Senior Research Associate, Food Program at World Resources Institute (WRI)

Job Description (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The World Resources Institute is a global research non-profit organization that was established in with funding from the MacArthur Foundation under the leadership of James Gustave Speth. WRI is a global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity and human well-being.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. What will you do: Research and portfolio development of food loss and waste line of WRI Africa (60%): Develop a strategy for food loss and waste analysis for Africa in priority geographies and countries in alignment with the WRI Africa strategyCollect and analyse available data on food loss and waste, to understand key gaps and trends to determine location-specific interventions needs in each of our priority countriesDevelop a robust portfolio of work anchored, drawing from solid research, stakeholders consultations and best practices around food loss and waste reduction in AfricaSupport the ongoing work on contextualizing WRI Food loss and food waste protocol and building the capacity of relevant stakeholders (government, businesses, farmer associations) to use it in assessing the magnitude of FLWDevelop the ongoing work of matching the demand for addressing food loss and food waste with potential technical, financial and other solutionsLead the ongoing work on FLW under the Food and Land Use Coalition (FOLU) country platforms including research, partnership building and deliveryLead the development of theories of change, impact frameworks and rapid social assessment for the “Reduce” line of work as required under the WRI strategyLead high quality research to build fit for purpose knowledge products and tools on food loss and waste in priority countries in AfricaLead the production of written outputs including, including regular writing, review and publishing of journal articles, peer reviewed reports, policy briefs, opinion pieces and strategic communication outputsLead the editing, peer review, publishing of all research and communication outputs in this area of workDevelop definitions of indicators for the FLW work, including data sources, and means of verification, that is cross-scale, cost-effective and scalable across priority countries in AfricaSupport the monitoring and reporting of the “reduce” elements of WRI Africa’s work, including working closely with managing for results team to develop and monitor Portfolio growth, management and coordination (40%): Lead fundraising efforts by identifying strategic areas of growth, lead in proposal development while supporting other team members in all fundraising activities across the portfolioContribute to the development of new projects for ‘reduce pillar’ while overseeing successful implementation of existing onesAct as the key point of contact for all work in WRI Africa relating to FLW, ensuring efficient internal and external coordination, cross learning and strengthening of “reduce” line of work across the WRI networkEnsure FLW, being one of the key lines of work of the food program in WRI Africa, is achieving the outcomes set in WRI global and WRI Africa strategies, by setting clear goals and robust execution plansProvide overall support in the leadership and oversight in the day-to-management of the food loss and waste reduction portfolio with respect to financing, staffing, donor reporting and risk managementSupport fundraising activities with public, private and philanthropic funders to grow their own work in line with WRI’s catalytic role What will you need:Education: A PhD degree in agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, or related fields with expertise on food loss and food wasteExperience: You have 8+ years of relevant professional experienceStrong publication records in peer reviewed journalsDemonstrated knowledge and expertise on issues related to food systems transformation in AfricaDemonstrated knowledge and expertise on the issue of food loss and waste in AfricaExperience designing and managing complex, multi-partner projects in an NGO setting, with experience creating and communicating theories of change, results frameworks, and other components of a MEL for project donors, partners, and stakeholdersExperience working in complex situations involving numerous and sometimes competing organizational constituenciesStrong organizational skills and attention to detail that drive the implementation of projectsWillingness to travel internationallyEnjoys working with a diverse group of experienced individuals across the globe Languages: Verbal and written proficiency in English. Knowledge of Swahili and French is preferableRequirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position is based. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization