Senior Program Officer - Responsible Purchasing Practices

Arthan is hiring a Senior Program Officer for Responsible Purchasing Practices, based in Gurugram, India. The role focuses on promoting social sustainability in textiles and manufacturing, covering areas like Living Wages and Occupational Health & Safety. Responsibilities include program design, budget oversight, operational management, and capacity building. Candidates should have a relevant degree and at least 5 years of experience in the private sector, ideally in the TAF 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.

Why Join Us?

This is your chance to contribute meaningfully to a global sustainability agenda while working at the intersection of the private sector and social impact. If you're passionate about making supply chains more equitable and resilient especially for workers this role offers the platform to do just that.