Program Associate – Food Loss and Waste

Job Posting Organization:
WRI India, an independent charity legally registered as the India Resources Trust, is dedicated to providing objective information and practical proposals to foster environmentally sound and socially equitable development. Established with a mission to encourage human society to live in ways that protect the environment and its capacity to meet the needs of current and future generations, WRI India employs over 250 researchers across its offices in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. The organization is inspired by and associated with the World Resources Institute (WRI), a global research organization that focuses on sustainable development and environmental protection.

Job Overview:
The Program Associate role within WRI India’s Food, Land, and Water program is pivotal in addressing the critical issue of food loss and waste in India. This position is designed for an individual with a strong interdisciplinary research background who is passionate about food sustainability. The associate will engage in policy research and impact analysis, focusing on identifying effective policy interventions and assessing their socio-economic and environmental impacts. The role requires a commitment to travel as necessary, reflecting the dynamic nature of the work involved. The associate will be responsible for conducting comprehensive research, managing projects, and engaging with various stakeholders to drive meaningful policy dialogues and solutions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Program Associate include conducting extensive policy analysis on food loss and waste reduction, identifying gaps and best practices, and proposing evidence-based recommendations. The associate will develop a research framework to assess the environmental, economic, and social impacts of food loss and waste across different sectors. They will also evaluate interventions aimed at reducing food loss within supply chains, ensuring that these interventions are feasible and scalable. Additionally, the associate will produce high-quality knowledge products, including reports and policy briefs, to effectively communicate research findings. In terms of project management, the associate will support the planning and coordination of research initiatives, ensuring timely documentation and reporting of project activities. They will also engage with policymakers and industry stakeholders to facilitate knowledge-sharing events and promote collaborative research efforts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in public policy, agriculture, food sustainability, economics, environmental studies, or related fields. A minimum of 2-5 years of post-study research experience related to food policy, food supply chains, post-harvest management, and impact analysis is required. The ideal candidate should demonstrate the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team. Strong experience in policy analysis, data interpretation, and both qualitative and quantitative research methods is essential. Excellent research, writing, and communication skills are necessary, along with proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Experience in engaging with policymakers and knowledge of global and national initiatives on food loss and waste are also important.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as public policy, agriculture, food sustainability, economics, or environmental studies. This advanced degree is crucial for understanding the complexities of food systems and the policies that govern them.

Experience:
The position requires 2-5 years of relevant post-study research experience. This experience should ideally encompass areas such as food policy, food supply chains, post-harvest management, and impact analysis, providing the candidate with a solid foundation to contribute effectively to the program's objectives.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential for communication and documentation purposes. Knowledge of additional languages may be beneficial, particularly in engaging with diverse stakeholders across India.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Delhi, India, with a contract duration of 6 months, which may be extendable based on performance and project requirements. The salary range for this position is between INR 9,50,000 to INR 12,50,000 per annum, commensurate with experience and skills. WRI India offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, term insurance, an employee assistance program, flexible work schedules, and a supportive learning culture. The organization emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring a welcoming environment for individuals from various backgrounds.