Country Representative

POSITION DESCRIPTION

EMPLOYER:                    Institute for Sustainable Communities (ISC)
POSITION TITLE:           Country Representative
PROJECT TITLE:             Mekong Sustainability Manufacturing Alliance
REPORT TO:                   Chief of Party MSMA / Director ISC
LOCATION:                     Vietnam

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Institute for Sustainable Communities (ISC) is a global non-profit organization that leads transformative, community-driven projects in the United States and Asia with a mission to help communities around the world address environmental, economic and social challenges to build a better future shaped and shared by all.

ISC is seeking a candidate of high caliber to lead its Sustainable Manufacturing portfolio of programs and operations in Vietnam. This is a general management role; including the development of business opportunities and execution of ISC’s technical vision and programming in Vietnam, managing in-country staff as well as ISC registration, administrative and financial management of the Vietnam program.

This position will serve as a Country Representative for the USAID-funded, regional, multi-year, multi-million-dollar Mekong Sustainable Manufacturing Alliance (MSMA) in Vietnam. Aiming to strengthen the lower Mekong region as a competitive and environmentally sustainable manufacturing hub, the program features private-sector engagement to drive the adoption of improved environmental and social safeguards by factories in the food processing, electronics and textiles sectors with production bases in Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. Based in Vietnam, and drawing on extensive private sector experience and knowledge of manufacturing in the region, the Country Representative will work closely with global brands to drive their engagement for improved competitiveness and environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance in the regions’ manufacturing sector. They will also lead and expand ISC’s strategic engagement with partners and national, state and local leaders (Government organizations, Ministries, donors, business leaders, educational institutions, supply chains, industry associations and financial institutions) in Vietnam.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee day-to-day operational and programmatic implementation, fundraising, and strategic positioning of ISC in Vietnam.
• Establish cohesive ISC team culture in Vietnam.
• Serve as an official ISC representative.
• Lead the development of ISC’s strategic vision for MSMA program in Vietnam.
• Explore and advise on important business opportunities to raise funds as part of leverage contribution to the MSMA program and expansion in-country.
• Identify and pursue new partners and programming opportunities in accordance with ISC’s Strategic Direction, including the design of new programs and the development of proposals in coordination with ISC’s country and U.S. headquarters teams.
• Develop and sustain close relationships with program partner organizations, USAID missions, host government officials, private corporations, and a wide range of national and international organizations.
• Develop annual work plans and prepare regular program reports and documentation.
• Collaborate with ISC’s country and HQ teams to design, develop and implement appropriate M&E plans and communications strategies.
• Provide administrative and financial management oversight.
• Ensure sound office management and efficient work processes.
• Coordinate closely with headquarters and regional management team to ensure smooth operations in Vietnam.

DESIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• A master’s degree in business, environmental studies, or a field of study related to sustainable manufacturing, sustainable textile/food processing, ESG, sustainable finance or other related fields.
• Minimum of 8 years relevant experience in leading and managing private sector and/or multi-stakeholder urban climate initiatives in Mekong countries with at least 5 years of experience managing programs in sustainable manufacturing, sustainable textile/food processing, ESG, climate and clean energy, sustainable finance, or a related field.
• Demonstrated competence in business development and fundraising.
• Experience managing public-private partnerships and working with bilateral, international, and non-governmental organizations. USAID and corporate textile and food processing experience is a plus.
• Experience in monitoring and evaluation and data management, preferably in an international development context.
• Excellent communication and representation skills, including high-level representation experience in Vietnam.
• Strategic thinker and creative problem-solver with an open and collaborative work style.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently.
• Commitment to the ISC mission and goals.

TO APPLY:

This is a full-time position, with anticipated start date on February 1, 2022. Candidates should apply by submitting a cover letter and resume/CV at https://sustain.org/jobs-portal/ no later than December 31, 2021.

ISC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workplace.

People from diverse racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, women,

LGBTQ+ individuals, and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply.