Senior Advisor Food and Productive Landscapes

Hivos is looking for a  parttime Senior Advisor Food and Productive Landscapesfor 32 hours per week.
The position will initially be till January 2016

What is your responsibility?
Our current food system is contributing to climate change, ecosystem degradation and biodiversity loss, but is also affected by these environmental problems. This vulnerability is exacerbated by social and political problems, not allowing those depending on it to move out of poverty into decent livelihoods. Addressing these problems requires approaches beyond the limitations of single commodities and individual farms, and integrating both economic/environmental and social/political dimensions.
As a Senior Advisor you are responsible for creating and promoting innovative solutions that have the potential to contribute to the required transformation in our global food system. You have an eye for changing dynamics, you are able to connect to frontrunners and (potential) game changers in North and South and – together with them – you develop innovative programmes. Developing smart business models and fundraising are an integral part of your responsibilities. You are able to present Hivos’ vision on Green Societies in an attractive and leading way during conferences and seminars. You collaborate closely with the other Senior Advisors and Program and Advocacy Officers at our Head Office and regional offices.

What we expect:
You have a strong affinity for Hivos’ mission and for social and environmental concerns and you are driven by a strong motivation to contribute to real and lasting change. You are able to ‘think outside the box’ and connect to various actors to develop new solutions that have the ability to transform our global food system. We expect you to have a convincing track-record in program development, resource mobilization and facilitation of multi-actor initiatives. Experience with developing smart business models is also an asset.
You have an advanced degree in a relevant field at University level, as well as ample experience in North and South, of which at least 5 years in the field of food and agriculture. As a senior advisor we expect you to have excellent - externally oriented – communication skills, both verbally and in writing in English, and preferably Dutch and Spanish.

What we offer:
An inspiring and dynamic working environment, dedicated colleagues, and the possibility of regular travels to the regions. A one-year contract with possibility of an extension. The salary depends on experience up to a maximum of € 4,100.25 gross (grade 12), based on a 32-hour workweek. Travel expenses compensation in accordance with Hivos Regulations, including participation in the Pension fund “Pensioenfonds voor Zorg & Welzijn”.

Want to know more?
For more information you can contact Carol Gribnau, head of the  Sustainable Economic Development department, during working days (excl. Wednesday) : 0031-703765500 orc.gribnau@hivos.nl
You can apply before 8 December 2013. First round of interviews is scheduled for 19/20 December.
Both a letter of motivation and curriculum vitae (resume) need to be submitted in English to Hivos via e-mail to jobs@hivos.nl  with reference code “1311200-33“ 

Economic growth has lifted millions of people out of poverty and raised income levels of millions more, but growth has been and continues to be at the expense of the environment. A stronger  recognition of ecosystems as the basic foundation of our societies and economies is required. This is not only in the interest of society at large, but especially for marginalized groups in society that have few alternative livelihood options and often rely heavily on the ecosystems surroun-
ding them.

Hivos Sustainable Economic Development (SED) department develops initiatives that enhance the transformation towards Green Societies. It focuses specifically on the required transformation in our energy and food systems. In both, we distinguish ourselves by our usual - strong - focus on people and their capacities to innovate and their power to transform systems. Problems are not isolated, nor are the solutions. Our approach involves multiple actors, operates at the interface of social and environmental challenges and has a strong area-based focus. Where feasible, business models based on a mix of financial instruments underpin
our endeavours and ensure sustainability and scaling up. Actions on the ground are combined with a strong political agenda.    

Hivos is a Dutch non-governmental organization inspired by humanist values. Together with local organizations in developing countries, Hivos seeks to contribute to a free, fair and sustainable world in which citizens - women and men - have equal access to the resources and opportunities for their development. And where they can actively and equally participate in decision-making processes that determine their lives, their society and their future. Hivos believes in the creativity and capacity of individuals. Quality, co-operation and innovation form the core concepts in Hivos’ philosophy. Hivos is committed to the poor and marginalized in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
 For more information, see www.hivos.nl