Starting Date: ASAP

Contract type: Consultancy – 9months contract

Salary: 15,51,517 INR, pro rata basis

Location: Delhi (Hybrid)

Application closing date: 31-08-2026

If we receive a high volume of applications, we may close this vacancy earlier than the advertised deadline, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

About the Job 

The Consultant, Climate Change & Natural Resource Management (Maternity Cover), will support the continued integration of climate action across India programmes. The role will work closely with Programme Partners to strengthen capacity on climate-smart approaches, support the delivery of carbon-related initiatives to enhance implementation of Better Cotton Initiative’s (BCI) Principles & Criteria (P&C) v3.2. Through these efforts, the Consultant will contribute to the delivery of impactful, evidence-based and locally responsive climate programmes during the maternity cover period.

The Challenge

Looking ahead to 2030, we are targeting reducing GHG emissions from cotton production by half, big cuts in synthetic pesticide use, improve soil health across our network, improve farm income and support women’s empowerment among farmers and farm workers. 

As a Consultant (CC & NRM), you will be responsible for:

Responsibilities

We are seeking a motivated Consultant to join our Programme Function. In this role, you will be responsible for:

1. Research, Capacity Strengthening and Stakeholder Engagement:

· With the guidance of the Senior CC & NRM Coordinator support Programme Partners in the effective implementation of projects based on Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES).

· Support the planning, coordination and delivery of climate related capacity strengthening activities including workshops, trainings and meetings.

· Support in the development of high quality CC deliverables for BCIs Programme Partners– tools, training courses, guidelines, modules and other research products.

· Support the coordination of action-oriented technical research to understand climate related risks and vulnerabilities in project areas and help Programme Partners identify measures to mitigate those and integrate them in their programmes.

· Lead, design and build technical capacity of Programme Partners on integrating geospatial technology into project work, ensuring outputs align with programme strategy and stakeholder communication needs.

· Support Programme Partners in climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies that align with BCI India’s strategic goals.

· Support Programme Partners identify meaningful and effective ways to engage with communities in villages on climate action and contribute to their social and economic development.

· Support in identification of appropriate and context relevant climate-smart agriculture and NRM technologies and techniques, and support Programme Partners identify and implement their practical applications.

· Support Programme Partners monitor project outcomes and impact and support them to effectively communicate progress made and challenges faced internally and where relevant externally.

· Support in identifying and engaging with relevant stakeholders who can support and further Better Cotton’s 2030 strategy in India.

2. Facilitating and Supporting Continuous Improvement (20%):

· Encourage and support Programme Partners in continuous improvement in their field-level performance, especially in selected thematic areas.

· Support Programme Partners to continuously improve the delivery of their capacity strengthening programmes; support them undertake effective monitoring and evaluation of those programmes.

· Support Programme Partners to identify barriers to adoption of key sustainable practices faced by farmers and support them find and implement solutions

3. Data Management and Communication (5%):

· In collaboration with Programme Partners, monitor outcomes and impact related to climate change mitigation and adaptation, and support Better Cotton Initiative communicate those internally and externally.

4. Others:

· Support the Programme team with ongoing cross-functional collaborations with other teams and functions.

· Support in identifying and preparation of case studies and success stories by Programme Partners and preparing reports for internal and external communication.

· Support development of materials to communicate about the India programme, its approaches, and achievements.

· Undertake other duties as determined by the Line Manager, Senior Programme Manager and the India Country Director which are compatible with the role and job description.

Experience

the following skills, knowledge, and experience:

Essential:

· Master’s degree in any relevant field such as Climate Change, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Sciences, Soil Science.

· Minimum 5 years of work experience in a related sector, with at least 2 years’ experience of working with grass-roots organisations and rural communities.

· Proven ability of managing/assisting action-oriented research among rural communities.

· Demonstrated ability to coordinate different projects involving multiple external stakeholders and internal teams.

· Strong grounding in use of data and field evidence for decision-making.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across diverse stakeholders.

· Experience working in international, multicultural, or mission-driven environments is an asset.

· Proven ability to work productively in a fast-paced multi-cultural environment

· Strong problem-solving skills, and demonstrated ability to understand behaviour change, and ability to influence change.

· Proven ability to work productively in remote teams.

· Excellent IT Skills including MS Office.

· Willingness and ability to travel regularly within India, and occasionally internationally (upto 25% of the time).

· Experience working with international non-profit organisations.

· Prior experience working in the cotton sector/ agriculture.

