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Brazil Country Lead

Global Reporting Initiative
Full-time
Remote friendly (Sao Paulo SP BR)
Worldwide

Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is the architect of a system of global sustainability standards that provides a common global language to assess and report on environmental, social and economic impacts. Beyond standards, GRI creates tools and training that empower organizations of all sizes to create sustainable, long-term value – benefiting people and planet.

For almost 30 years, GRI has engaged in a global multi-stakeholder process to define and refine the global best practice for sustainability reporting. Today, the GRI Standards are the world’s most widely used sustainability reporting standards.

GRI is an international nonprofit organization, headquartered in the Netherlands, with staff in more than 20 countries. Working at GRI, you will be part of a team – One GRI – that is committed to unlocking positive change in the world.

About the Role

The Brazil Country Lead will be the driving force behind re-establishing and expanding GRI’s presence in one of the world’s most strategic sustainability markets. This is a unique opportunity to design and execute a country-level strategy that not only delivers on donor commitments but also positions GRI as a leading voice and partner in Brazil’s sustainability agenda. The role calls for a visionary leader who sees beyond implementation, bringing the ambition, networks, and strategic insight required to unlock new opportunities, strengthen GRI’s market offering, and ensure Brazil’s central place in the regional and global sustainability reporting landscape.

The Brazil Country Lead is responsible for coordinating and delivering GRI’s activities in Brazil, ensuring alignment with GRI’s global strategy and regional priorities. This includes implementing programmatic work on SME and value chain sustainability reporting, strengthening interoperability with national and international frameworks, and deepening engagement with key stakeholders ahead of major sustainability milestones in the country.

In addition, the role will play a pivotal part in engaging policymakers, regulators, and sectoral leaders, while contributing to regional initiatives on sector-specific standards and digital reporting solutions. The position requires a strong strategic mindset, coupled with proven abilities in coordination, program delivery, and high-level external engagement to advance GRI’s mission in Brazil and the wider region.

Responsibilities

Delivery

  • Lead the development and execution of country-level strategies and work plans aligned with GRI’s global objectives, regional priorities and donor expectations.

  • Coordinate the implementation of in-country programs, ensuring timely delivery, quality, and measurable outcomes.

  • Manage program-related budgeting, financial planning, and donor reporting in compliance with internal and external requirements.

  • Promote the application and adoption of GRI Standards, providing technical support and capacity-building to local stakeholders in priority sectors.

  • Identify new opportunities for program growth and contribute to funding proposals and resource mobilization efforts.

Engagement

  • Serve as GRI’s lead representative in Brazil, ensuring strong visibility, credibility, and alignment with local priorities.

  • Build and maintain strategic relationships with government entities, regulators, businesses, business associations, civil society organizations, academia and other key partners.

  • Represent GRI in national and regional events, forums, media engagements, and stakeholder platforms to promote sustainability reporting and transparency.

  • Facilitate multi-stakeholder engagement and dialogue in support of ESG and responsible business practices.

  • Provide regular updates and strategic insights to GRI’s senior leadership on country-specific developments, risks, and opportunities.

  • Execute the requirements for the donor programs or align with GRI's strategy to create awareness, build capacity, and collaborate in Regions and globally.

  • Raise awareness, selling, retaining, and supporting the understanding of the GRI standards and initiatives with all relevant stakeholders and partners that will drive GRI objectives. (GRI Community, Services, certified training partners, data partner, or any other relevant partners) and aligned to that country's specific needs in the Region. This is done through marketing & customer service initiatives.

  • Raise awareness, build capacity, and support all partners with regard to integrated reporting and the benefits of transparency and sustainability reporting.



Work Experience

  • Master’s degree in a related field is preferred, or a combination of relevant education and experience.

  • Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience in similar roles, including experience in program leadership and coordination, stakeholder engagement, or advocacy within sustainability or international development contexts.

  • Demonstrated success in delivering measurable program results.

  • Previous experience in Brazil’s sustainability landscape and understanding of sustainability reporting frameworks, particularly the GRI Standards and their application in Brazil.

  • Experience working with government, regulatory bodies, companies, business associations, and civil society.

Knowledge and abilities

  • Strategic thinker with the ability to operationalize goals into concrete actions.

  • Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to work effectively across diverse cultural and political contexts

  • Proven ability to influence and build consensus among senior business leaders, policymakers, and multi-stakeholder groups.

  • Strong capability in developing partnerships and mobilizing resources to advance organizational objectives.

  • High-level representation skills, able to position GRI as a trusted voice in sustainability in Brazil and the wider region.

  • High level of accountability, adaptability and initiative in managing multiple priorities in dynamic environments.

  • Excellent organizational skills.

  • Fluent in written and spoken English and Portuguese. Spanish is an advantage.

  • Ability to work in a dynamic environment where change is ongoing.

  • Able to work in an international and multi-cultural setting.

  • Affinity with the mission GRI.

  • In order to support your overall well-being should have an existing ergonomic desk set-up when working remotely.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to click on “Apply” and submit their resume and cover letter in English. The deadline to submit your application is 12:00 pm (CET), 9 September 2025. We will only consider candidates with existing residence and work permits in Brazil.

What we offer

  • Location: Remote (based in Brazil; candidates must have an existing valid permit to work in Brazil)

  • Work hours: 40 hrs p/w (full-time, flexible)

  • Contract type: 1-year contract with possibility for extension

  • Start date: ASAP

  • Generous leave allowance 

  • Opportunity for learning and development 

  • Access to the GRI Academy 

We aim to create a recruitment process that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring all candidates have equal opportunities and are evaluated based on their unique skills and experiences. If you have any questions or require any support and adjustments during the application process, please reach out to us at recruitment@globalreporting.org