Mid-Level Advisor, Food and Agriculture

WWF-NL is a professional and dynamic organization with an informal work culture based in Zeist, the Netherlands. The organization consists of four departments: Engagement, Organization & Talent Development, Finance & Operations, and Conservation. In light of this, WWF-NL’s Conservation department is seeking a Mid-Level Advisor for Food and Agriculture (32–40 hours per week). 

The way we produce and consume food is the single greatest threat to nature today. But the food system also holds the key to a nature-positive future. By working with nature, not against it, we can stop deforestation and the conversion of habitats for food production, restore biodiversity to agricultural landscapes, and build more resilient food systems capable of withstanding current and future crises. Do you share our ambition to transform the food system at scale and with the urgency required for it to operate within the planet’s boundaries, within our lifetimes? Are you ready to dedicate your knowledge, energy, and experience to help us achieve this? Then we are looking for you! 

In this role, you will help bring about nature-positive agriculture (e.g., agroecology) in the world’s most biodiverse landscapes and support structural transformations at the food system level to make this possible, such as combating deforestation and promoting plant-based diets. The position enhances the effectiveness of WWF’s landscape programs through thematic expertise, develops concepts for food system change across multiple landscapes, and maximizes impact by engaging Dutch and global stakeholders (e.g., policymakers and businesses). The Advisor reports to the Head of the Food Unit. 

Roles and responsibilities  

• Contributing to the implementation of the Unit Food strategy, both independently and as part of multidisciplinary teams with colleagues at WWF-NL, other WWF offices, and partner organizations; 
• Providing thematic expertise and program support to relevant WWF landscape programs; 
• Contributing to the alignment and integration of food into conservation strategies such as human-wildlife coexistence, inclusive conservation, climate action, and green finance; 
• Commissioning and supervising studies and projects that support our work; 
• Supporting lobbying, advocacy, and corporate engagement, and contributing to the development of policy briefs and position papers; 
• Contributing thematic expertise to corporate partnerships, proposal development, fundraising, and communication, as needed; 
• Building a network of relevant stakeholders in the Netherlands and internationally; 
• Representing WWF-NL and the Food Unit in relevant networks and meetings. 

We are looking for an expert at the intersection of food and conservation who understands the relationship between food and the associated threats and opportunities for nature. A strategic thinker who can translate this understanding into interventions and activities for nature-positive agriculture in WWF priority landscapes, international value chains, consumption, and at the global food system level, with the Netherlands as a key stakeholder. A flexible team player who is committed to our goals and dedicated to continuously developing themselves and our strategy, to ensure that WWF-NL’s work remains relevant and has maximum conservation impact. 

Required qualifications, skills, and competencies     

• Relevant academic background and 3–5 years of relevant work experience at the intersection of food and conservation. International experience is a plus; 
• Thorough and demonstrable expertise in the intersection of biodiversity conservation and food, such as in the fields of agroecology, deforestation-free supply chains, or the protein transition; 
• A good understanding of global trends and developments at the intersection of the food system and nature conservation; 
• A strategic thinker with the ability to develop compelling and innovative solutions to complex problems, with a clear focus on achieving WWF’s long-term goals and mission of protecting the world’s most valuable natural areas; 
• An engaging and inspiring networker, connector, and communicator with the ability to clearly and persuasively present WWF-NL’s vision on agriculture, food, and nature (both verbally and in writing) to diverse audiences and stakeholders, while fostering relationships and mobilizing others to make a difference; 
• Experience with project management and leading consulting and research projects; 
• Flexible and results-oriented, with the ability to set priorities and strong time management skills;  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Dutch.  
• Willingness to travel and work outside of regular office hours; 
• Work with the highest level of integrity and confidentiality. 

Core values

You identify with the core values of WWF-NL:

• Courage
• Integrity
• Respect
• Collaboration

What we offer

• You will be able to work in a sustainable office surrounded by nature;
• Fun coworkers and the opportunity to build an international network;
• Vegetarian lunches in our cafeteria and free after-work drinks every other Thursday;
• An employment contract for 32–40 hours per week. Initially, a one-year fixed-term employment contract with a one-month probationary period will be offered;
• Salaries that are in line with the standard in the Dutch nonprofit sector; The minimum gross monthly salary for this role is 3,726 EUR and the maximum monthly salary is 5,083 EUR, based on relevant experience (based on a 40-hour workweek) (Please note that, due to the maximum salary, we are unable to sponsor a highly skilled migrant permit for individuals over the age of 30 who do not meet the reduced salary requirement. Please visit the IND website for more information);
• Employees receive a personal budget consisting of an 8% vacation allowance and a 2.08% flexible budget, and are entitled to 6 weeks of vacation per year (based on a 40-hour workweek);
• We encourage flexible work arrangements, the use of public transportation, and biking for work-related travel. Employees receive an NS Business Card for second-class travel to and from work;
• We also have a hybrid work model, so employees can alternate between working from home and from the office.

Information and procedure

If you are interested in this position, please apply through our website bySunday, August 25, 2024.

Please note that you must have a valid work permit to work for WWF-NL.

If you have any questions about the application process or the role, please contact Natasja Oerlemans (Unit Head of Food) at noerlemans@wwf.nl and Seline Meijer (Advisor in the Food team) at smeijer@wwf.nl.

We actively strive to ensure that our workforce reflects society and the international nature of our organization. We therefore especially encourage candidates from underrepresented backgrounds to apply.

We take the safety and protection of our colleagues seriously. The successful candidate is therefore required to complete an integrity statement and provide a Certificate of Good Conduct (Verklaring Omtrent Gedrag). We may also request references.