Strategy and Objectives Working Group Update – December 2019

Strategy & Objectives Working Group is finalizing the Desired State document and Theory of Change. Both documents are shared with Strategy 1, 2, and 3 Working Groups to promote a process of verifying underlying concepts, root causes, and opportunities.

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The final version of Desired State V1-0 and Theory of Change will be submitted to the Executive Committee in view of approval at the General Assembly on 31st March 2020.  The Strategy & Objectives Working group is also preparing a concept of Equity working sub-group. GPSNR calls for members who wish to support in preparing the concept note for the equity sub-group, to please state your interest to GPSNR secretariat. 

Strategy 1 ‘Policy Toolbox’ Working Group drafters proposed the first draft of the policy elements and KPIs to the working members, which have now been mapped out against GPSNR 12 principles and desired state.  In order to collect the comments in a written form, members are asked to provide their comments online by January 3rd 2020. After the working group members agree on the final version of policy components, it will be submitted to the Executive Committee for comments and approval.

Strategy 2 ‘Capacity Building’ Working Group has completed a validation of their strategy against the Theory of Change.  The Working Group realizes that the situation in each country varies, so the capacity building strategy needs to be customized in its approach.  A list of stakeholders conducting capacity building activities in rubber producing countries has been finalised. The next step will be to collect inputs from the identified stakeholders in order to design GPSNR capacity building strategies.  In order to have a standardized information, the interviews will be conducted by GPSNR members in January 2020, and the result of the interview will be consolidated by GPSNR secretariat.

Strategy 3 ‘Traceability and Transparency’ Working Group – Some of the tools that the members are using for natural rubber traceability and transparency were presented during the first calls.  The next step is to start looking at Theory of Change, what are the underlying cause of lack of transparency and traceability, and how increasing transparency will contribute to the desired state.


GPSNR members can see the discussion and the minutes of each working grouop on GPSNR discussion forum. Please contact nigel@gpsnr.org for your log-in credentials.

More To Explore

Members

Presentation on the High Conservation Value Approach (Members Version)

In discussing the proposed member requirements and reporting requirements, the Policy Toolbox Working Group has touched frequently upon the topics of High Conservation Value (HCV), no deforestation, no conversion of non-forested ecosystem, and other issues around developments on post-disturbance vegetation/ land cover. 

To establish a common understanding about HCVs, the High Conservation Value Resource Network (HCVRN) Secretariat took the initiative to organize a video presentation to the Working Group members on the HCV Approach. The presentation touched on governance and historical aspects of the HCV Approach, and its implementation in forest and non-forest ecosystems in the landscape, concession and smallholder contexts.

Watch the presentation here.

Download the slide deck here.

Impacts and Assurance Associate (Smallholder Representation and Shared Investment Mechanism)

 

Position Impacts and Assurance Associate (Smallholder Representation and Shared Investment Mechanism)
Department Impacts and Assurance
Reporting To Impacts and Assurance Manager
Employment Type Full Time
Work Arrangements Flexible
Effective Date ASAP
Location Southeast Asia

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Impacts and Assurance Associate will be responsible for supporting smallholder engagement and representation and managing GPSNR’s Shared Investment Mechanism projects and processes. This role will also contribute to other organisational workstreams such as communications, admin support, and finance.

ABOUT GPSNR

Founded in 2019, the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber is an international, multistakeholder, voluntary membership organisation, with a mission to lead improvements in the socioeconomic and environmental performance of the natural rubber value chain. GPSNR currently has 300+ members which represents over 60% of global natural rubber volume.

At GPSNR, we value diversity in experiences and backgrounds. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and our employees are people with different strengths, experiences and backgrounds, who share a passion for improving sustainability and equity practices in supply chains. Diversity for us not only includes race and gender identity, but also nationality, age, disability status, parenthood, sexual orientation, religion and many other parts of one’s identity. All of our employee’s points of view are key to our success, and inclusion is everyone’s responsibility.

ABOUT YOU

You are driven by a passion to generate meaningful change in the tropical commodity sector, particularly through enhancing the livelihoods and capabilities of smallholder farmers. Your main responsibilities include support the operational processes of the Shared Investment Mechanism, overseeing the implementation and monitoring of SIM projects, and facilitating smallholder participation in the platform, ensuring they are actively engaged and well informed about ongoing initiatives. You communicate clearly across cultures, work well independently, and can manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, international environment. You bring both operational rigour and the interpersonal warmth needed to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Support the management of GPSNR Shared Investment Mechanism process, including overseeing open calls for SIM projects, evaluation cycles, fund tracking, and coordination with working groups, governance bodies, and finance. Ensure templates, documentation, and guidance materials are maintained and accessible.
  • Support the management of full project lifecycle for SIM funded projects, from agreement negotiation through implementation monitoring to reporting and close out. This includes managing contracts and payments, reviewing progress reports, identifying and mitigating/escalating risks, and ensuring alignment with deliverables, timelines, budgets, and GPSNR requirements.
  • Plan and conduct field visits to verify GPSNR project implementation, engage with project stakeholders, and prepare field reports with findings and recommendations.
  • Support smallholder engagement activities, including coordination of interpretation and translation, meeting logistics, stakeholder communications, maintenance of smallholder records and onboarding processes, and manage the Rubber Wiki platform.
  • Support the communications team in activities related to smallholder engagement and SIM projects, including developing relevant communication content.
  • Contribute to broader organisational workstreams, including administrative support, meeting coordination, and cross team collaboration.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned.

REQUIRED COMPETENCES & QUALIFICATIONS

  • Ability to manage a broad range of responsibilities, including administration and finance, while handling multiple priorities effectively.
  • Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and processes across different geographies and stakeholder groups.
  • Excellent organisational and administrative skills with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Self-disciplined and proactive, with good judgment in identifying and escalating risks and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Clear and effective communication skills to ensure efficient and effective information exchange.
  • High level of emotional intelligence and sensitivity when engaging with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, including team members, smallholder farmers, corporate representatives, civil society, and government partners.
  • Strong problem solving ability and adaptability to changing conditions and competing priorities.
  • Initiative in developing strategies, procedures, and documentation templates to support platform operations.
  • High level of emotional intelligence and team citizenship.
  • Willingness to travel to project sites in natural rubber producing countries, including Southeast Asia and West Africa.

ADVANTAGEOUS COMPETENCES & QUALIFICATIONS

  • Prior experience in project management in the sustainability, agriculture, or development sector.
  • Experience in stakeholder coordination, fund administration, or governance processes in an international or multistakeholder environment.
  • Familiarity with natural rubber supply chains, smallholder livelihoods, or tropical commodity sectors.
  • Familiarity with digital platforms for knowledge sharing or community engagement.

Please send your application to cheewei@gpsnr.org with the email subject: [IA Associate (SH&SIM) – Your Name]

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