Senior Program Associate

To accelerate private-sector action on food loss and food waste (FLFW) reduction, WRI India is seeking a Senior Program Associate to coordinate efforts under the 10x20kx30 Initiative in India. The 10x20kx30 initiative brings together 10 major farmgate-facing agriculture companies, with each engaging 20,000 (20k) of their supplying farmers to follow the “Target-Measure-Act” approach to reduce on-farm food losses by 50% by 2030. This role will focus on engaging food businesses, facilitating partnerships, and supporting businesses in adopting strategies to track and reduce FLFW. The position is ideal for an individual with experience working in the food industry, strong networks with businesses, and expertise in sustainability, food supply chains, FLFW reduction and monitoring and evaluation. 

You will play a key role in coordinating and driving action on FLFW through business engagement, knowledge sharing, and implementation support.

Business Engagement & Partnerships :

• •    Identify, engage, and build relationships with food businesses, retailers, suppliers, and other stakeholders committed to reducing FLFW.
• •    Support recruitment of food businesses to the 10x20kx30 Initiative, ensuring strong private-sector participation.
• •    Facilitate collaboration between businesses and other partners to share best practices, tools, and resources.
• Project Management & Implementation Support (30%)
• •    Support businesses in implementing FLFW reduction strategies, including data collection, analytics, and intervention design.
• •    Develop and disseminate guidance materials, training sessions, and resources to help businesses take effective action.
• •    Ensure timely tracking and reporting of business commitments and progress.
• Coordinate with global and regional counterparts involved in the 10x20kx30 Initiative to align efforts and share insights.

Research & Communications :

• •    Conduct research on good practices, innovations, and policy developments relevant to FLFW reduction in business supply chains.
• •    Develop reports, case studies, and policy briefs to showcase business-led FLFW reduction efforts and impact.
• •    Contribute to external communications, including webpage updates, newsletters, and social media engagement.
• •    Organize and participate in industry roundtables, webinars, and other convenings to engage in discussions relevant to FLFW reduction.

Qualifications and Requirements: 

• •    Master’s degree in business administration, food sustainability, supply chain management, agribusiness, environmental studies, or related disciplines.
• •    4-6 years of experience working with food businesses, retailers, suppliers, or industry associations on sustainability, supply chains, or food loss and waste reduction.
• •    Strong understanding of food supply chains, procurement, logistics, and business operations related to FLFW.
• •    Proven ability to engage and collaborate with businesses, including senior industry stakeholders.
• •    Strong project management and coordination skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities.
• •    Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience in stakeholder engagement, facilitation, and knowledge sharing.
• •    Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and data visualization tools.

Preferred skills: 

• •    Prior experience working with food businesses including retailers, processors, suppliers, or hospitality businesses on sustainability initiatives
• •    Familiarity with global food loss and food waste reduction initiatives
• •    Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams.
• •    Experience coordinating multi-stakeholder collaborations and industry-led sustainability efforts.

Source: https://jobs.jobvite.com/wri/job/oCaAvfwB