This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days per month in our WRI Europe office in London or the Hague. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission.

This will be a 1 year contract with the possibility of extension.

About the Program:

The Food and Land Use Coalition (FOLU) is a self-governed coalition of organisations and individuals working collaboratively to achieve a shared objective: the urgent transformation of food and land use systems to deliver a better future for people, nature and climate. FOLU supports science-based solutions and helps to build a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities to unlock collective, ambitious action.

FOLU’s Growing Better report recommends an integrated reform agenda along ten critical transitions to deliver positive outcomes for environment, health, inclusive development and food security, ensuring food and land use systems support delivery of globally agreed sustainable development, climate and biodiversity goals. 

FOLU’s light-touch governance and adaptive management have enabled the FOLU community to grow and evolve since FOLU’s inception in 2017. The Coalition’s collective leadership is provided by a Core Partners Group comprised of seven Country Platforms – in Brazil, China, Colombia, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia and Kenya – and eight International Partners: The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), EAT, the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), SYSTEMIQ, World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO), and the World Resources Institute (WRI). 

FOLU’s Ambassador network is co-chaired by Shenggen Fan, Agnes Kalibata and Paul Polman.  They are international, senior leaders who engage decision-makers at the global and national level to drive change in one or more FOLU countries.

Job Highlight:

You will be part of FOLU's senior leadership team, reporting into the Executive Director and deputising when needed. FOLU is seeking a visionary leader with experience in food systems, sustainability, and cross-sector engagement. You will be responsible for integrating equity into your work. This is a key strategic role responsible for guiding and ensuring the effective implementation of FOLU’s goals across three core areas:

1. Impact & Learning
2. Development/Fundraising
3. Communications.

What will you do:

Team Management (10%):

• Lead the Development & Delivery team, comprised of associates from WRI, SDSN and WBCSD
• Manage team meetings and facilitate communication and learning across the team
• Conduct performance reviews and support professional development of associates

Lead Impact & Learning Function (20%):

• Strategy Implementation: Support the Head of Impact and Learning to coordinate and facilitate execution of FOLU's strategy
• Impact Measurement: Establish and oversee robust monitoring, evaluation, and learning frameworks to assess the effectiveness of FOLU’s initiatives. Establish key performance indicators to ensure evidence-based learning and improvement are implemented. Oversee a portfolio management system which includes quarterly performance assessments, feedback reports and project ratings. Work with colleagues in the finance team to identify portfolio risks and ensure resources are allocated effectively. Provide support to global and country teams to ensure that the portfolio management system is effectively implemented across the coalition
• Portfolio Management and Coalition Coordination: Ensure high quality donor and reporting management, developing FOLU’s key reporting products including, quarterly reports, annual reports, impact reports and final project reports. Oversee the annual work planning process including the development of planning, budget and strategic templates. Ensure that all partners submit plans in a timely fashion and integrate these plans to give a coherent and costed work program for FOLU

Lead Development/Fundraising Function (20%):

• Strategic Fundraising: Support FOLU’s Head of Development in developing and leading FOLU’s fundraising strategy, identifying funding opportunities and building relationships with key donors, including governments, private foundations, and corporate partners
• Grant Management: Ensure the development of high-quality proposals and ensure effective grant management, reporting, and accountability. Work with internal teams to secure resources for critical projects and maintain funder relationships
• Donor Engagement: When needed, deputise for FOLU’s Executive Director, representing FOLU in meetings with donors and partners, providing compelling narratives about FOLU’s mission, impact, and future opportunities. Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships to sustain and expand funding for key initiatives

Lead Communications Function (20%):

• Oversee the development and execution of an integrated communications strategy that amplifies FOLU’s work, impact, and insights to diverse audiences globally and locally
• Oversee the production of impactful content, including reports, thought leadership pieces, newsletters, and digital campaigns, that effectively communicate FOLU’s achievements and vision
• Build and manage relationships with external stakeholders, including the media, partner organizations, and international networks. Position FOLU as a trusted voice in food systems transformation and policy advocacy

Coalition Operational Management (30%): 

• Support the Executive Director in implementing organizational strategy and lead specific key initiatives to ensure successful outcomes
• Provide strategic leadership support, ensuring continuity in decision-making and guiding the organization in alignment with its mission and goals
• Facilitate cross-function collaboration within the Secretariat as well as across the Coalition’s International Partners and Country Platforms to maintain cohesion and maximize operational efficiency
• Develop and execute operational plans, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and organizational priorities
• Deputize for Executive Director when needed. Support the Executive Director in board and committee meetings, contributing to strategic discussions and decision-making processes.

What will you need:

• Education: You have completed a master’s degree in environmental studies, agriculture, food systems, international development, economics or related area (or a bachelor’s degree with three additional years of experience)
• Experience: You have a minimum of 10+ years’ experience in a relevant area, with at least 3 years in a management capacity
• Demonstrated knowledge of food and land use systems including nutrition or health
• Experience leading teams, working across organizational boundaries, and inspiring collaboration among diverse partners
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and translate big-picture goals into practical actions and measurable impact
• Demonstrated communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas to different audiences and influence stakeholders
• Established network within international development, climate, agriculture, or related fields
• Experience engaging with donors, government officials, and other key stakeholders
• Experience developing strategies and solving complex strategic and tactical problems
• Demonstrated ability to give constructive feedback and clearly explain the reasoning behind decisions
• Languages: Proficiency in written and spoken English; additional language skills are desirable
• Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position is based. 

Potential Salary:

£84,000 - £105,000 if based in the UK

€92,000 - € 115,000 if based in the Netherlands

Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume with a cover letter by 2 December 2024. We may close for applications sooner if we receive a high volume of applications from qualified candidates.

You must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.

What we offer:

• A competitive salary
• Access to the WRI global network with the opportunity to exchange with and learn from passionate colleagues working at the cutting edge of their fields across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the US
• The chance to have an impact and to develop your career within a mission driven organization with access to varied learning and training opportunities
• A workplace that strives to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of our work
• The opportunity to join and get involved in different working groups and affinity groups to shape the future of WRI
• Commitment to hybrid working model with flexible working hours
• Generous leave days that increase with tenure
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program.

About Us:

Founded in 1982, World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. We are working to address seven critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean. WRI has a global staff of over 1,800 people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Colombia and the United States, as well as a growing presence in other countries and regions.

The foundation of our work is delivering high-quality research, data, maps, and analysis to solve the world’s greatest environment and international development challenges and improve people’s lives. We work with leaders in government, business, and civil society to drive ambitious action and create change on the ground. Equally important, we bring together partners to develop breakthrough ideas and scale-up solutions for far-reaching, enduring impact.

Our mission and values:

WRI’s mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.

Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Integrity, Innovation, Urgency, Independence and Respect.

Our culture:

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices. We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment; we embrace all diversity and encourage women, the LGBTQ+ community, persons with disabilities, Afro-descendants, and Indigenous people to apply. Recognizing our strong commitment to gender equality, WRI has also been awarded EDGE certification.

Our team in Human Resources carefully reviews all applications.