Sustainability Manager – Agri-Sustainability & Certification

The Sustainability Manager will design, implement, and oversee the company’s sustainability programme, with a strong focus on Rainforest Alliance certification, agricultural sustainability, farmer engagement, supply-chain traceability, environmental compliance, and international certification standards.

Functions & Role:

• Function: Sustainability / Environment / ESG / Supply Chain Management.
• Role: Sustainability Manager / Sustainability & Certification Manager.
• Sub-Function: Sustainability Compliance, Agricultural Certification, Environmental Management, Responsible Sourcing and Supply Chain Traceability.
• Education:Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture / Horticulture / Environmental Science / Agricultural Science or a related field.
• Master's Degree in a relevant discipline preferred.

Industry: Agriculture / Agribusiness / Food Processing / Oil Manufacturing / Agricultural Commodities.

Skills & Competencies:

• Rainforest Alliance Certification and Audit Management
• Agricultural Sustainability and Responsible Sourcing
• Supply Chain Traceability and Compliance
• Farmer Training and Community Engagement
• Environmental Management and Sustainability Reporting
• Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) and Audit Documentation
• Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
• Stakeholder and Team Management
• Strong report-writing and analytical skills
• Advanced working knowledge of MS Excel and MS Office
• Excellent English communication skills
• Knowledge of Solomon Islands Pijin will be an advantage

Key Responsibilities:

1. Sustainability Certification & Audits

• Drive and maintain Rainforest Alliance certification across the company’s agricultural supply chain.
• Manage certification audits, renewals, corrective action plans, and all compliance obligations.
• Assess and roll out additional sustainability standards, including Organic, Fairtrade, RSPO-type standards, and buyer-specific codes.
• Keep certification documentation, internal management systems, and audit-ready records current.

2. Farmer & Community Engagement

• Design and deliver training programmes for smallholder coconut farmers and village groups.
• Train farmers in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), copra quality, safe working practices, and record-keeping.
• Support the establishment of farmer groups, including formation, registration, and group certification.
• Strengthen relationships with rural communities and local stakeholders.

3. Supply Chain Traceability & Risk Management

• Set up and oversee end-to-end traceability systems from farms and villages through to processing mills.
• Track sourcing volumes, product origins, and transaction records.
• Work with rural copra traders and suppliers to ensure sourcing and quality compliance.
• Detect and evaluate supply-chain risks, including deforestation, agricultural pests, labour practices, and climate-related impacts.

4. Environmental Sustainability

• Monitor environmental performance across milling and processing operations.
• Track energy consumption, water usage, waste management, and by-product utilisation.
• Create sustainability KPIs and produce annual sustainability performance reports.

5. Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure adherence to applicable Solomon Islands regulations and export requirements.
• Prepare statutory, regulatory, and certification documentation and submit required returns.
• Maintain complete compliance records and provide reports to management and international buyers.

6. Team Management & Stakeholder Coordination

• Build, manage, and develop a small field and compliance team.
• Train local employees to progressively assume ownership of sustainability programmes.
• Coordinate with government authorities, certification bodies, NGOs, and development partners.

Required Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Environmental Science or a related discipline.
• Master's degree in a relevant field will be preferred.
• 5–15 years of relevant experience in Sustainability, Agricultural Sustainability, Certification or Environmental Compliance.
• Demonstrated practical experience with Rainforest Alliance certification, audits, traceability, or certification documentation.
• Hands-on agricultural experience, preferably involving direct engagement with farmers and agricultural supply chains.
• Experience managing compliance documentation, audits, reporting, and sustainability management systems.
• Willingness to relocate to Honiara, Solomon Islands, and travel to remote provincial locations.

Preferred Experience:

• Smallholder farmer engagement and group certification.
• Experience related to coconut, copra, cocoa, palm oil or other tropical agricultural commodities.
• Knowledge of Fairtrade, Organic, GlobalG.A.P., trustea or similar certification standards.
• Experience working in developing countries or Pacific Island regions.
• Lead Auditor certification or equivalent professional qualification.