Project Expert – Cocoa Initiative

POSITION: Project Expert – Cocoa InitiativeOrganizational area: International Programmes / Program Development and ManagementPlace of work: Rome, Italy with frequent travel to Cote d'Ivoire or the regionRefers to: Value Chain Programme LeadType of contract: Co.
Co.
Co.
(Contratto di Collaborazione Coordinata e Continuativa) 12 monthsAnnual

salary:
*** €JOB PURPOSEThe 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/RESPONSIBILITIESCoordination within the InitiativeGuarantee coordination between the Initiative and SC Italy teams, in coordination with the Head of institutional and transformational partnerships.
Represent SC in the governance bodies, technical meetings, and events/forum related to the Initiative.
Project developmentIn collaboration with the VCPL, ensure oversight of execution of the Initiative activities where Save the Children conducts consultations, assessments, feasibility assessments, among others.
Knowledge Integration & Technical LeadershipFacilitate mobilisation of Save the Children's technical expertise on child protection, community engagement, and inclusive value chains into the Initiative's implementation.
Support coordination with other SC Italy functions related to Innovative Finance, Transformative Partnership, Corporate, advocacy and others as needed.
Partnership & Resource MobilizationSupport fundraising efforts and proposal development for joint interventions.
Contribute to the design of concept notes and project proposals to be submitted to identified potential donors.
Admin supportProvide material support to information sharing through note taking, production of materials for talking points, reports, and other admin tasks.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONSDegree 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 English, French, and Italian.
DESIDERABLE COMPETENCIESKnowledge 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 SKILLSStrong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, effective in multi?stakeholder and cross?cultural environments.
Excellent coordination and collaboration across internal teams and external partners.
Solid organisational and project management skills, handling multiple priorities and deadlines.
Strategic thinking and ability to translate complex systems into actionable plans.
Strong communication and influencing skills, written and verbal, tailored to diverse audiences.
High adaptability and resilience in dynamic and international contexts.
OTHERCommitment to the mission and principles of Save the Children.
SAFEGUARDINGSave 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 behaviour, as outlined in our policies ().
PEOPLE AT THE CENTERWorking 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