Senior Program Officer – Supply Chain Sustainability (India & Vietnam)

Arthan is seeking a Senior Program Officer for Supply Chain Sustainability in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India. The role focuses on promoting Responsible Purchasing Practices in the textiles sector, emphasizing Living Wages, Occupational Health & Safety, Gender Equity, and Decent Work. Responsibilities include program design, stakeholder collaboration, contract management, and operational oversight. Candidates should have a relevant degree and at least 5 years of experience in the industry.
About the Role

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Senior Program Officer to join a leading international initiative driving social sustainability across the textiles and manufacturing sector. This role is focused on promoting Responsible Purchasing Practices (RPP) , with key areas including Living Wages , Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) , Gender Equity , and Decent Work .

The Senior Program Officer will play a critical role in supporting program delivery and stakeholder collaboration in India and Vietnam. This is an opportunity to work on cutting-edge initiatives shaping the future of ethical supply chains, better jobs, and sustainable industry practices.

Key Responsibilities

1. Program Design & Coordination
• Support the planning and execution of programs promoting responsible purchasing practices in collaboration with suppliers, brands, unions, and government stakeholders.
• Facilitate multi-stakeholder engagements to enhance collective impact and program outcomes.
• Ensure alignment with international standards, regulatory requirements, and strategic sustainability goals.
• Contribute to Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) by tracking program progress and capturing lessons learned.

2. Contract & Budget Oversight
• Draft, review, and manage partnership contracts in accordance with procurement and financial policies.
• Monitor project budgets and ensure efficient use of resources for activities related to Living Wages and OHS.
• Support the development of co-funding proposals and strategic partnerships with brands and financial institutions.

3. Operational Management
• Coordinate activities across project locations to ensure timely, high-quality deliverables.
• Manage partner relationships, work plans, risk identification, and reporting processes.
• Drive operational efficiency and problem-solving throughout program execution.

4. Technical Support & Capacity Building
• Contribute to the creation of tools, training materials, and guidance documents to strengthen stakeholder capabilities and implementation.

Key Challenges
• Navigating a dynamic stakeholder landscape and aligning diverse interests.
• Balancing multiple workstreams in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Responding to shifting priorities with agility and strategic thinking.

Success Indicators
• High-quality, timely documentation and reporting.
• Strong, collaborative stakeholder relationships.
• Efficient, well-planned program execution.
• Measurable impact in advancing responsible purchasing and social sustainability goals.

What Were Looking For
• A Bachelor‘s degree in Textiles, Apparel, Sustainability, Industrial Relations, Social Sciences, or related fields.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in the private sector, ideally within the TAF industry.
• Strong grasp of sectoral dynamics, including wage-setting, supply chain sourcing, and OHS standards.
• Proven ability to engage with multi-sector stakeholders and manage complex projects.
• Working knowledge of project budgeting, monitoring & evaluation, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• A proactive, practical, and efficient team player who thrives on collaboration and problem-solving.

Preferred Experience
• Exposure to sustainability initiatives within the textile and apparel ecosystem.
• Experience in building the business case for ethical supply chain practices.
• Familiarity with global social compliance frameworks.