Background

Leopard Recruitment and Esco Uganda are looking for a Group Head of Sustainability to further drive Esco's sustainability, certification and environmental agenda. You will ensure they continue to comply with global standards (e.g. EUDR, Rainforest Alliance, Organic, Fair Trade). You will stay ahead of new and upcoming certification initiatives and support the trading team by managing customers' sustainability requirements.

Another part of the role is to manage the Esco Uganda.'s charitable giving. You will support a variety of projects aimed to improve the livelihoods of local communities. Besides this you will also lead Esco's internal sustainability initiatives to reduce Esco's environmental footprint and ensure a positive contribution to the environment

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of Esco's sustainability strategy, aligned with company values, buyer expectations and global frameworks. Integrate sustainability KPIs and impact measurement (livelihood/environment/social) into company operations
• Responsible for Esco's certification and EUDR departments, ensuring full compliance and audit readiness (Rainforest Alliance, Organic, Fairtrade etc).
• Responsible for farm mapping, digital traceability systems, and deforestation-free sourcing in line with EUDR and other relevant requirements.
• Manage the sustainability team with 3 direct reports and report into the Managing Director.
• Support the trading team with sustainability documentation, client reporting and impact storytelling.
• Support integration of regeneration projects (e.g. reforestation, livelihoods, social support) with relevant activities.
• Contribute to building trusted relationships with farmers and suppliers, by encouraging holistic and sustainable transformation.

Candidate profile

• Minimum 5 years of experience in sustainability, certification, or supply chain management within the agricultural or commodity export sector.
• Strong understanding of sustainability reporting frameworks, KPIs, traceability systems, international certification schemes, and EUDR compliance.
• Proven experience leading teams and managing multi-site operations.
• Degree (Master's preferred) in Sustainability, Environmental Management, Agribusiness, Development, or a related field.
• Willing to relocate to Kampala, Uganda.
• You align with the Christian values and worldview of Esco Uganda.

• Lead the development and execution of Esco's sustainability strategy, aligned with company values, buyer expectations and global frameworks. Integrate sustainability KPIs and impact measurement (livelihood/environment/social) into company operations
• Responsible for Esco's certification and EUDR departments, ensuring full compliance and audit readiness (Rainforest Alliance, Organic, Fairtrade etc).
• Responsible for farm mapping, digital traceability systems, and deforestation-free sourcing in line with EUDR and other relevant requirements.
• Manage the sustainability team with 3 direct reports and report into the Managing Director.
• Support the trading team with sustainability documentation, client reporting and impact storytelling.
• Support integration of regeneration projects (e.g. reforestation, livelihoods, social support) with relevant activities.
• Contribute to building trusted relationships with farmers and suppliers, by encouraging holistic and sustainable transformation.
• Manage the Esco Uganda's charitable giving
• Support a variety of projects aimed to improve the livelihoods of local communities
• Lead Esco's internal sustainability initiatives to reduce Esco's environmental footprint and ensure a positive contribution to the environment

• Strong understanding of sustainability reporting frameworks
• Strong understanding of KPIs
• Strong understanding of traceability systems
• Strong understanding of international certification schemes
• Strong understanding of EUDR compliance
• Team leadership
• Multi-site operations management

• Degree (Master's preferred) in Sustainability, Environmental Management, Agribusiness, Development, or a related field
• Minimum 5 years of experience in sustainability, certification, or supply chain management within the agricultural or commodity export sector
• Willing to relocate to Kampala, Uganda
• Align with the Christian values and worldview of Esco Uganda