Program Officer, Sustainable Protein

Major Function

The Program Officer, Sustainable Protein will support the building out and management of the Bezos Earth Fund’s emerging grant portfolio and leadership in the domain of sustainable proteins.  They work under the supervision of the Director of the Future of Food, and more broadly in the Nature Solutions team. The Earth Fund’s activities in sustainable protein consists of an approach that combines investment and support to make livestock (particularly cattle) more sustainable, as well as supporting the area of alternative proteins to grow as a sector. We seek a self-starting senior professional with expertise in food system transformation, with experience in conceiving, building, and managing multi-stakeholder initiatives at large scale.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong skills in strategy formulation, partnership management, convening and communication; fluency in technical matters related to food systems, livestock and/or alternative proteins; and familiarity with the general discourse and efforts around food systems transformation. Given the small size of the Earth Fund team, the Program Officer will take responsibility for managing parts of the emerging grant portfolio with guidance from the Director and must be comfortable working in both autonomous and collaborative modes and directly managing senior relationships with partners and grantees.

Specifically, the Program Officer, Sustainable Protein will:

• Manage an emerging grant portfolio in the domain of sustainable protein, building a relationship with and among grantees to maximize delivery of impact.
• Provide ongoing collaboration, technical expertise, and advice.
• Collaborate with partners and grantees on project design and proposals.
• Ensure that climate-, nature- and equity- benefits remain a priority in program design and delivery. 
• Assist with data capture, analysis and reporting for grants awarded in specified region(s) to support learning, assessment, thought leadership and storytelling activities.
• Participate in learning and evaluation activities to guide the evolution of programmatic work.
• May supervise the work of consultants, interns, and others as appropriate.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

A graduate degree or equivalent experience in environmental science, agriculture, food science, veterinary science, sustainable development or a related discipline is required. Position requires a minimum of 8 years of experience in sustainability initiatives related to the food system. Familiarity with programmatic work on nature-based solutions preferred. Fluency in a second language (French, Spanish) preferred.

 Skills and Abilities

• A deep commitment to the mission and values of the Earth Fund
• Strong knowledge of technical, economic, and political dimensions of food systems
• Direct experience with the livestock and/or alternative protein domain, including technical understanding of solutions, awareness of relevant networks, partners and initiatives, and relevance vis-à-vis nature- and climate- related work
• Working knowledge of the core issues relating to nature-based climate solutions, in particular nature conservation, restoration, and food systems
• Strong written and oral communication skills, both analytical and persuasive
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Strong organizational skills and project management skills, with demonstrated ability to work effectively in and across teams
• Ability to operate with independence, under pressure, to meet deadlines and commitments from multiple and competing priorities
• Ability to work easily with and communicate effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and stakeholder groups
• A naturally collaborative mindset that readily engages others, encourages others to share the spotlight, and celebrates and supports the success of colleagues, partners, and grantees.
• Fluency in English

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: 

• This position is based in Washington, D.C
• Requires some domestic and/or international travel.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• May require extended hours for urgent issues or to meet established deadlines.

Salary Range:  $150,000 to $175,000