Program Director DACH & Benelux

Are you passionate about solving the overfishing crises and co-ordinating an organisation towards that goal?

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The Marine Stewardship Council is looking for an enthusiastic and driven Program Director to lead the Benelux and DACH country teams, which sit within MSC's larger North Europe region. The MSC's vision is for the world's oceans to be teeming with life, and seafood supplies safeguarded for this and future generations.

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The postholder will be responsible for delivering an ambitious program of work by directing and leading two busy and dynamic teams bringing greater cohesion and alignment across the regions.

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Reporting into the Regional Director, North Europe, the post holder will be part of a senior team working towards MSC's vision to end overfishing using the power of markets and fisheries to drive change on the water. The countries within the postholder's portfolio include Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.

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Key Responsibilities:

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• In line with the MSC's Integrated Strategic Plan (ISP), develop and deliver key operational targets for the MSC in DACH and Benelux to promote the role, credibility, and value of the MSC's fishery certification system to DACH and Benelux stakeholders and partners

• Lead, motivate and manage two culturally diverse teams, ensuring both teams have the appropriate structure and resourcing to deliver against each High Level Country Plan (HLCP). Ensure the teams also work effectively and efficiently on projects, prioritising work appropriately and escalating issues, as required

• Work with MSC's senior teams, as required, in the delivery of MSC's program

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Work strategically across two key markets for the MSC, ensuring effective:

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• Uptake and retention of the MSC program in the fishery sector

• Promotion of the MSC logo/brand and uptake of the program by commercial stakeholders across the seafood supply chain in DACH and Benelux

• Promotion of the MSC program, its credibility and relevance for NGO, government actors and research organisations

• Develop annual work plans in accordance with the ISP; managing DACH and Benelux team capacity and financial resources accordingly and reporting on progress against agreed work plans

• Contribute to policy development and the strategic direction of the MSC organisation and report regularly to the Regional Director, North Europe

• Collaborate with other teams and senior managers as required to ensure a high level of knowledge on MSC's Fisheries and Chain of Custody Standards.

• Manage team and project budgets and expenditure, in line with financial

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Key Requirements:

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• Exceptionally strong leadership and management skills to empower and galvanise teams into action; this is considered key to maximizing results and achieving targets

• Excellent knowledge of sustainable development and resource sustainability issues with knowledge of the EU, DACH and Benelux seafood, or wider food sector market, fisheries management, accreditation systems and/or ecolabels

• Vision, creativity and strategic awareness to enable the successful delivery and evolution of the MSC program in DACH and Benelux

• Proven experience and ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders and partners, which will strengthen their understanding of, and engagement with, the MSC program

• Fluent English and German. (Dutch is an added benefit)

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If this role speaks to you, please apply directly or contact Aysen Naylor at aysen.naylor@acre.com for more information.