Palm Oil and Coconut Lead - Asia
Key tasks: Project Management, Business Development, strategic advisory.
Location: South-East Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand)
Company: Peterson Solutions
About Us:
Peterson Solutions provides tailored project management and consulting services to empower our clients to meet their sustainability goals. With a strong focus on deforestation-free supply chains, traceability, and regenerative agriculture, our solutions drive meaningful progress toward a sustainable future. Learn more about our work at onepeterson.com.
We are seeking an experienced and driven professional to lead our palm and coconut oil projects in Asia. This is a senior-level role for someone with over 10 years of experience in the sector, who thrives in a dynamic, collaborative, and purpose-driven environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Project Management
- Lead engagements with international clients or their key account managers focused on implementing NDPE (No Deforestation, No Peat, No Exploitation) commitments.
- Develop and implement Verified Deforestation-Free (VDF) protocols in alignment with client goals.
- Support clients in effectively managing and responding to grievances, ensuring adherence to robust sustainability standards and practices. This includes facilitating transparent grievance mechanisms, tracking issues, and ensuring appropriate resolutions.
- Represent Peterson Solutions in initiatives such as the Palm Oil Collaboration Group and the Sustainable Coconut Partnership.
- Oversee the execution of services related to traceability, sustainability reporting, greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation, and regenerative agriculture.
- Business Development
- Drive business development initiatives in the region, with a focus on palm oil and coconut oil-related services.
- Collaborate with other offices to expand the scope and reach of Peterson Solutions’ offerings.
- Serve as the primary regional point of reference for services related to deforestation-free supply chains and sustainability.
- Experience or familiarity with collaboration with NGOs, Funds, (e.g., GIZ, UNDP, Worldbank), and brands.
- Strategic Advisory
- Act as a trusted advisor for clients on strategic discussions related to palm and coconut oil industries.
- Provide guidance on emerging trends, regulatory requirements, and best practices in sustainable agriculture and supply chain management.
Key Skills and Qualifications
- Experience: Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in the palm and coconut oil industries, including project management and sustainability initiatives.
- Communication: Strong written and spoken English and proficiency in Bahasa is a plus.
- Independent Working: Ability to operate with minimal supervision while delivering high-quality outputs.
- Global Mindset: Flexibility to work in diverse, international environments and engage with stakeholders across cultures and time zones.
- Problem Solving: Creative thinking and ability to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges.
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced degree in Sustainability, Agriculture, Environmental Science, or a related field.
- Familiarity with sustainability certification systems (e.g., RSPO, ISPO, or Rainforest Alliance) and industry standards.
- Demonstrated success in leading cross-functional and cross-cultural teams.
Why Join Us?
- Be at the forefront of driving impactful sustainability initiatives in key agricultural sectors.
- Contribute to global collaborations like the Palm Oil Collaboration Group and the Sustainable Coconut Partnership.
- Work with a global network of experts and industry leaders.
- Enjoy opportunities for personal and professional growth in a purpose-driven organization.