Starting Date : As soon as possible – March 2025
Contract type : Full-time, fixed term
Duration : Three to six months
Application closing date : 19th February 2025 – applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
About the Job
Are you purpose-led and ready to embark on a journey to shape the future of sustainable cotton? Join us at Better Cotton as Policy & Advocacy intern and help our Advocacy, Communications & Events (ACE) Team set the ground for a new strategic priority for the world's largest cotton sustainability initiative. We support more sustainable farming practices and farm livelihoods for nearly 3 million farmers in the Better Cotton network in 23 countries around the world.
The Challenge
Looking ahead to 2030, we are targeting reducing GHG emissions from cotton production by half, big cuts in synthetic pesticide use, improve soil health across our network, improve farm income and support women's empowerment among farmers and farm workers.
Responsibilities
Assist with the creation of a comprehensive policy database outlining all relevant rules and regulations, directives, acts and bans affecting the cotton sector with a particular focus on EU policies.
Review policy newsletters and incorporate key updates into the database to ensure its content is kept up-to-date and well organised.
Support with the development and dissemination of briefing notes in close collaboration with the Policy & Advocacy Manager and the Communications team.
Update and populate our Public Affairs Library with legal texts, analytical reports, briefs, articles and other relevant documents under the supervision of the line manager.
Prepare a stakeholder mapping of key organisations, initiatives, alliances, coalitions and campaigns relevant to Better Cotton's advocacy priority topics.
Communicate with Better Cotton country teams to ensure relevance of national and regional stakeholders identified and verify history of relations.
Assist in specific advocacy activity planning as may be needed.
Follow relevant events, engagement and speaking opportunities that align with our advocacy strategic priorities in coordination with other teams.
Attend conferences, fora, meetings as may be needed, take notes and fill events feedback reports.
We are looking for someone who has:
University degree, or equivalent higher education qualification in public policy, political science, international relations, or a related field.
Excellent research skills to conduct thorough and accurate policy research, collect, compile and summarize data.
Strong ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines effectively.
Strong English verbal and written communication skills.
Good analytical capacities to evaluate the impact of policy developments to identify issues and opportunities.
High level of accuracy and attention to detail in research and documentation.
Familiarity with Microsoft Office package, including Excel or other relevant data analysis tools.
Understanding of policy development processes.
Knowledge of sustainability issues and environmental policies.
Previous experience in advocacy or campaigning, particularly on environmental and/or social sustainability topics.
Understanding of the cotton industry would be an advantage.
Proficiency in additional languages of countries where Better Cotton operates can be an asset.
What we offer:
Competitive salary.
Hybrid working – Two to three days/week in the Geneva office.
Flexible working, with core hours from 10 am to 4 pm local time.
Continuous learning and development.
Pension scheme.
25 days paid annual leave, plus 8-9 Bank Holidays and a further 3 discretionary days off over Christmas/year end period.
A warm, positive working environment where everyone is valued.
The opportunity to make your mark and make a difference.
Working arrangements:
The position is full-time (40 hours per week) and will be based in Geneva. Better Cotton offers flexible working, with core hours being 10 am – 4 pm.
Apply now:
Send us your CV (two pages maximum) and a brief cover letter (one-page maximum) by or before 19/02/2025 via this link. In your cover letter, please include an explanation of why your experience is specifically relevant to this role at Better Cotton. We want to see your personal style – what makes you tick and why you think your next opportunity is here with us.
About Better Cotton:
Better Cotton is a global not-for-profit organisation supporting the production of more equitable and sustainable cotton at farm level. We exist to catalyse the cotton farming community with partners, governments and others to continuously drive positive impact by setting standards and facilitating the supply and demand of more sustainable cotton from farm to brand. In just 15 years we have aligned more than a fifth of the world's cotton with our standard and helped farmers and farming communities thrive. Join us in building a better, more sustainable future for cotton worldwide.
About our Values:
The post holder will be expected to operate in line with our workplace values which are: Trustworthy, Integrity, Positive, Engaging, and Daring.
Better Cotton is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to good practice and transparency in the management of natural, human, and financial resources.
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