Food Systems Project Manager

We are looking for a Food Systems Project Manager to join our Social and Humanitarian Programme Area in our newly established Nairobi office. The role will be specifically dedicated to a growing portfolio supporting sustainable food systems in East Africa.

The Novo Nordisk Foundation was established 100 years ago with the objective of supporting scientific, humanitarian, and social purposes. The aim of our humanitarian and global health initiatives is to enable scalable, systemic, and sustainable solutions to critical humanitarian, health, and food systems challenges in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

The food systems portfolio work through competent partners in the region, among others to strengthen research within agri-food systems, to support local agri-food ecosystems and impact pathways for small holder farmers to improve sustainable practices and to scale context specific agri-food solutions.

The job
As a Food Systems Project Manager, you will work closely together with key UN and civil society partners in East Africa, as well as counterparts in relevant government entities to support the food systems transformation portfolio. You will be working from the Nairobi office but covering projects in the East Africa region. You will be guided by colleagues primarily in the Humanitarian team, located in our offices in Copenhagen, for sparring, knowledge sharing and developing further food systems initiatives.

Your key tasks will be to:

• Co-manage project and partnership development within homegrown school feeding and other related projects in Kenya and other East African countries in close collaboration with scientific responsible in the Social and Humanitarian programme area (located at headquarters in Denmark)
• Co-manage project and partnership development within the broader food systems transformation portfolio development in Kenya and other East African countries in close collaboration with Novo Nordisk Foundation’s Social and Humanitarian, Biotech, Innovation and Obesity & Nutritional Science programme areas.
• Co-manage stakeholder relations and engage with food systems-related partners in Kenya and other East Africa  
• Coordinate and co-manage NNF missions, events, communication related to food systems and other strategic NNF food systems-related initiatives in Kenya and East Africa
• Contribute to monitoring and evaluation of food systems transformation-related projects and other relevant NNF grants and initiatives in Kenya and East Africa
• Strategically position NNF’s food systems transformation portfolio in relevant advocacy efforts in East Africa in order to work jointly towards improving human and planetary health in the region
• Contribute to the further strategic and scientific development of the food systems transformation portfolio
• Coordinate with the Danish embassies in East Africa

This role includes some travel activity regionally within East Africa.

You will be part of a team of colleagues in Kenya and DK working within the Social and Humanitarian Programme Area.

Who are you

We are looking for a project manager who is highly motivated to contribute to sustainable food systems in East Africa. You have a master's degree or PhD in international development, economics, politics, or a related field. Additionally, we require

• A proven track-record in food systems transformation-related activities, including innovation ecosystems, sustainable agriculture, healthy and sustainable diets.
• Significant experience in the intersection between sustainable and healthy diets/nutrition and agrifood systems and related issues, including the ability to work across disciplines
• 5-15 years relevant experience from public or private sector, philanthropic foundations, multi-laterals (e.g. UN), academia, civil society or political organisations
• In-depth understanding of the relevant food systems stakeholders and ecosystem in East Africa and strong networks in multiple countries
• Work experience and networks from international environments
• Project management skills and ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously
• Previous work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions
• Work experience with a Danish or Nordic organization is not mandatory but desirable
• High level of IT skills within Microsoft Office
• Formal training in systems thinking is desirable

 As a colleague, you are:

• Analytical, quality-conscious, and impact oriented
• Ambitious, with a structured approach to problem-solving
• Able to work independently and proactively
• Purpose-driven with an engaged, collaborative, and positive mindset
• An active team contributor, with strong interpersonal skills and share the values of the Foundation

Working at the Novo Nordisk Foundation
We offer a committed and professional workplace in which we emphasize ensuring that our colleagues thrive, are challenged, and have opportunity to develop their potential. A career at the Novo Nordisk Foundation gives you the opportunity to work: 

• on important projects that improve people’s health and the sustainability of society and the planet;  
• with key actors within research and development in Denmark and internationally.
• and as part of a dedicated team that is passionate about creating impact.

Are you interested? Then we hope to hear from you!
To apply, please send your motivated CV, university transcripts and other relevant documents by clicking the “Apply now” button. We conduct interviews on an ongoing basis. Application deadline is no later than 25 February 2025.

Kindly note that applicants must have a valid residence and work permit in Kenya. NNF will offer a national contract for this position.

Additionally, you need to have ability and willingness to travel regionally within East Africa

About the Novo Nordisk Foundation

Established in Denmark in 1924, the Novo Nordisk Foundation is an enterprise foundation with philanthropic objectives. The vision of the Foundation is to improve people’s health and the sustainability of society and the planet. The Foundation’s mission is to progress research and innovation in the prevention and treatment of cardiometabolic and infectious diseases as well as to advance knowledge and solutions to support a green transformation of society.