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

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