Alternance - Sustainability & Responsible Sourcing Specialist

Are you passionate about sustainability and curious about how responsible sourcing can create a positive impact across global natural ingredient supply chains? Join IFF's Sustainability team in Grasse and help shape the future of responsible sourcing while gaining hands-on experience with suppliers, certification programs, and sustainability initiatives around the world. IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients and health & biosciences. Through innovation, science, and collaboration, we help create products that make everyday life better while advancing sustainability across our value chains. Based in Grasse, France , this position reports to the Responsible Sourcing Manager, Natural Ingredients and supports the Sustainability team in driving responsible sourcing initiatives across strategic natural ingredient supply chains. This opportunity is designed for a Master's student (Bac+5) seeking a gap year ("année de césure") and looking to gain hands-on experience in sustainable sourcing, certification programs, supplier engagement, and responsible supply chain management within a global organization. Preferred alternance rhythm: 3 weeks in the company / 1 week at university. However, we remain open to discussing alternative arrangements with the right candidate. The role is fully based onsite in Grasse and includes opportunities for travel within strategic sourcing regions. Where You'll Make a Difference As part of the Sustainability team, you will contribute to meaningful sustainability initiatives while developing practical experience in responsible sourcing and supplier engagement. You will: Support the rollout of source-level due diligence strategies across strategic natural ingredients supply chains: Contribute to the implementation of certification standards such as For Life, Fair for Life, FairWild, and UEBT, as well as third-party assessments with selected suppliers. Develop tailored capacity-building programs, training materials, and responsible sourcing tools for suppliers and internal stakeholders. Design and implement monitoring and evaluation systems and KPIs to track progress and impact at source. Conduct field visits across strategic naturals supply chains, including diagnostics, pre-assessments, and engagement with suppliers, auditors, and local partners. Support the operational implementation of certification programs with key internal stakeholders. What Makes You the Right Fit Master's degree (Bac+5) or currently pursuing a Master's degree in Sustainability, Agronomy, Environmental Sciences, International Development, Human Rights, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. Seeking an alternance or gap-year experience ("année de césure") to apply academic knowledge in a business environment. Strong interest in sustainability, responsible sourcing, ESG topics and agricultural value chains. Previous exposure through internships, academic projects, volunteer experiences or fieldwork in sustainability, agriculture, rural development or supply chain-related topics is a plus. Strong analytical, organizational and project management skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively in multicultural environments. Curious, proactive and eager to learn within an international and collaborative setting. Fluent in French and English, both written and spoken. Why Choose Us? At IFF, you'll have the opportunity to work on sustainability challenges that have a direct impact on global natural ingredient supply chains. We offer: Hands-on experience in responsible sourcing and sustainability within a global industry leader. Exposure to internationally recognized certification and sustainability frameworks. Opportunities to participate in supplier engagement initiatives and field assessments. Collaboration with experienced sustainability professionals and cross-functional teams. A multicultural and purpose-driven work