Readvertisement : Senior Programme Officer – Climate Change and Natural Resource Management

Starting Date : ASAP

Contract type : Permanent, Full-time

Salary : INR 16,97,470 per annum (Commensurate with relevant experience and skills)

Location : New Delhi, India (Hybrid model is possible for competent candidates)

Application closing date : 31st July 2025 (We will be reviewing the applications on a rolling basis and candidates are encouraged to apply early)

Please note that we are re-advertising this role; candidates who have applied earlier do not need to reapply.

About the Job

We are looking for a Senior Programme Officer to join the India Programme team and support us in advancing our work on climate action. A significant focus of this role will involve working closely with our programme partners to support them in - a) the implementation of impact credit projects and b) capacity strengthening to equip them with the knowledge and tools to integrate and execute climate strategies that align with Better Cotton's strategic goals.

Are you purpose-led and ready to embark on a journey to shape the future of sustainable cotton? Join us at Better Cotton as Senior Programme Officer and lead a global team responsible for delivering high impact communications for the world's largest cotton sustainability initiative – we support more sustainable farming practices and farm livelihoods for nearly 3 million farmers in the Better Cotton network in 23 countries around the world.

The Challenge

Looking ahead to 2030, we are targeting reducing GHG emissions from cotton production by half, big cuts in synthetic pesticide use, improve soil health across our network, improve farm income and support women's empowerment among farmers and farm workers.

As Senior Programme Officer, you will have an opportunity to contribute to the climate agenda of Better Cotton and support cotton communities in India on climate action.

Areas that play to your strengths

We are seeking a motivated Senior Programme Officer – Climate Change and Natural Resource Management to join our India Programme Team . In this role, you will be responsible for :

1.Research, Capacity Strengthening and Stakeholder Engagement

• With the guidance of the Senior CC & NRM Coordinator support PPs in the effective implementation of projects based on Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES).
• Conduct / coordinate action-oriented technical research to understand climate related risks and vulnerabilities in project areas and help Better Cotton Programme Partners (PPs) identify measures to mitigate those and integrate them in their programmes.
• Support in the development of high-quality CC deliverables for PPs – tools, training courses, guidelines, modules and other research products.
• Support Better Cotton Programme Partners in climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies that align with Better Cotton's India strategic goals.
• Support Better Cotton Partners identify meaningful and effective ways to engage with communities in villages on climate action where Better Cotton Programme is implemented and contribute to their social and economic development.
• Identify appropriate and context relevant climate-smart agriculture and NRM technologies and techniques, and support Partners identify and implement their practical applications.
• Support PPs monitor project outcomes and impact and support them to effectively communicate progress made and challenges faced internally and where relevant externally.
• Support in identifying and engaging with relevant stakeholders who can support and further Better Cotton's 2030 strategy in India

2.Facilitating and Supporting Continuous Improvement

3.Relationship Management of Programme Partners

4.Data Management and Communication

5.Resource Mobilisation

6.Others

We are looking for someone who has

the following skills, knowledge, and experience :

Essential

Desirable

Experience working with international non-profit organisations

Prior experience working in the cotton sector / agriculture

Understanding of the legal and policy framework governing agriculture in India

Experience working with remote teams

What we offer

Hybrid working

The opportunity to work from anywhere in the world for up to one month per year

Flexible working, with core hours from 10 am to 4 pm local time

Continuous learning and development

Provident Fund Benefit

25 days paid annual leave, plus 8-9 Bank Holidays and a further 3 discretionary days off over Christmas / year end period.

Enhanced parental benefits

A warm, positive working environment where everyone is valued

The opportunity to make your mark and make a difference.

Working arrangements

The position is full-time (40 hours per week) and will be based in Delhi (Hybrid model). Better Cotton offers flexible working, with core hours being 10 am – 4 pm.

Apply now

Send us your CV (2 pages maximum) and a brief cover letter (1-page maximum) by or before 31.05.2025 via this Apply Now link.

In your cover letter, please include an explanation of why your experience is specifically relevant to this role at Better Cotton. We want to see your personal style – what makes you tick and why you think your next opportunity is here with us.

Our hiring process

Initial Screening :

Applicant screening is a crucial step in our recruitment process. This stage may involve a brief phone interview or video call to evaluate your suitability for the position. During this screening, we review resumes and cover letters, and may conduct initial background checks to narrow down the pool of applicant. Internal candidates are encouraged to inform their line manager about their application to promote transparency and help facilitate a smooth transition if selected.

Interviews :

If you successfully pass the initial screening, you will be invited for interviews. The interview process at Better Cotton may include one or more rounds of interviews with various stakeholders, such as the hiring manager, team members, and potentially senior management. As an internal candidate, you may have discussions regarding your current responsibilities and how they will transition to the new position.

Assessment and Testing :

Depending on the role, you might be required to complete assessments, technical tests, or skills evaluations to gauge your competency and suitability for the position. Internal candidates may have the option to demonstrate their existing skills through current job performance or past project outcomes.

Reference Checks :

Once you progress further in the process, reference checks are conducted to validate your work history, skills, and qualifications, and for some roles, your education and criminal history. Internal candidates may be asked for references from current or previous supervisors within Better Cotton to provide insights into their performance and capabilities.

Offer stage :

After completing interviews, assessments, and reference checks, the hiring team evaluates your performance and fit for the role. If you are selected and your references are relevant and satisfactory, you will receive a formal job offer letter outlining the terms of employment, compensation, benefits, and any other relevant details. For internal candidates, the offer process may include a discussion about how your transition to the new role will be managed and any support needed for a smooth handover.

About Better Cotton

Better Cotton is a global not-for-profit organisation supporting the production of more equitable and sustainable cotton at farm level. We exist to catalyse the cotton farming community with partners, governments and others to continuously drive positive impact by setting standards and facilitating the supply and demand of more sustainable cotton from farm to brand. In just 15 years we have aligned more than a fifth of the world's cotton with our standard and helped farmers and farming communities thrive. Join us in building a better, more sustainable future for cotton worldwide.

About our Values

The post holder will be expected to operate in line with our workplace values which are :

Trustworthy (including honest, transparent, credible) As having Integrity (including responsible, authentic) Positive (including problem-solving, pragmatic) Engaging (including adaptable, inclusive, holistic) Daring (including courageous, innovative, game-changing)

Being you @ Better Cotton

Better Cotton is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to good practice and transparency in the management of natural, human, and financial resources.

We have a zero-tolerance approach to any attitudes or behaviours that put children or adults at risk of harm. Safeguarding incidents are acts of serious misconduct and are grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including, dismissal and referral to relevant authorities for criminal prosecution. Therefore, all offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks.

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