Senior Project Manager, Commercialisation of Biofortified Crops At Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition

GAIN is seeking a Senior Project Manager, Commercialization of Biofortified Crops to lead the implementation of the project on the Commercialization of Biofortified crops in India and fulfill the vision of bringing biofortified products to scale under the partnership of GAIN and HarvestPlus. This role is offered on a one year fixed-term contract and will be based in our GAIN India office in New Delhi.

About GAIN

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) is a Swiss-based foundation launched at the UN in 2002 to tackle the human suffering caused by malnutrition. Working with both governments and businesses, we aim to transform food systems so that they deliver more nutritious food for all people. In particular, we aim to make healthier food choices more desirable, more available, and more affordable. GAIN’s mission is to advance nutrition outcomes by improving consumption of nutritious and safe food for all people, especially the most vulnerable to malnutrition.

About the Role

In 2018 GAIN and HarvestPlus entered into a partnership with a shared ambition to expand coverage of biofortified nutrient dense foods to at least 200 million consumers initiating activities in six targeted countries where malnutrition is most pervasive. The focus will be on biofortified varieties of six highly promising crops, developed by HarvestPlus and its partners. These crops form the frontline cluster of sentinel nutritious staple crops to be considered for commercialization at scale by the partnership. GAIN and HarvestPlus have each developed products, technologies and delivery tools that have demonstrably improved diet quality for hundreds of millions in low income communities. The partnership focuses on expanding reach and coverage of biofortified nutrient-enriched crops to consumers via market channels, with a heavy emphasis on commercialization of both seed, and crops as ingredients into the food system.

GAIN is seeking a Senior Project Manager, Commercialization of Biofortified Crops in India for this exciting engagement. The role holder will lead the implementation of the project on the Commercialization of Biofortified crops in India and fulfill the vision of bringing biofortified products to scale under the partnership of GAIN and HarvestPlus. This role is offered on a one year fixed-term contract and is open to applicants based in India.

Specific Responsibilities include;

• Leading the implementation of commercialisation of biofortified crops in India, to ensure impact, scale, and sustainability in strategically selected geographies
• Identifying new partners for GAIN to collaborate with for impact and scaling up existing commercialization efforts for two focus crops
• Ensuring that all project activities are completed in coordination and concert with HarvestPlus counterparts in India
• Working closely with GAIN’s Knowledge Leadership and HarvestPlus’ MEL groups to ensure monitoring, evaluation and learning takes place within the commercialization activities
• Representing the GAIN/HarvestPlus commercialization partnership at national technical meetings and workshops
• Contributing towards the development of new business opportunities for GAIN and HarvestPlus to generate additional funding for the commercialization of biofortified crops in India
• Supervising the convening, facilitation and associated documentation of project governance (QUAD) teams and provide guidance and strategic recommendations on course corrections
• Overall reporting of the program progress including monthly, quarterly and annual reporting as per GAIN, donor and government requirements.
• Ensuring efficient management of project funds through regular tracking of funds utilization and gaps thereof along with India and global finance point persons.
• Visiting the field regularly to ensure that project progress is on track and risk mitigation plans are up to date.
• Ensuring the timely drafting and execution of partnership agreements, memoranda, contracts and service agreements with sub-grantees, knowledge partners and development partners.

About You

You should be extensively experienced in marketing foods, new product category development, food supply chains or international development and should have a proven track record of mature leadership and project management capabilities. You should also be well experienced in working in multicultural environments preferably gained through work with or for an international organisation. Experience working in the private sector and coordinating collaborative programmes with multiple partners/stakeholders would be advantageous.

In addition, you will be educated to Masters level or equivalent in a relevant field such as business & marketing, food technology, operations management, development studies, agricultural development, or other relevant technical fields. A professional proficiency in English, both written and verbal, is essential.

About our Offer

The starting salary on offer for this role is INR 1,578,330 – 1,805,954 per annum, dependent on experience.

GAIN has a fair and competitive salary structure that allows for annual progression subject to good performance. In addition, GAIN offers a total of 37 days holiday per year (including annual leave, public holidays and additional office closure days), an attractive pension scheme and competitive insurance cover including health, travel and life assurance.

We are committed to the health of our staff, especially in these challenging times, and have developed a programme of wellbeing that includes flexible working, additional leave allowances, wellbeing days, mindfulness coaching and access to independent and confidential counselling.

GAIN also has a strong commitment to professional development. We will support you to grow in your career through both formal and informal training, and are committed to providing opportunities through internal recruitment, secondments and promotion. All of this is delivered in a supportive and collaborative environment.

This advert closes on the 11th November 2021. Early applications are encouraged. GAIN reserves the right to close this advert early should we receive suitable candidates ahead of the closing date.

Applicants must have the existing right to live and work in India. Please note that GAIN are currently unable to sponsor working visas.

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition is committed to equality of opportunity and creating an inclusive environment where diversity is valued. We are keen to reflect the diversity of our society at every level within our organisation and therefore welcome applications from talented and committed people from all backgrounds, representing the diverse societies we operate in.