Programme Director Food Systems Transformation (m/f/d)

About TMG Research

TMG Research gGmbH is dedicated to driving just and sustainable transitions through action research and policy dialogue. Committed to a rights-based approach, our programmes focus on responsible land governance, food systems transformation in rural and urban settings, and adaptation to climate change. Our work spans the European Union and Africa, with key initiatives in countries such as Benin, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, and South Africa. 

We explore how local innovations and global policies intersect to drive systemic change, ensuring that international frameworks are both inspired by and responsive to community-led transformations. We believe in “science with society,” where research is co-developed, conducted, and evaluated in collaboration with actors from science, politics, the private sector, and civil society.

About the role

TMG Research is composed of two programme teams that manage projects spanning land governance, food systems transformation (FST), and adaptation to climate change. To lead our programme focused on urban food systems in low-income neighbourhoods and food systems governance we are currently seeking a

Programme Director Food Systems Transformation (m/f/x) (80 – 100 %)

to act as a key member of the Management Team, helping to lead both on the direction of research, advocacy, and fundraising for the FST team as well as provide critical input on the future direction of TMG’s work.

The ideal candidate has a demonstrated track record of leading diverse teams as well as leveraging emergent opportunities to advance policy change across the local, national and global levels. In addition, the ideal candidate is well versed in co-innovating with grassroots actors and building alliances between grassroots organizations and stakeholders across levels in order to transform collaborative ideas into action research projects that influence practices and foster solutions. Finally, the candidate has a knack for translating project ideas into competitive proposals.

Your tasks

Programme leadership: Research and advocacy

• Lead the design and implementation of TMG Research’s action- and policy-oriented research programme on food system transformation
• Oversee and direct the research of project teams and ensure the quality of outputs
• Strategically position TMG’s Food System Transformation programme in relevant political debates, and coordinate and network with project partners, external experts and stakeholders in order to jointly work towards inclusive and climate-resilient food systems
• Contribute to the further strategic and scientific development of TMG Research
• Draw out research synergies across TMG Research programming, where possible, use synergies with other workstreams to design the future research programme of TMG

Programme leadership: Fundraising

• Oversee donor reporting and monitor project budgets in close collaboration with the administration team
• Act as an organizational ambassador, effectively engaging with prospective donors and representing the organization in strategic networks and forums
• Support the development and execution of a programme-focused fundraising plan that feeds into senior management’s fundraising objectives, including drafting, reviewing, and refining grant applications and programmatic proposals

Your profile

• Master’s degree or PhD in international development, economics, politics, or a related field; in-depth knowledge of food security policies
• At least 5 years of relevant experience with proven supervisory responsibilities; proven management skills, including budget management
• Ability to work effectively and sensitively with a wide range of partners from science, politics, civil society, and the private sector
• Experience in fundraising for policy and action-oriented research
• A strong network of partners
• Excellent scientific desk and applied research skills, knowledge about various scientific methods; experience in science communication
• Enthusiasm, flexibility, strong team-spirit and a commitment to working within a dynamic, transdisciplinary, policy-relevant research field
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, good working knowledge of German or French is an asset
• Ability and willingness to travel internationally

We offer you

• Work in a transdisciplinary think tank with the aspiration to enable sustainability transformations
• The opportunity to shape the future design of TMG Research’s food system transformation work programme
• Flexible working hours and mobile working
• Salary in accordance with TVöD (Bund) E14, including annual bonus payment in line with TVöD (Bund) regulations
• 30 days of paid annual leave in accordance with TVöD
• Opportunities for professional development
• Regular social events

The position is to be filled as soon as possible with an initial duration of 2 years with the prospect of contract extension pending further funding. Preferred duty station is Berlin, remote work is possible.

How to apply

Please submit your full application including a cover letter, CV with two references (contact persons) and/or reference letters, list of projects that you managed, and links to selected publications (non-academic publications are equally welcome) in one PDF document (max. 5 MB) by the application deadline.

Please upload your application online via the application button.

For details on the position, please contact Dr Jes Weigelt (jes.weigelt@tmg-thinktank.com). For details on the application process, please contact Vanessa Venne (hr@tmg-thinktank.com).

TMG is an employer that promotes equal rights and equal opportunities and provides a respectful work environment free from discrimination and intimidation. We treat all applicants equally, regardless of ethnic and social origin, nationality, religion/belief, age, migration background, disability, sexual orientation and identity. People with disabilities and people with a migration background are particularly encouraged to apply.

We are looking forward to hearing from you!