Project Expert – Cocoa Initiative

Job Description

POSITION Project Expert – Cocoa Initiative
ORGANIZATIONAL AREA International Programmes / Program Development and Management
PLACE OF WORK Rome, Italy with frequent travel to Cote d’Ivoire or the region
REFERS TO Value Chain Programme Lead
TYPE OF CONTRACT Co.Co.Co. (Contratto di Collaborazione Coordinata e Continuativa) 12 months
ANNUAL SALARY 32.000 – 35.000 €

JOB PURPOSE

The Project Expert – Cocoa Initiative will be a member of the Program Development and Management Team, working in alignment with SC Italy’s international programmes strategy on value chains as well as within the framework of the Initiative “Italian Vision for a Sustainable Cocoa Value Chain”, developed in partnership with Ferrero Group, the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT and MAECI. He/she will be part of the core operational team of the related “Cacao Connect Initiative”, having the role of ensuring that Save the Children’s expertise in child rights, social inclusion, and sustainable cocoa practices is fully embedded in the Initiative’s programming and engagement activities. Depending on the task, this role will lead, support and deliver activities to be performed to achieve the initiatives’ objectives, under the supervision of the SC Value Chain Programme Lead (VCPL) and with the support of SC Italy relevant teams. Furthermore, it may support the development of the materials, processes, and administrative and organisational tasks associated with SC Italy’s Value Chain work linked to Ferrero and AICS.

MAIN ACTIVITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordination within the Initiative
• As per Cocoa Initiative Governance, the Project Expert – Cocoa Initiative will guarantee coordination between the Initiative and SC Italy teams, in coordination with the Head of institutional and transformational partnerships
• In collaboration with the VCPL, the Project Expert – Cocoa Initiative represent SC in the governance bodies, technical meetings, and events/forum related to the Initiative.
• Project development
• In collaboration with the VCPL, ensure oversight of execution of the Initiative activities where Save the Children (consultations, assessment, feasibility assessment among others)
• Knowledge Integration & Technical Leadership
• Facilitate mobilitation of Save the Children’s technical expertise on child protection, community engagement, and inclusive value chains into the Initiative’s implementation.
• Supports coordination with other SC Ita functions related to Innovative Finance, Transformative Partnership, Corporate, advocacy and others as needed.
• Partnership & Resource Mobilization
• In collaboration with the VCPL, Support fundraising efforts and proposal development for joint interventions.
• In collaboration with the VCPL, contribute to the design of concept notes and project proposals to be submitted to the identified potential donors

• Admin support
• Provides material support to information sharing through note taking, production of materials for talking points, reports, and other admin tasks

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree in International Development, Agriculture, Social Sciences, or related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in project management, multi-stakeholder initiatives, or public–private partnerships.
• Proven track record in liaison/coordination roles, partnership development, and policy engagement.
• Knowledge of sustainability standards, and social/environmental compliance frameworks.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Fluency in both English and French, as well as Italian.

DESIDERABLE COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge of the cocoa sector (and/or other agricultural value chain)
• Experience in West and Central Africa.
• Knowledge/Experience of the private sector supply chain
• Deep understanding of child rights, gender equity, and inclusive value chain development.
• Ability to manage complex governance structures and deliver results under tight timelines.
• Familiarity with EU regulations (EUDR, CSDDD) and global cocoa sustainability initiatives

SOFT SKILLS

• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, with the ability to operate effectively in multi-stakeholder and cross-cultural environments.
• Excellent coordination and collaboration capabilities across internal teams and external partners.
• Solid organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver under tight deadlines.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to understand complex systems and translate them into actionable plans.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, both written and verbal, tailored to diverse audiences.
• High adaptability and resilience in dynamic and international contexts.

OTHER

• Commitment to the mission and principles of Save the Children.

SAFEGUARDING
Save the Children aims to be a safe organization for all beneficiaries—both minors and adults—reached through its programs. For this reason, it implements a safeguarding system to prevent any risk of abuse and exploitation.
Anyone collaborating with Save the Children in any capacity must demonstrate the highest standards of behavior, as outlined in our policies (https://www.savethechildren.it/policies).

PEOPLE AT THE CENTER
Working for a mission like Save the Children's is important.
We believe that an organization made up of people who feel well and are passionate about their work is an innovative, cohesive, agile, and efficient organization that can effectively pursue its goals. For this reason, we always strive to put our people at the center, preserve their well-being and motivation, and value their skills.