Textile Exchange is hiring a
Forest Strategist Contractor
About Us
Textile Exchange is a global non-profit driving positive impact on climate change across the fashion and textile industry. It guides a growing community of brands, manufacturers, and farmers towards more purposeful production from the very start of the supply chain.
By 2030, its goal is to guide the industry to achieve a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions within fiber and raw material production. Its focus is holistic and interconnected, accelerating the adoption of practices that improve the state of our water, soil health, and biodiversity too.
For real change to happen, everyone needs a clear path to positive impact. That’s why Textile Exchange believes that approachable, step-by-step instruction paired with collective action can change the system to make preferred materials and fibers an accessible default, mobilizing leaders through attainable strategies, proven solutions, and a driven community.
At Textile Exchange, materials matter. To learn more, visit TextileExchange.org.
Working at Textile Exchange
We work remotely with a team located in 20+ countries. We are a diverse group committed to harnessing the strengths of the global textile industry to accelerate change toward climate and other key environmental goals. We work collaboratively on important environmental issues around the world by working and interacting with farming groups, processors, brands, retailers, and environmental experts in the textile and fashion industries around the world. We offer an opportunity to join a cutting-edge global environmental nonprofit and to help strengthen the impact of our organization.
Role Summary
We are looking for a Forest Strategist to support Textile Exchange in stakeholder and partnership engagement and the development of a cross-sector and cross-commodity, global forest stewardship strategy.
This person will develop Textile Exchange’s overall direction of travel on deforestation-free, forest restoration, land conversion and sustainable forest management as it relates to forest activities, landscapes, and supply chains.
Responsibilities and Deliverables
Review and align existing forest-related Indicators used In the Preferred Fiber and Material Matrix.
Guide the process to determine Textile Exchange’s strategy and approach to forest practices as related to the textile industry.
Identify and map key stakeholders, initiatives, programs, issues, opportunities, industry, and government targets.
Identify the most important commodities for Textile Exchange to address (eg: leather, MMCF), and also which ones to align/work with (eg: beef, soy, etc.).
Facilitate alignment on approach and definitions with key stakeholders.
Identify overlap of deforestation and conversion; guide Textile Exchange’s participation and contribution to the development of consistent goals and interpretation witin the NGO community; ensure the alignment of outcomes and our work.
Identify and establish interdpencies across Textile Exchange platforms (e.g., Climate+, Industry Accountability, D&T, Standards + Assurance) to support the adopt and execution of a cross-cutting forest strategy.
Identify and assess relevant voluntary and regulatory frameworks.
Identify and assess key service providers to work with (eg: remote sensing).
Develop position paper
Clarify of definitions, targets, verification expectations
Identify key players and programs.
Address forest protection vs forest management (including degradation)
Highlight connections with work being done on conversion, degradation, restoration
Identify the key roles and responsibilities of textile industry brands and supply chains in forest protection and management
Experience and Qualifications
Relevant experience and expertise related to international forest practices and forest protection.
Track record of working with forest/forestry industry/forest protection and a broad range of global stakeholders.
Experience in facilitating collaborative groups with diverse stakeholder Interests.
Knowledge of the political landscape related to forestry and natural resource management.
Solid understanding of forest certification schemes, standards, verification systems.
Interested and passionate about addressing climate change and biodiversity protection.
Team player, resourceful, eager to learn and able to work independently in a virtual workplace.
Highly attentive to detail with strong organizational and analytical skills.
Excellent communication, written, and grammatical skills in English (Native or bilingual proficiency).
Equipped with excellent computer skills including Microsoft. Excel, PowerPoint, and Word and the ability to quickly learn new systems.
Contractor Package
Contract part- time position (16-24 hours per week) for 3-6 months.
Work from home, virtual/remote (flexible working hours is a must due to difference in international time zones).
Compensation range: US $15,000– $25,000
To be filled as soon as possible (start date to be agreed between both parties).
How to Apply
Please submit:
Textile Exchange is committed to creating a diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.