SYSTEMIQ was set up in 2016 to drive the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by transforming markets and business models in three key economic systems: land use, materials and energy. By addressing failures in these systems, SYSTEMIQ aims to unlock economic opportunities that benefit business, society and the environment. We do this through five activities:

1. Convene and support coalitions of leaders to shape policies and business strategies that will rapidly transform economic activity
2. Work with companies that want to be pioneers in and drivers of change towards more sustainable systems
3. Co-create and incubate the market solutions most likely to build regenerative economic systems
4. Invest our own venture capital and expertise in opportunities with the biggest potential to drive rapid system change
5. Direct larger pools of capital into regenerative economic systems, enabling them to scale and multiply.

To deliver in these areas, we recruit and develop distinctive and varied individuals who strive to achieve our mission, challenge the status quo and act as change leaders.

The Food and Land Use Coalition (FOLU) seeks to accelerate a transformation of food and land use systems to meet the SDGs and the objectives of the Paris Agreement, by better protecting the natural environment; providing nutritious and affordable food; and strengthening the resilience and enhancing the prosperity of people.  FOLU aims to provide the practical connections, the evidence base for action and a vision for change to drive a food and land use system transformation.

FOLU is scaling up our engagement with several countries.  Building on the work of the FABLE Consortium, which is currently active in 20 countries, and FOLU pioneer countries Australia, Colombia, Ethiopia and Indonesia, we are now looking to deepen collaboration with stakeholders in China and India. 

This is a senior role. The successful candidate will be responsible for establishing FOLU country chapters in China and India, recruiting country leads and putting in place models of engagement appropriate to each country.  S/he will be responsible for grant management and will seek additional funding to scale up FOLU efforts in each country.  The candidate will develop and manage a sub-grants program, commissioning research and policy papers, proactively creating opportunities to share knowledge and learning with key stakeholders within each country and to the wider international community, drawing on the FOLU Ambassador network as appropriate. S/he may also be expected to author, edit and contribute to research/policy papers and engaging with stakeholders, such as those that FOLU supports through the Food Systems Dialogues. 

The position will be based in London at SYSTEMIQ (FOLU’s Programme Management Office) and will interact closely with FOLU’s Core Partners and travel regularly to China and India.  S/he will be line managed by FOLU’s Programme Director.  A Steering Committee (initially drawn from SDSN, SYSTEMIQ and WRI) will provide leadership and accountability for this program. 

• Masters or equivalent degree
• Highly self-motivated, entrepreneurial style with strong track record in identifying and developing new initiatives.
• Expert in advanced problem-solving and analytical skills, both quantitative and qualitative, with a focus on strategic challenges
• 10-15+ years’ experience within government and/or private sector dealing with strategy, multi-stakeholder, and policy engagements
• Proven track record in negotiating significant change at the highest levels
• Relationship management skills, also on a very senior level and in various cultural contexts
• Detailed relevant policy experience, preferably in the food and land-use space, and in influencing key decision makers
• Demonstrable high-level professional network within India and/or China
• A strong commitment to developing and mentoring people, with an empowering leadership style
• Full fluency in written English with excellent writing skills. Mandarin and/or language Hindi skills big plus.
• Strong entrepreneurial spirit with the ability to identify growth opportunities and take a lead in exploring new ideas and concepts
• Able to undertake a substantial level of international travel.

We offer the opportunity to benefit from the world-leading networks of our partners and be part of a high-calibre, driven, and fun/friendly team. There is also the possibility to gain experience in project development and venture capital.

We are keen to receive applications from all parts of the global community. Ideally, you have the Right to Work in the UK.