Senior Research Analyst

Senior Research Analyst – The Food Initiative

Senior Research Analyst: The Food Initiative

UK based

Fixed term contract to May 2025

We are looking for a Senior Analyst to join our Food Initiative. Changing our food system to one based on the principles of the circular economy is one of the most powerful things we can do to tackle climate change and build biodiversity. We can achieve this and provide healthy nutritious food for all. The Food Initiative spans a number of activities that work together to bring this ambition to life across the sector and through our network. This role will also support the Big Food Redesign Challenge, our Food Initiative team’s flagship programme.

You will provide support to develop and deliver the activities across the Food Initiative over a 12-month period by developing and helping to provide the research basis for our thought leadership in this space as well as supporting the engagement of appropriate members from our network. This includes holding the relationship management of the Food Advisory Board.

Specific role responsibilities include:

You will be part of a team that designs and delivers the Food Initiative and catalyses action towards a circular economy for food. We will do this by inspiring and challenging our stakeholders through developing thought leadership content, tools, assets and workshops to drive participation in the initiative and specifically the Big Food Redesign challenge. Your work will include:

• Stakeholder engagement. Working with a diverse set of stakeholders from partner companies and philanthropic funders, other NGOs, experts and policymakers to support the design and development of the Food Initiative. This is primarily through holding the relationship with members of the Food Advisory Board.
• Research, analysis, and developing content. Catalyse action: Help our knowledge to get beyond the pages of the Big Food Redesign and drive measurable impact. The ways this can be done will vary but will probably include one or several of the following elements: 1-to-1 engagement with a wide range of stakeholders ranging from innovators to large FMCG companies as well as Challenge and other EMF delivery partners, keynote presentations, designing and facilitating workshops and events and supporting the design of learning capture.
• Knowledge transfer. Understanding of natural systems and the role of healthy natural ecosystems such as soil, air, water, and biodiversity in tackling the triple planetary crisis. Keeping abreast of developments in relation to circular design for food and regenerating natural systems so as to meaningfully contribute to developing thought leadership in these spaces. Supporting the development and facilitation of workshops and other events.
• Entrepreneurship. The role is an opportunity to own distinct pieces of work and influence the way a circular economy drives systemic change in the food system. This requires creative ideas and proactivity in being a thought leader to a broad audience of stakeholders.

Your profile:

• You have strong analytical skills and an eye for presentation of data and extraction of trends and conclusions from data.
• At least 3-5 years previous experience within a business environment. A start-up or entrepreneurial environment is preferred, combining analytical skills with client-facing work.
• A strong academic record and degree level qualifications in business (preferably the food sector), economics, science, or other relevant discipline; and/or a track record in entrepreneurship.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English: the ability to interact effectively at all levels of an organisation, including senior stakeholders. Evidence of facilitating workshops would be a distinct advantage.
• Passionate about tackling food system challenges; previous experience in the food system would be preferred.

Please apply by clicking the green icon where you will be asked to upload a cover letter and CV.

We receive a high volume of applications for our vacancies and we may close the link early if we have a strong shortlist.

Desired starting date: ASAP

Closing date: July 26th, 2024

Salary range: £37,800 per annum depending on experience.

Please note that we are unable to sponsor a Skilled Worker Visa for this role, as it does not meet the current minimum stipulated salary level. All applicants must have an existing right to work in the UK which lasts until May 2025.

Benefits package: Generous holiday allowance (25 days plus UK bank holidays and discretionary extra days leave) generous parental leave; enhanced pension options/private health scheme after 6 months; wellbeing programme.

Location: UK based with regular attendance at our office in Cowes, Isle of Wight (subject to individual circumstances). Some international travel may be required.

Application process:

Initial Zoom meeting with our Talent team and prospective Line manager to start the process (we will send you the outline of the interview so you know what to expect).

A work-related assignment to complete at home or as part of the interview process so we know you will be comfortable with the type of work you would do here.

Interview with our People Team, Team Lead and prospective manager here in our offices on the beautiful Isle of Wight, even if the role isn’t based here- we think it’s important you see where we started and meet the team! For some of our international candidates we recognise this may not always be possible.

For more senior roles we will conduct a presentation interview too.

What we do

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation develops and promotes the idea of a circular economy. We work with, and inspire, business, academia, policymakers, and institutions to mobilise systems solutions at scale, globally. Our mission is to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.

Our vision is a new economic system that delivers better outcomes for people and the environment. Business models, products, and materials are designed to increase use and reuse, replicating the balance of the natural world, where nothing becomes waste and everything has value. A circular economy, increasingly built on renewable energy and materials, is distributed, diverse, and inclusive.

Our commitment to you

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment and providing a working environment free from discrimination. Job applicants will receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.