Desirable:

· Experience in the application of remote sensing and GIS to support climate, agriculture or natural resource management initiatives.

· Experience working on Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) initiatives including carbon credit projects, carbon markets or other nature based financial incentive mechanisms for farmers and communities.

Technical Competency:

· Stakeholder Engagement & Capacity Strengthening: Designs and delivers training modules and participatory approaches to build partner capacity on climate change.

· Climate Science: Applies climatology to develop context-relevant adaptation strategies.

· Geospatial Analysis & Remote Sensing: Applies GIS tools and remote sensing techniques to support spatial analysis, field monitoring and communication of programme outcomes.

· Participatory Risk and Vulnerability Analysis: Uses social research methods to engage with programme partners and farmers to identify locale specific risks.

· Carbon Accounting & GHG Measurement: Uses carbon accounting systems and GHG measurement tools to track and verify climate impact.

What we offer

• Hybrid working
• Flexible working, with core hours from 10 am to 4 pm local time
• Continuous learning and development
• The opportunity to make your mark and make a difference.

Working arrangements

The position is full-time (40 hours per week) and will be based in Delhi. Better Cotton Initiative offers flexible working, with core hours being 10 am – 4 pm.  The position may require limited international travel.

Apply now

Send us your CV (2 pages maximum) and a brief cover letter (1-page maximum) by or before 31.08.2026 via the application link. 

In your cover letter, please include an explanation of why your experience is specifically relevant to this role at Better Cotton Initiative. We want to see your personal style – what makes you tick and why you think your next opportunity is here with us.

Better Cotton Initiative does not use artificial intelligence or in its hiring process. Every application is reviewed by our Talent Acquisition team and relevant hiring managers to ensure a fair and human-led assessment experience.

Our hiring process

Initial Screening:

Applicant screening is a crucial step in our recruitment process. This stage may involve a brief phone interview or video call to evaluate your suitability for the position. During this screening, we review resumes and cover letters, and may conduct initial background checks to narrow down the pool of applicant. Internal candidates are encouraged to inform their line manager about their application to promote transparency and help facilitate a smooth transition if selected.

Interviews:

If you successfully pass the initial screening, you will be invited for interviews. The interview process at Better Cotton Initiative may include one or more rounds of interviews with various stakeholders, such as the hiring manager, team members, and potentially senior management. As an internal candidate, you may have discussions regarding your current responsibilities and how they will transition to the new position.

Assessment and Testing: 

Depending on the role, you might be required to complete assessments, technical tests, or skills evaluations to gauge your competency and suitability for the position. Internal candidates may have the option to demonstrate their existing skills through current job performance or past project outcomes.

Reference Checks: 

Once you progress further in the process, reference checks are conducted to validate your work history, skills, and qualifications, and for some roles, your education and criminal history. Internal candidates may be asked for references from current or previous supervisors within Better Cotton Initiative to provide insights into their performance and capabilities.

Offer stage:

After completing interviews, assessments, and reference checks, the hiring team evaluates your performance and fit for the role. If you are selected and your references are relevant and satisfactory, you will receive a formal job offer letter outlining the terms of employment, compensation, benefits, and any other relevant details. For internal candidates, the offer process may include a discussion about how your transition to the new role will be managed and any support needed for a smooth handover.

About Better Cotton Initiative

Better Cotton Initiative is a global not-for-profit organisation supporting the production of more equitable and sustainable cotton at farm level. We exist to catalyse the cotton farming community with partners, governments and others to continuously drive positive impact by setting standards and facilitating the supply and demand of more sustainable cotton from farm to brand. In just 15 years we have aligned more than a fifth of the world’s cotton with our standard and helped farmers and farming communities thrive. Join us in building a better, more sustainable future for cotton worldwide.

About our Values

The post holder will be expected to operate in line with our workplace values which are:  

• Trustworthy (including honest, transparent, credible) 
• As having Integrity (including responsible, authentic) 
• Positive (including problem-solving, pragmatic) 
• Engaging (including adaptable, inclusive, holistic) 
• Daring (including courageous, innovative, game-changing)  

Being you @ Better Cotton Initiative

Better Cotton Initiative is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to good practice and transparency in the management of natural, human, and financial resources.

We have a zero-tolerance approach to any attitudes or behaviours that put children or adults at risk of harm. Safeguarding incidents are acts of serious misconduct and are grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including, dismissal and referral to relevant authorities for criminal prosecution. Therefore, all offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks.