Sustainability & Impact Co-Founder

Equity-based role | Early-stage | Africa-focused Company Description Gephra Sustaina is a sustainability-focused digital marketplace ecosystem operated by Gephra Ltd, a Rwanda-based technology company building platforms that support responsible trade, employment verification, and digital commerce across Africa. Gephra Sustaina connects consumers, retailers, and businesses with responsibly made products from African producers. The platform is designed to make sustainability practical and trusted by combining commerce with clear product information, structured sustainability disclosures, and verification frameworks. Our goal is not to market sustainability, but to embed it into how products are sourced, presented, and traded. We support African producers by giving them visibility, structure, and tools to reach local, regional, and global buyers, while helping buyers make informed decisions based on transparent data rather than vague claims. Role Description We are looking for a Sustainability & Impact Co-Founder to co-build and own the sustainability, standards, and impact layer of Gephra Sustaina. This role is central to the company’s credibility and long-term trust. You will shape how sustainability is defined, measured, disclosed, and governed across the marketplace, with real decision-making authority. You will work closely with the Founder and technical team to ensure sustainability principles are reflected in product design, vendor onboarding, policies, and external partnerships. This is an equity-first co-founder role, not a salaried position. What You’ll Do • Co-own the company vision with a focus on sustainability governance and impact integrity • Design and maintain sustainability frameworks used across the marketplace, including vendor disclosures, lifecycle data inputs, and verification tiers • Define rules and safeguards to prevent greenwashing and misleading environmental claims • Guide product decisions related to sustainability features such as digital product passports, certifications, and traceability tools • Build partnerships with certifiers, sustainability organisations, NGOs, and standards bodies • Define and track impact indicators related to sourcing practices, circularity, and environmental transparency • Support engagement with institutional partners, development programs, and impact-focused funders • Represent Gephra Sustaina in sustainability discussions, partnerships, and relevant forums We’re Looking for Someone Who • Has a strong grounding in sustainability, responsible sourcing, ESG, or circular economy thinking • Understands the balance between credibility and practicality in emerging markets • Can translate technical sustainability concepts into simple, usable systems • Has experience working across Africa or similar contexts • Thinks in systems, not slogans • Is entrepreneurial and comfortable with ambiguity and iteration • Collaborates closely with product and engineering teams Background & Experience There is no single “right” background, but strong candidates may have: • 4+ years in sustainability, ESG, supply chains, development programs, or impact-driven businesses • Experience with certifications, sustainability reporting, lifecycle thinking, or standards development • Exposure to African SMEs, cooperatives, manufacturing, or informal value chains • Experience working with NGOs, donors, or impact investors (a plus) • Strong communication and partnership-building skills Who This Role Is Not For • Those seeking a salaried position • Those who prefer highly structured corporate environments • Those focused only on advocacy without engaging with product or data • Those uncomfortable with early-stage uncertainty and shared responsibility Why This Role Matters Gephra Sustaina’s success depends on trust. This role ensures sustainability is treated as infrastructure, not marketing. You will help define how sustainability is practised, communicated, and protected as the platform scales. Interested? If you care deeply about responsible trade, integrity, and building systems that work in real African contexts, we would love to talk. Application deadline: 20 January 2026 If this role resonates with you, we’d love to learn more about your perspective and experience. Please share your interest by completing the application form below.