Food Systems Lead and Principal Researcher
Hybrid (within or outside the UK) with access to the London or Edinburgh office, if UK-based (International maximum + or – 4 hours from GMT/BST)

About Us

The International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) is a policy and action research organisation promoting sustainable development and linking local priorities to global challenges. We are based in London and work across five continents with some of the world’s most vulnerable people to strengthen their voices in the decision-making arenas that affect them. With more than 150 members of staff working with associates and partners around the world, IIED has been at the forefront of evidence-based policymaking in sustainable development for over 50 years.

In May 2024, IIED unveiled its new strategy, A Manifesto for a Thriving World, marking an exciting phase in our 50-year history. This manifesto outlines our vision of forging powerful alliances with diverse organisations to tackle entrenched global challenges and drive bold, transformative actions; ‘promoting food systems that nourish us and the planet’ is one of
six focus propositions that we are working towards.

We are now looking for a Food Systems Lead and Principal Researcher to join us on a full-time, permanent basis, working 35 hours per week.

The Benefits

– Salary of £64,814 – £80,654 per annum
– 25 days’ annual leave per year
– Closure between Christmas and New Year with additional paid holiday
– 7.5% employer’s pension contributions
– An employee protection scheme offering a flexible menu of benefits
– An interest-free season-ticket loan
– A cycle-to-work scheme offering tax savings on the cost of purchasing a bike for travel to and from work
– An employee assistance programme
– Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption policies
– Enhanced sick pay entitlements, increasing with length of service
– Flexible working options
– Support for learning and development

This role is also open to those who live outside the UK, as long as you have the right to work in the country you wish to reside in.

The salary range advertised in GBP is applicable in the UK only, and the salary offer and some of the benefits in another country would depend on the local terms and conditions. We only use the UK salary structure to determine starting salaries, but it will not apply to salaries outside the UK thereafter.

This is a unique opportunity for a highly experienced researcher with an international reputation to join our globally respected organisation.

In this pivotal role, you will steer innovative, impactful research and shape global debates around food systems and markets, helping to create a just transition while ensuring nutrition and health for all.

With the chance to build on our substantial track record in agrifood systems and work across multidisciplinary teams, you will be at the forefront of influencing policy and practice that supports sustainable development worldwide.

So, if you want to make a significant impact on global food systems and contribute to sustainable development, read on and apply today!

The Role

As a Food Systems Lead and Principal Researcher, you will lead our multidisciplinary work on food systems, initiating and steering research that sets agendas and influences policy at a global level.

You will conceptualise, design, and implement a diverse programme of research, advocacy, policy advice, capacity-building, and influence in collaboration with colleagues, partners, and collaborators.

Achieving impact and advancing our institutional strategy, you will promote food systems that nourish people and the planet, and build on our substantial track record and ongoing work on agrifood systems.

Additionally, you will:

– Develop and implement research and stakeholder engagement in at least one multi-disciplinary internal ‘task team’
– Ensure that research is impactful, developing strategic policy initiatives, and supporting advocacy
– Set the direction for the communication of the work programme, actively disseminating research results to influence debates and policy changes
– Represent us as an international centre of excellence in food systems research

About You

To be considered as a Food Systems Lead and Principal Researcher, you will need:

– Wide-ranging research experience evidenced by an international reputation in your field and a highly regarded, diverse publication record
– Experience engaging and collaborating with a variety of actors, including grassroots organisations, international organisations, private sector, government, and academia
– Experience of working on multi-country, multi-year projects with a variety of partners
– A track record of securing funding for large projects from a wide range of donors
– Extensive experience of co-ordinating and sustaining diverse teams or collaborative networks, including by managing projects and/or people from a distance
– A relevant postgraduate degree plus extensive relevant experience

IIED is a hybrid working organisation and you are likely to be working from home most of the time. As such, you will need a suitable place to work and a reliable, fast internet connection.

The closing date for this role is 17 September 2024.

Other organisations may call this role Research Lead, Programme Lead, Principal Researcher, Senior Research Lead, or Food Systems Research Director.

IIED is a Global organisation that serves the Global Majority. We are committed to equity of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in IIED’s workforce including members of minority groups and those with lived experience of the work we do. Even if you don’t satisfy all the criteria, we still encourage you to apply, as we will offer training and development to upskill the right candidate for the role.

So, if you want to join us as a Food Systems Lead and Principal Researcher, please apply via the button shown. This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency.