Company Description
We're expanding our work in China and seeking a dynamic, strategic and entrepreneurial Programme Manager to lead our projects and programmes, drive stakeholder engagement and strengthen partnerships. This is a unique opportunity to shape our mission-driven work in China as part of a global team advancing responsible sourcing and sustainable agricultural production worldwide.
About us
Proforest is a mission-driven organisation with a 20+ year track record of supporting the transition to sustainable production and sourcing of agricultural and forest commodities. We are a not-for-profit group with a global presence across Latin America, Africa, Europe and Asia, and work with governments, the private sector and civil society to deliver positive outcomes for people, nature and climate in the places agricultural commodities are produced. We combine technical excellence, partnerships and local knowledge to create lasting impact.
Job Description
About the role
Until now, our China-related work has been primarily delivered by colleagues in our Southeast Asia offices. As we expand our work in China, we are looking for a China-based Programme Manager to spearhead our engagement in China, deliver our China projects and programmes, and build strong partnerships with key stakeholders. You will also play a critical role in working with the Global Executive Board (GEB) consolidating our presence, shaping our strategy and ensuring impactful implementation aligned with global priorities.
Key responsibilities include:
Strategy: Work with the GEB to translate Proforest’s global strategy to China-specific business and impact plan
Network and engagement: (a) Engage existing strategic partners and identify opportunities for collaboration; b) identify and engage new partners with opportunities for collaboration
Representing: Represent Proforest in dialogues with companies, policy makers and other stakeholders in China
Delivery of existing work: Support the effective delivery of existing China projects and programmes, working closely with colleagues from other Proforest regional offices
Build further work in China: Support the origination and delivery of new projects/programmes in China
Team building: Build and (initially) manage a growing China-based team as the work expands (with intention to recruit a regional director in the future)
Integration with Proforest Group: Coordinate closely with global teams to ensure integration with broader organisational goals and provide regular updates and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
Qualifications
About you
You’ll be passionate about what we do and, you’ll thrive in an evolving, growing organisation and be excited to take on new challenges. You will also have:
Demonstrated experience in sustainable agriculture, forestry, supply chains, corporate engagement, or related fields
Deep knowledge of the Chinese context regarding sustainability, business practices and policy landscape, particularly in green supply chains for agricultural commodities such as palm oil, sugar, soy, cattle, rubber, cocoa, timber and other forest products
Proven track record in sustainability initiative development, partnership building and successful bridging international policy and requirements with the local Chinese context
Strategic thinker with entrepreneurial drive and a hands-on approach to implementation
Excellent project management skills
Strong communication skills in both Mandarin Chinese and English
Ability to work independently, navigate ambiguity and build something from the ground up.
Additional Information
Key information
Location: Shanghai or Beijing, China (home working initially so can consider suitable candidates from both locations with the view long term of an office presence locally)
Travel requirement: International and/or domestic travel is required
Compensation: Dependent on skills and experience
Application Deadline: 10 September 2025. Please note you are required to attached your CV, a cover letter, and state your salary expectations.
We will contact shortlisted candidates throughout the process and therefore encourage you to apply at your earliest convenience.
We are committed to supporting diversity throughout Proforest globally, ensuring an inclusive environment where all individuals can thrive and therefore welcome applications from all.
