Are you an experienced specialist in climate change adaptation and resilience, with a passion for sustainable development, political ecology, and environmental governance? Are you committed to driving food system transitions within planetary boundaries? Do you have a proven track record in securing projects with international entities? Then this exciting job opportunity is for you!
Here at Wageningen Centre for Development Innovation (WCDI), we’re on a mission to pioneer applied scientific research for food systems transformation. At WCDI, we champion social equity and planetary health, and we are at the forefront of innovative initiatives shaping the future of food systems.
Your role
As a Climate Change Advisor you will join our Climate-resilient and Biodiversity-positive Food System Transformation portfolio at WCDI. Our work portfolio contains short-term and longer-term food system development assignments, focusing on translating knowledge into action.
You have a broad vision and you can relate to climate change issues with concepts and issues like food systems, governance, sustainable development, ecological economics, eco-restoration, inclusiveness, migration, health and circular and regenerative agriculture. You will contribute to the climate change discussions within the WUR community and internationally, whether at policy level, civil society level, or with the private sector. You understand what happens at the grassroots level and can provide valuable inputs in the projects, programmes and capacity development activities that we conduct in low- to middle-income countries (LMICs).
As a Climate Change Advisor, you have an affinity to connect international policy and practice in (guiding) food system transformation. You aim to strengthen the connection between the internationally agreed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG13, and their translation and integration in food system transformation and natural resources management.
You will be responsible for:

Project management and acquisition, from contracting to partner relationships, donor contacts and reporting obligations.

Creating links between climate change issues with concepts and issues like food systems, migration, health, eco-restoration, inclusiveness, and circular and regenerative agriculture.

Ensuring quality in the delivery of products and services, contributing to collective expertise development.

Contributing to the climate change discussions within the WUR community and internationally, whether at policy level, civil society level, or with the private sector.

Knowing what is happening at the grassroots level and providing valuable inputs in the projects, programmes and capacity development activities that we conduct in LMICs.
Requirements
We are looking for an enthusiastic team member with the following qualities:

At least an MSc degree in environmental governance, ecological economics, political ecology

Relevant and substantial experience in project management, applied and contract research and consultancy

Good understanding of the transformation of agri-food sectors and food systems within planetary boundaries

Proven track record in project acquisition with EU, Worldbank, GEF, Dutch Min of FA, RVO, and private foundations

A strong international network with research organisations, other development partners like NGO’s and donors in HICs and especially in LMICs

Experience in, and affinity with, multi-, inter- and transdisciplinary approaches to research, capacity development and policy development

Strong communication skills adaptable to various setting and cultural backgrounds

Proficiency in English (CEFR C1 level minimum). For more information about this proficiency level, please visit our special language page . Proficiency in French is highly desirable

Willingness to travel

Interest in partially working on European and Dutch food system transition issues

Flexibility, adaptability, and results-driven, entrepreneurial spirit.
If you're ready to make a tangible impact and thrive in a collaborative, innovative environment, we want to hear from you! Join us in shaping a more sustainable future for food systems worldwide. Apply now and let's make a difference together!
Contract terms
Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment . A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;

the option to accrue additional compensation hours by working more, per week;

sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;

there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;

a fixed December bonus of 8,3%;

excellent pension scheme.
In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will of course receive a good salary. We offer, depending on your experience, a competitive monthly gross salary max €5.737,- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 11). Additionally, a contract for 0,8 FTE can be discussed. You will initially receive a one-year contract, which will be extended to an open-ended contract upon in mutual enthusiasm.
Wageningen University & Research encourages internal advancement opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy. There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a multi-faceted position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.
Coming from abroad
Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees.
Our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.
Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research's International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees and students coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, we can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example helping your partner to find a job, housing, or schooling.