Back Development and Delivery Director, FOLU

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 inspir