7,500 children.

In this pivotal role, you will join Afriflora at the onset of its sustainability journey, shaping processes related to circularity and climate. Your responsibilities will involve both internal and external engagement, as well as international travel.

What will you be doing in this role?

• Develop a comprehensive framework for integrated reporting aligned with ESRS and CSRD criteria, overseeing internal audits.

• Establish and maintain policies and records for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and carbon footprinting.

• Collaborate closely with the CSR Manager to craft a sustainability strategy that enhances Afriflora's positive environmental and societal impact.

• Engage with relevant stakeholders to drive transformative change and ensure sustainability permeates the entire value chain in terms of climate and circularity.

• Stay abreast of legislation, scientific advancements, and market developments to provide guidance to management and educate the organization, aligning with the sustainability strategy.

• Participate in external sustainability platforms and forums and create a sustainability network to stay informed and scout innovative solutions to address Afriflora's sustainability challenges.

• Lead pioneering projects and initiatives in collaboration with partners, customers, and suppliers.

• Travel to Ethiopia on a quarterly basis.

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Who are you, and what do you bring?

We know skills and competencies show up in many ways and can be based on your life experience. If you do not meet all the requirements listed, we still encourage you to speak to us about this opportunity.

• Proven sustainability expertise in climate, circularity, and biodiversity matters across the agrifood value chain, including familiarity with sustainability demands from wholesale retailers.

• Experience in developing and maintaining a sustainability reporting strategy, along with knowledge of various frameworks and methodologies (e.g., CSRD, ESRS, GHG, LCA, PEFCR).

• A pioneering mindset, eager to build something new, and unafraid to be hands-on.

• Ability to establish successful work relationships across diverse countries and cultures; prior experience in the African continent is advantageous.

• Master's degree in a relevant field, such as sustainability or environmental studies.

• Fluent in English and Dutch; any other language is a plus.

• Being based in Amsterdam or open to relocation.

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Acre is supporting Afriflora in the hiring process for this position. If you would like to discuss this opportunity further, please get in touch with Jacopo Cesari at jacopo.cesari@acre.com.

When contacting us, please mention the job title of the ad you applied for and attach an English CV or a link to your LinkedIn profile page.

Please note that only applications directly through our website/LinkedIn will be considered.