Back Countries Coordination Manager, FOLU

This is a hybrid position based in the WRI Europe office in London. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission. WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position.

This position is limited-term ending in December 2024 with the possibility of renewal subject to funding.

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: 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 country platforms are operating in: Kenya, China, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Ethiopia and Colombia, with affiliate platforms in Australia and the UK. FOLU Brazil is in the process of being established. 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:

In this role, you will help coordinate FOLU’s activities across its Country Platforms. This includes (1) providing support to the FOLU country platforms on their project delivery, fundraising and reporting (2) connecting the country platforms with the global secretariat including facilitating learning and strategic discussions (3) managing FOLU’s expansion plans – identifying and establishing new country platforms and (4) developing and implementing activities to influence regional food-related policy in Europe, Africa and South America. This unique opportunity involves working with some of the world’s most prominent institutions and individuals in the fields of economics, agriculture, environment, health and nutrition. This position is based at WRI’s office in London with regular travel within Africa, South America and Europe expected. You will be supported by the Countries and Impact team, which includes 5 members based in London and then the respective teams based in the Country Platform locations.

You will be based in London at WRI in the Countries & Impact Team and will interact closely with FOLU’s Core Partners.

You will report to FOLU's Countries and Impact Director and to the Senior Development Manager.

What will you do:

Supporting FOLU country portfolio (60%)

• Supporting the Country Directors in FOLU’s country platforms in Africa and South America (currently FOLU Ethiopia, FOLU Kenya, FOLU Brazil & FOLU Colombia) to enable the successful delivery of planned activities, the development of strategic thinking and sharpening of impact
• Be familiar with the country platforms within Africa and South America, understanding their contexts, partners and work programs. This will include regular contact with country teams and frequent travel (at least one visit to each platform a year)
• Provide regular structured feedback to country platforms on their performance, identifying risks and proposing mitigatory measures
• Work to resolve the operational and strategic challenges experienced by the country platforms, helping to problem solve and drive forward delivery
• Work closely with the Funds Management Team to ensure timely disbursements, accurate forecasts and the appropriate allocation of resources. This includes ensuring complete reporting of country platform financials
• Support the country platforms with their resource mobilization efforts by helping them identify strategic and large funding opportunities and supporting proposal writing, working closely with FOLU’s Senior Development Manager

  Bridging the global and country portfolios (20%)

  • Ensure that country platforms are kept informed about the activities and priorities of global teams and vice versa. This includes working with the Knowledge Engagement Team, the Communications Team and the Partnerships Team
  • Participate in internal and external meetings and workshops to represent the country platforms where necessary – sharing their knowledge and advocating for their needs
  • Ensure that country platforms provide complete and succinct narrative and strategic reporting – both for FOLU and donor purposes.
  • Promote lesson learning and dissemination by (1) participating in FOLU’s communities of practice and (2) inputting into relevant Global Secretariat products
  • Working with other regional coordinators, lead the process for the design and organization of the annual FOLU learning event (previously called the Country Platform Council)

    Contribute to the Countries & Impact Team strategic objectives (20%)

    • Work with colleagues in the Countries & Impact (C&I) Team to develop a strategy for country expansion to help the scale up and expansion of FOLU’s country platforms
    • Contribute to other C&I team activities including developing a new strategic vision for FOLU, fundraising and managing portfolio performance.

      What will you need:

      • Education: You have a completed bachelor’s degree in a relevant area
      • Experience: You have 6+ years’ full-time, relevant experience experience, including 2+ years within government, civil society, the private sector or international organizations working in a field relevant to food systems transformation
      • Experience working on relevant issues within a developing country context. This should include work at a national level to drive system change
      • Experience coordinating complex projects and teams across multiple geographic locations
      • Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including across academic, public policy and the private sectors
      • Experience with relationship management in various cultural contexts
      • Experience in project management on donor-funded projects
      • Languages: You are proficient in written and verbal English. Proficiency in Portuguese or Spanish desirable
      • Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization.

        Potential Salary:

        £44,000 - £53,000

        Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

        How to Apply:

        Please submit a resume with cover letter by November 16, 2023. 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.

          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.