Gender and Equality Lead

Gender and Equality Lead

We are seeking a Gender and Equality Lead to drive real change in gender equality across global tea supply chains.

As a mission-driven membership organisation, we believe everyone working in tea deserves equity, dignity, and respect. We collaborate with tea producers, governments, NGOs, and civil society to tackle systemic inequality and embed gender-inclusive practices across the tea sector. Our projects support communities on the ground while influencing global policy and business practices.

Position: Gender and Equality Lead
Location: E2, near Bethnal Green (London). Hybrid, minimum 3 days in the office.
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (full-time), Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £45,000 to £50,000 per annum, depending on experience + company benefits

Closing date: 15th of June

About the role:
As the Gender and Equality Lead, you’ll provide expert technical guidance to ensure global programmes are inclusive, gender-responsive, and transformative. Working across multiple teams and countries, you’ll champion change, advising on programme design, supporting pilot initiatives with the private sector, and contributing to evidence-based policy and communication strategies. You’ll also strengthen internal capacity and influence global sustainability discussions with a gender lens.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead and embed gender and equality best practice into all programmes and proposal
• Provide technical support to projects and collaborate with partners to ensure inclusivity
• Design tools and lead training to build internal and external capacity
• Work with members and partners to identify and pilot gender-responsive business innovations
• Develop case studies and resources to share our gender impact stories
• Influence policy positions and support strategic communications on gender and equality
• Monitor and evaluate gender impact, contributing to organisational KPIs and country plans

About you:

• At least 5 years’ experience in gender and equality programming or policy, ideally in agriculture or international development
• Technical knowledge of gender equality in global supply chains
• Experience designing projects, writing funding proposals, and developing M&E frameworks
• Excellent communication skills – able to engage and influence diverse, international audiences
• Strong project management, training, and organisational development skills
• A strategic thinker with a collaborative spirit and solutions-focused mindset
• Willingness to travel internationally as required

Desirable:

• Postgraduate qualification in International Development, Agriculture, or similar
• Experience working with private sector businesses or responsible sourcing initiatives

About the organisation:
Founded in 1997, this not-for-profit membership organisation with 38 diverse members, collaborates with members and third-party grantors to implement impactful, long-term programs in tea-producing countries, improving the lives of farmers, workers, and communities.  

The projects address critical issues in the tea supply chain, including poverty, gender-based violence, human rights violations, deforestation, and inadequate access to services. By partnering with corporate members, funders, and local implementers, they deliver tailored interventions and drive responsible business practices. Leveraging their unique position, they bring together the right stakeholders to tackle key challenges with actionable solutions.

You may also have experience in roles such as: Gender and Inclusion Specialist, Equality Programme Lead, Social Inclusion Advisor, DEI Lead, International Development Advisor, Programme Manager, or Human Rights Specialist.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.