Background

foodwatch is a non-profit, campaign-focused organisation that drives change in the food system through three levers: media pressure, legal action and consumer mobilisation. Our specific goals are derived from our vision: safe, healthy, affordable and sustainable food for all – as a civil society counterweight to the power of the food industry.

foodwatch is completely independent of government and industry influence and does not accept funding from governments, the food industry or the EU. We are active at national and European level and currently maintain offices in Germany, France, the Netherlands and Austria.

Responsibilities

The Executive Director leads a currently small team and is responsible for the overall management of the international organisation with a focus on Europe, as well as for ensuring effective and efficient campaigning by foodwatch.

Main responsibilities

The successful candidate will have the following main responsibilities:

Strategic leadership and vision

Further developing and implementing the strategic and organisational cornerstones to expand and strengthen foodwatch’s international work and influence on Europe-wide food sector issues.
Promoting strategic discussion, collaboration, planning and coordination between the offices and, in particular, between campaigners and the Executive Director.
Expanding and strengthening the international unit and foodwatch’s presence in individual countries to increase foodwatch’s influence and impact in Europe. This also includes, in the long term, establishing a legally independent unit with clear structures and responsibilities, including in relation to the national offices – with all necessary coordination processes with the national offices and legal advice.
Instead of top-down management, fostering communication, conviction and enthusiasm whilst maintaining clear objectives for the organisation and campaign work.

Building relationships and networks

The International Executive Director represents foodwatch at the international level, engaging with the European Parliament, politicians, political parties and NGOs, stakeholders, international partners and donors. This also involves media appearances, speaking at events and participating in background briefings.

Governance and Fundraising

Close collaboration with the International Supervisory Board and detailed reporting to ensure that foodwatch adheres to the highest standards of governance, ethics and compliance, whilst promoting transparency, accountability and alignment with the organisation’s mission and objectives.
Responsible for ensuring full compliance with legal regulations regarding finance and accounting.
Responsible for drawing up annual budgets and plans, ongoing monitoring, and medium- and long-term financial forecasts
Expanding contacts with potential donors, attracting new donors and further strengthening foodwatch’s partner base and international networks.

What should you bring to the role?

You should have several years’ leadership experience and have gained and implemented proven strategic experience within an international NGO.
You should have first-hand experience of confrontational campaigns and have organised them yourself.
You should have been responsible for or shaped organisational change processes yourself.
You should have professional experience in intercultural work across different countries and cultures.
You are familiar with the political dynamics and decision-making processes of the EU.
You have experience in presenting your cause convincingly in public, conducting background discussions, conveying messages and representing and organisation in the media.
Your staff see you as a highly motivated, decisive leader and know that they can contribute their views, that they have sufficient scope in their work and that they are treated with the necessary trust.
You are aware that you must lead an intercultural team with diverse languages, working styles and cultural backgrounds with the necessary cultural sensitivity.
You listen, take ideas on board, seek consensus and feedback, but also know when it is time to make a decision.
You are motivating, assertive, courageous and incorruptible.

What we offer

The opportunity to influence food production and food legislation across the EU in the interests of consumers by putting pressure on politicians and food companies.
Significant scope to shape policy within an international organisation.
Highly motivated colleagues in our international team and national offices.
A combination of working from home and travel to numerous European countries.
Excellent benefits.

Languages

Fluent English.
German desirable.

How to apply for the role

To apply for this role, please submit a copy of your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and explaining how you meet the requirements set out in the job advertisement. Please ensure you send your CV and Cover letter in the following format: full name CV org name and role and full name and role CL.

If you have any questions about the role or the organisation and would like an informal discussion before submitting a formal application, please contact Zoe Oldham at zoe@upsallinternational.com. An application pack is available on request. Please note: To ensure the security of your application and to ensure that your data complies with GDPR regulations, applications via email will not be accepted.

The deadline for applications is Monday 20^th April, 9:00 am CET

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Upsall International actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion. In recruiting candidates, we seek candidates with the proven skills required, irrespective of race, gender, religion or belief, age, disability, or sexual orientation.

International Executive Director