Supply Chain Sustainability Officer

Job Title:	Supply Chain Sustainability Officer
Responsible to:	National Program Coordinator, Vietnam
Duty Station:	Vietnam

BACKGROUND

Issara Institute is an independent non-profit organization based in Asia and the United States tackling human trafficking and forced labor from the lens of business and human rights. The Institute was established in 2014 by a team of anti-trafficking experts coming out of the United Nations who created an alliance of private sector, civil society, and government partners committed to transformational, sustainable, worker-driven approaches to labor issues, especially those occurring in global supply chains. It is staffed by leading regional and international experts in labor rights, business and human rights, and research and technology.

We believe that, together, we can transform the lives of tens of millions of workers through worker voice, partnership, and innovation – that sustainable systems driving more ethical labor recruitment and working conditions are vital to the future of workers individually and collectively, to equity and fairness across supply chains, and to sustainable poverty alleviation efforts.

POSITION SUMMARY

This is an important position in Vietnam that focuses on empowering workers and driving better recruitment and working conditions through collaboration with global brands and retailers, suppliers, recruiters, civil society, and workers themselves. Issara takes an innovative approach to worker voice-driven ethical recruitment and ethical supply chains, and the Program Officers play a key role in meaningfully engaging with and supporting workers through a variety of outreach and empowerment-focused programs. The ideal candidate will be fluent in English and Vietnamese (speaking, reading and writing), will be able to balance maintaining relationships with businesses while advancing the rights and voices of workers. The candidate will be analytical, organized, an effective communicator, and able to work on teams and independently. Program management and private sector experience is preferred, as is training and facilitation ability and strong writing skills. The individual must be able to professionally present information to a range of stakeholders, and be comfortable balancing data and information from a range of sources while upholding and advancing the rights of workers and the standards of international buyers.

SCOPE OF WORK

Program Officers are Issara’s key points of contact for workers, companies, and partner organizations. Specific aspects of the scope of work of the Program Officers include:

1. Strengthen worker voice and knowledge of workers, groups, and communities across Vietnam

Actively participate in the planning and implementation of on-the-ground and online activities engaging workers throughout Vietnam who are in the supply chain of Issara’s strategic partners, expanding their ability to know their rights and make their voices and needs heard.
Conduct in-person and online activities to reach out to local and migrant job seekers, providing them with useful information to mitigate potential risks and to hear about their recruitment experiences.
Through direct fieldwork, online outreach, and the work of collaborative civil society partners, develop and support worker mobilizers to scale up worker-led empowerment, education, and advocacy.

2. Respond to worker voice through Issara’s hotline, social media, and case work.

Oversee the intake of worker feedback via handling worker helpline and Issara’s digital platforms (e.g. Zalo, Golden Dreams app), and other mobile applications that workers can reach out to seek information about labor rights, exchange experiences and consult about challenges that they face in the recruitment process and at work.
Record all information into the Issara systems in a timely manner and at the professional standard required by Issara.
Serve as a case focal point for workers, following Issara’s case management protocol.

3. Support private-sector partnership and action in global supply chains.

Help in the interpretation and analysis of feedback from workers and the design of recommended remedial responses on the part of supplier business.
Lead Supply Chain Assessments for Issara’s worker satisfaction surveys, recruitment fee surveys, and other field-based research and data collection, contributing to field reports and sharing key findings with stakeholders.
Stay in touch with workers and business throughout survey and remediation processes, ensuring that all are apprised on processes and responses relevant to their issues.
Maintain confidentiality about any commercially-sensitive business information encountered in the field or elsewhere.
Assist and serve as a co-trainer and co-facilitator for Issara trainings with workers, business human resource departments and recruitment agencies.

4. Expand supplier and producer industry adoption of Inclusive Labor Monitoring (ILM) in Asia with a focus on Vietnam:

Build and maintain productive relationships with manufacturers, processors, and businesses in global supply chains, and identify opportunities to grow collaborations with leading suppliers, including revenue-generating partnerships.
Represent Issara Institute to all levels of business (i.e. senior leadership, management, HR, production) and be able to draw upon the experiences, data, insights, and reports from Issara’s work across Asia while also being able to adapt and fine tune approaches for success in the Vietnam context.
Proactively collect and analyze business and industry information and trends, ensuring up-to-date and comprehensive appreciation of local industry challenges, opportunities, and global competitiveness.
Provide training and workshops to businesses based on existing Issara Academy content, prioritized business needs, and worker-reported findings. Adapt existing content and develop new content in Vietnamese language.
Support supply chain reporting and updates in ILM and to Strategic Partners as needed.

REQUIRED SKILL & EXPERTISE

We have a lean, dynamic, seasoned team that is committed to change, innovation, and impact. We are conscientious, hold a high standard of care for the people we serve, and understand that we have to be able to work effectively with partners spanning the largest multinational corporations to the smallest grassroots organizations. Our work ecosystem is multicultural, respectful, and energetic, whether we are working on tasks in teams, or working alone from home. The Program Officer should have:

University Degree in Social Sciences, Law, Economics, Sustainability, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration or other relevant field.
Minimum of 5 years’ professional work experience.
Demonstrated understanding of international and ethical labor standards and knowledge of how workers are recruited in Vietnam.
Ability to handle complex/sensitive issues.
Flexibility and ability to function in a dynamic work environment, re-adjusting and re-prioritizing tasks when needed.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including sensitivity to and appreciation for diverse viewpoints and different communications styles in a multicultural environment.
Excellent data and analytical skills, with strong attention to detail.
Fluency required in English and Vietnamese.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please send a CV, the names and contact details of three references, and a cover letter explaining your interest in the position and relevant expertise to [email protected]. Please note a cover letter specific to motivation and relevance for this position is required for consideration. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.