The Global Crop Diversity Trust (Crop Trust) is an international organization dedicated to conserving crop diversity and making it available for use globally, forever, and for the benefit of everyone. The Crop Trust hosts the Global Flagship Initiative for Food Security, a global coalition launched at UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh in 2024. Since its launch, the Flagship has grown into a coalition of 90 development partners working collectively to advance food security worldwide.

The Flagship is a dynamic coalition advancing SDG 2 – Zero Hunger through three pillars: Collaborate Broadly, Mobilize the Private Sector, and Deliver Impact with Agility. Through these pillars, it supports governments, civil society, and the private sector in scaling impactful, climate-smart, results-driven solutions through strategic alignment and rapid, high-impact action. 

The Global Crop Diversity Trust is seeking an outstanding candidate for the position of: 

Policy and Advocacy Lead

Under the supervision of the Secretary of the Global Flagship Initiative for Food Security, the Policy and Advocacy Lead will play a central role in supporting the Flagship’s strategic positioning, policy development, and advocacy efforts.

The position is responsible for preparing high-level briefings, talking points, policy papers, and research that strengthen the Flagship’s visibility and credibility on the global stage. The role will also support engagement with existing and prospective Flagship members, including governments, civil society, and private sector partners.

The responsibilities of the position include the following:

Policy and Advocacy

• Prepare briefings, talking points, and speeches for the Secretary, Co-Chairs, and other high-level champions who will speak on behalf of the Flagship.
• Draft policy papers, analytical notes, and concept briefs to inform strategic decision-making and strengthen advocacy positions.
• Support the development of advocacy materials and presentations for major international events, meetings, and public engagements.

Research and Analysis

• Conduct background research on existing and prospective Flagship members, including vetting of private sector partners.
• Monitor global trends in food security, agrifood systems, climate policy, and development finance to ensure alignment with emerging opportunities and challenges.
• Contribute to writing reports, policy briefs, and other analytical outputs.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Support engagement and coordination with a growing coalition of members, including governments, multilateral organizations, civil society, and private sector partners.
• Facilitate information exchange, identify opportunities for collaboration, and support alignment across the Flagship’s three pillars.
• Assist in planning and coordinating high-level events, workshops, and partner consultations.

Cross-Team Support

• Work with Crop Trust’s External Affairs and Programs departments to ensure coherence in policy messages, advocacy, and technical outputs.
• Stay abreast of relevant scientific, policy, and geopolitical developments relating to food security and agrifood systems.
• Support the preparation of technical papers, presentations, and other outputs for global initiatives and priority themes.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

• Master’s degree in public policy, international relations, development studies, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of relevant experience in policy, advocacy, international development, food security, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience in preparing high-level briefs, speeches, talking points, and policy documents.
• Strong understanding of global food security, development cooperation, and public–private partnerships.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, particularly with governments, development partners, civil society, and/or private sector actors.
• Excellent research, analytical, and writing skills, with the ability to present complex topics clearly and concisely.
• Excellent command of English; proficiency in other languages, particularly French or Spanish, is a strong asset.
• Strong interpersonal skills, judgment, and ability to operate proactively and independently.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines and deliver high-quality outputs.
• Commitment to the values and mission of the Crop Trust and the Global Flagship Initiative for Food Security.

Terms and Conditions: The Crop Trust offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary, non-contributory retirement savings plan, medical insurance and leave provisions. The take-home yearly salary range for this position for new hires is between EUR 55,000 and EUR 80,000, depending on qualifications and experience. All benefits are denominated and paid in Euros. Staff of the Crop Trust (including German nationals) are exempt from host country income tax. Relocation costs are covered for candidates residing outside of the Bonn/Cologne or surrounding areas. The initial term of the contract will be one (1) year, with the possibility of extension. The contract will be subject to a probationary period of six (6) months. The position is anticipated to commence on 1 March 2026.

Applications: Interested candidates should submit the following (incomplete applications will not be considered):

1. A one-page motivation letter including a summary of your qualifications and experience, indicating how you meet the expected set of skills and competencies for the position and your drivers for applying.
2. Your Curriculum Vitae in English (please include your current residence address, telephone, and email address, date of birth, gender and nationality).
3. Names and full contact details of at least three referees.

Deadline for applications is 18 January 2026

By submitting your application, you agree to the Crop Trust processing your personal data as described here.

The Trust is an equal opportunity employer and strives for staff diversity in gender and nationality.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.