Senior Program Manager, Palm Oil at Stichting IDH

, , Malaysia -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

24 Aug, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

26 May, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Strategic Leadership, Stakeholder Engagement, Program Management, Financial Management, Fundraising, Partnership Development, Team Leadership, Risk Management, Negotiation, Strategic Planning, Value Chain Analysis, Monitoring and Evaluation, Project Management Tools, MS Office, Public-Private Partnerships, Sustainability Strategy

Industry

International Trade and Development

Description

We are excited to be searching for a proactive and pragmatic Senior Program Manager, Palm Oil in Malaysia with an interest to join our team, and we hope it’s you! Your role. As the Senior Program Manager (Palm Oil), you are responsible for implementing strategic leadership, operational management, and stakeholder engagement to ensure the successful development and implementation of programs. This role involves building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, program deliverables in terms of KPIs and other objectives aligned with organizational goals. Key Responsibilities: * Lead and represent IDH’s Palm programme in Malaysia byconveningand securing strategic commitments from government, private sector, and civil society stakeholders to advance sustainable palm oil production and natural resource conservation. * Build,maintain, and strengthen strategic relationships with senior government representatives, industry associations, donors, and external partners at federal and regional levels to position IDH as a trusted partner in Malaysia’s palm oil sector. * Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the implementation of NI-SCOPS and other palm landscape programmes in Malaysia, ensuring delivery of keyobjectivesrelated to governance, government-to-government agreements, private sector engagement, co-funding, monitoring, and traceability solutions. * Guide the development and implementation of jurisdictional and landscape-based approaches in Sabah, including stakeholder engagement, establishment of PPI Compacts, linkage toSourceUP, and value chain transformation initiatives focused on deforestation-free production, low-carbon development, and improved farmer livelihoods. * Translate strategicobjectivesinto operational programme plans and ensure effective programme delivery in Malaysia through oversight of implementation, performance monitoring, reporting, risk management, and achievement of agreed outcomes. * Identifyand drive fundraising and partnership development opportunities to secure financial support and long-term sustainability for current and future palm-focused programmes in Malaysia. * Lead knowledge sharing, learning, and stakeholder engagement initiatives by organizing strategic events,facilitatingcollaboration, and promoting IDH’s landscape approach, traceability models, and successful programme practices internally and externally. * Contribute actively to the Palm Cluster Leadership Team by aligning Malaysia programme priorities with the broader IDH strategy, sharing insights and lessons learned, and supporting strategic decision-making across the global Palm programme. * Lead, manage, and develop the Malaysia country team by fostering a collaborative, high-performing, and inclusive work environment, ensuring effective communication, coaching, and professional development opportunities for staff. * Oversee country operations and organizational compliance in Malaysia, includingfinancial management, HR, administration, legal compliance, policy implementation, and safeguarding the safety and well-being of staff. Who you are As a Senior Program Manager, Palm Oil, you will operate in a complex and fast-evolving environment where success depends on balancing strategic direction, operational delivery, and stakeholder alignment. The role requires navigating diverse stakeholder interests across public and private sectors, while ensuring programmes remain adaptive and impactful in changing market contexts. To perform successfully in this role, you are able to: * Drive the achievement of programmeobjectivesand KPIs, ensuring measurable impact, scalability across markets/geographies, and delivery of strategic priorities. * Build andmaintainstrong stakeholder relationships and partnerships, strengthening collaboration, funding opportunities, and the overall reputation of the programme. * Ensure effective programme andfinancial management, including budget oversight, operational coordination, and high-quality reporting. * Lead and develop a high-performing team by supporting capacity building,identifyingcapability gaps, and fostering continuous improvement. What you bring * Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in business administration, agricultural economics, environmental management, or a related field. * 7–10 years of relevant experience in programme and team leadership, preferably within the agricultural, sustainability, or international development sector. * Proventrack recordin strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, partnership development, facilitation, and negotiation. * Strong understanding of value chains, market systems, and sustainability challenges related to agriculture and commodities. * Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills, includingproficiencywith project management tools and MS Office applications. * Willingness to travel regularly domestically and internationally as required. We offer you A challenging, pivotal role within an impacting, international organisation. A service agreement is offered on a yearly basis, including communication fee/ month. Interested? * Would you like to apply? Click the Button orfollow this link andsubmityour applicationin English. * We encourage applicants to respond before 08 June 2026.In the event that the right applicant is found, the application link may be closed earlier. * Important note: In order tocomply withthe General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), wedo notproceedyourapplications via email/LinkedIn with attached CVs, and motivational letters. We kindly request that you submit your application link shared as above. This process ensures that we can review your application while safeguarding your personal informationin accordance with GDPR regulations. * For the successful candidate, a certificate of conduct (verklaringomtrentgedrag) is required to submit as a part of IDH onboarding procedure. * For more questions about the role and organisation, please contact Phat Nguyen at phatnguyen@idhtrade.org Who we are. IDH seeks to transform markets through collaborative innovation, convening and investment in inclusive and sustainable solutions that enable businesses to create value for people and planet. To achieve this, IDH brings together coalitions of committed stakeholders from across global value chains towards joint visions and program agendas for sustainable trade. IDH’s international presence extends to multiple regions and landscapes, facilitated by a network of around 300 staff including experts who are embedded in key agricultural, manufacturing, apparel and commodity value chains. In 18 years of operation, IDH has mobilised private sector investment and support to test and innovate new business models designed to create better jobs, better incomes, a better environment, and gender equity for all. For more information, go to www.idh.org or follow on LinkedIn. Our commitment to safeguarding The offer of the role will be made subject to receipt of satisfactory references, proof of relevant qualifications, identification checks and other safeguarding checks including background checks overseas (where appropriate). IDH also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures. At IDH, we are committed to equal employment opportunity and do not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any type. We strive every day to build a more inclusive and equitable workplace. Research shows women and other underrepresented candidates are less likely to apply unless they meet 100% of the listed criteria. If you meet many, but not all, of the qualifications and feel energised by the role, we strongly encourage you to apply.

Responsibilities

Lead and implement sustainable palm oil programs in Malaysia by securing strategic commitments from government and private sector stakeholders. Oversee operational delivery, financial management, and the development of the country team to achieve deforestation-free production and improved farmer livelihoods.