Description

Better Cotton is the world’s largest cotton sustainability programme. Our mission: to help cotton communities survive and thrive, while protecting and restoring the environment. In difficult times, we are meeting the challenge head on. Through our network of field-level partners we have provided training on more sustainable farming practices to more than 2.9 million cotton farmers in 26 countries. More than a fifth of the world’s cotton is now grown under the Better Cotton Standard and our membership network includes more than 2,400 members. 

More information about Better Cotton can be found on our website: www.bettercotton.org

Background

Better Cotton’s Traceability team is looking for individuals – First Mile Traceability Assistant(s) to support the First Mile Traceability team in various activities not limited to Better Cotton farmer data verification, research and surveys, trainings & outreach and monitoring & evaluation of First Mile Traceability projects(s). The assistants will work closely with the Better Cotton Supply Chain Team at Better Cotton Lahore office. The assistant will report to Senior Coordinator First Mile Traceability, Pakistan. This work entails intense training with a very steep but exciting learning curve in the initial weeks. Successful candidates will have range of skills and interests including attention to detail, excellent phone manner and the ability to capture high quality information in an efficient and timely manner.  We will review applications to vet prospective suppliers and personal data will be stored in accordance with GDPR regulations. 

Responsibilities

The FMT Assistants are expected to perform following tasks but not limited to: 

• Better Cotton Farmers data review, verification & cleansing. 

• Managing database of First Mile Traceability Stakeholders.  

• Provide support to Senior Coordinator First Mile Traceability in 

• Execution of surveys and feedback. 

• Developing training & IEC material. 

• Conducting training and outreach activities.  

• Digital traceability tool rollout.  

• Development of monitoring and evaluation tools. 

• Monitoring and evaluation of the pilot.  

• Verify cotton sales transactions with farmers by following established scripts and protocols. 

• Collect and accurately record critical data points from farmers during the verification calls, such as sale quantity, date, and seller details (farmer confirmation). 

• Maintain clear and concise call logs documenting each interaction with a farmer. 

• Escalate any issues or concerns arising during calls to the designated supervisor. 

• Adhere to all data privacy and confidentiality regulations. 

• Collaborate with SC Team on data insights and cross functional sharing.

Profile and qualifications 

The candidates should have following knowledge, skills and experience: 

• University degree, or equivalent higher education qualification, in a relevant field. 

• Language proficiency in Urdu, English and regional language (Saraiki) is a must.  

• Previous similar work experience / familiarity, with agriculture, small holder farming sector is desirable. 

• High levels of ethics and the ability to handle confidential data (e.g. personal data) with sensitivity and security 

• To succeed the candidate must have excellent communication skills, organised and proficient in using MS Office, etc. Skills in Excel are highly appreciated 

• Good analytical and problem-solving skills with a proactive approach. 

• Good and versatile communication skills. 

• Team player, and service oriented. 

Additional information  

• The assignment will start with an intensive induction, and training will be provided for necessary systems, processes, and reporting.  

• Interested candidates must be legally permitted to work in Pakistan.  

• Successful candidates will be treated as Individual Consultants and will not be entitled to any employee benefits provided to Better Cotton employees such as yearly bonuses, gratuity, health insurance, Outpatient medical benefits etc. 

• Successful candidates will be provided with an experience letter post completion of the project.  

Working arrangements   

• The position is part time (29 hrs per week) with 2 days off per week. The roster will be finalized post hiring.  

• Work timing is 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM PKT

• The assistants to be based in Lahore, Pakistan and will require to travel to field locations time to time.  

• Working from home flexibility 02 days a week, with condition of access to stable internet connection for online work.