Chief Sustainability Officer Job Vacancy in Rwamagana, Rwanda – Manufacturing

Job Description

Position: Chief Sustainability Officer

Company: Unilever

Location: Rwamagana, Rwanda

Experience: 12+ Years

Education: Master’s Degree in Environmental Science or MBA

Employment Type: Full-time

Industry: Manufacturing

Department: Corporate Sustainability

Vacancies: 1

Company Overview

Unilever is a global leader in the fast-moving consumer goods industry, dedicated to creating a sustainable future for people and the planet. With a presence in over 190 countries, we believe that brands with purpose grow, and companies with purpose last. Our operations in Rwanda are central to our mission of expanding sustainable living across East Africa. We focus on reducing our environmental footprint while increasing our positive social impact. By integrating sustainability into every part of our business model, from sourcing raw materials to waste management, we aim to lead the manufacturing sector toward a circular economy. Our commitment to Rwanda involves investing in local communities, promoting gender equality in the workforce, and implementing cutting-edge green technologies in our production facilities. As we scale our operations, we seek visionary leaders who can align industrial growth with ecological preservation, ensuring that our legacy in Rwanda is one of prosperity and environmental stewardship. This role is pivotal for those seeking high-impact Career Opportunities in Rwanda within a Fortune 500 environment.

Job Overview

The Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) will be the primary architect of Unilever’s environmental and social governance (ESG) strategy within the Rwandan market. This executive role requires a blend of strategic foresight, operational expertise, and a passion for sustainable development. The successful candidate will oversee the transition of our manufacturing plants to carbon-neutral status and ensure that all supply chain activities adhere to the highest ethical standards of the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan. This is a premier Job Vacancy in Rwanda for a professional capable of navigating the complexities of industrial manufacturing while advocating for planetary health. You will collaborate with government bodies, NGOs, and internal stakeholders to position Unilever as the gold standard for sustainable manufacturing in the region. For more information on current trends in the regional market, visit https://rwandajobsearch.com to explore how this role fits into the broader economic landscape. The CSO will be responsible for reporting directly to the regional board and ensuring that sustainability KPIs are integrated into the financial performance of the company, proving that green business is good business.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive 10-year sustainability roadmap for all manufacturing sites in Rwanda.
• Lead the transition to 100% renewable energy sources for production facilities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Implement a zero-waste-to-landfill policy by optimizing packaging materials and enhancing recycling programs.
• Oversee the ethical sourcing of raw materials, ensuring fair trade practices and biodiversity protection.
• Manage the corporate social responsibility (CSR) budget to fund local community health and education projects.
• Conduct rigorous ESG audits and prepare annual sustainability reports for international stakeholders.
• Advise the executive team on emerging environmental regulations and policy changes within Rwanda.
• Foster partnerships with local agricultural cooperatives to implement regenerative farming techniques.

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Required Skills

• Expertise in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and carbon footprinting methodologies.
• Strong leadership skills with a proven track record of managing cross-functional global teams.
• Deep knowledge of international sustainability standards such as GRI, SASB, and TCFD.
• Exceptional negotiation skills for dealing with government regulators and international suppliers.
• Advanced analytical skills to quantify the financial impact of sustainability initiatives.
• Proficiency in sustainable supply chain management and circular economy principles.

Education

The ideal candidate must possess a Master’s Degree in Environmental Science, Sustainable Development, Engineering, or a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in Sustainability. Professional certifications such as LEED AP or ISSP are highly desirable.

Experience

A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in corporate sustainability or environmental management is required. At least 5 of these years must be in a senior leadership capacity within the manufacturing or FMCG sector. Experience managing large-scale industrial transitions to green energy in emerging markets is a significant advantage for those pursuing Employment in Rwanda.

Benefits

• Competitive executive salary package with performance-based annual bonuses.
• Comprehensive international health insurance and wellness programs.
• Relocation assistance and housing allowance for expatriates or domestic relocates.
• Company vehicle and dedicated executive support staff.
• Generous pension scheme and stock option plans.

To compare this opportunity with other regional vacancies, visit https://ugandajobssearch.com/.

Training

• Executive leadership coaching from global sustainability experts.
• Certification programs in advanced ESG reporting and climate risk management.
• Regular attendance at international sustainability summits and forums.
• On-site technical training on the latest green manufacturing technologies.

Working Environment

This position is based in Rwamagana, offering a dynamic blend of corporate office management and frequent visits to manufacturing plants and rural sourcing sites. The role requires a high degree of flexibility and the ability to operate in both high-pressure boardroom settings and field-based operational environments. As part of our Hiring in Rwanda initiative, we provide a supportive, multicultural workspace that encourages innovation and diversity of thought.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their comprehensive CV and a strategic vision statement (maximum 1,000 words) outlining their approach to sustainable manufacturing in Rwanda. Applications will be screened for technical competence and leadership alignment. Shortlisted candidates will undergo a multi-stage interview process, including a presentation to the Regional Executive Committee and a behavioral assessment. Only those who meet the strict criteria for this Job Vacancy in Rwanda will be contacted for an interview.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Unilever is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees regardless of race, religion, gender, age, or disability. We actively encourage applications from qualified women and underrepresented groups to apply for this leadership role.