Project Manager Research and Education

Project Manager Research and Education
80%, Zurich, permanent

The World Food System Center (WFSC) at ETH Zurich is a Competence Center committed to advancing food system research and education. It brings together expertise from across disciplines to address pressing challenges related to food and nutrition security, environmental and human health and social wellbeing. Beyond supporting research activities across the entire food system, the Center fosters collaboration among academia, industry, and policy to create impactful solutions from local to global scales. It furthermore offers a range of educational activities and learning journeys, including a summer school, workshops and other outreach formats, designed to equip the next generation of food system experts with the knowledge and skills to transform food systems.

Project background

Are you interested in supporting the World Food System Center in advancing research, education, and dialogue on sustainable food systems?

We have an open position which combines management and development of research activities and programs, education and exchange facilitation as well as communication and representation.

Key responsibilities of this exciting position include managing existing research programs, developing new interdisciplinary research initiatives, and designing innovative educational formats for different audiences such as Summer Schools and educational workshops. The role furthermore involves fostering dialogue between science, practice, and policy to create impactful solutions for global food system challenges.

Job description

We look for a Project Manager with strong facilitation and organizational skills and proven experience and interest in food system research. Our new colleague will be responsible for following tasks:

• Management and coordination of current and future research programs and activities (incl. Future Food Initiative, Smart Sustainable Farming Program, Thematic Spotlights etc.).
• Co-development of new inter- and transdisciplinary research programs and activities either based on existing or emerging funding opportunities and/or in collaboration with external partners, e.g. Thematic Spotlights or new Programs. This will be implemented in collaboration with the Center's Research Coordinator and Executive Director.
• Co-development and co-organization of our 2-weeks Summer School and other educational formats (e.g. educational game on cocoa value chains, short courses etc.) or outreach events with educational elements (e.g. in the planned WFSC event series).
• Development and facilitation of various exchange formats (workshops and events, educational formats, Peer to Peer learning etc.) with a diverse audience to support dialogue at the Science-Practice, Science-Policy Interface.
• Creation of content for communication activities on WFSC research and education activities in collaboration with the Communication Manager.
• Representation of the Center in discussions to strengthen project-based food system education at ETH and beyond.

Profile

• Candidates need a MSc or PhD in agricultural or food sciences (or related fields with strong links to food system sciences) and experience in food system related activities. Experience in project management and education and strong communication and facilitation skills are key.
• Fluency in English and German is mandatory.
• The role is embedded in a small team and a broad Center network, making social competence such as flexibility, resilience, adaptability, cultural awareness and cooperation and teamwork essential. Building bridges, critical thinking and problem solving is central to education and dialogue facilitation, while inclusivity and well-being are core to the team culture. The broad and complex tasks demand digital literacy, strong planning, project management, analytical thinking, communication, and negotiation skills.

Workplace
Workplace
We offer

• A varied, diverse, and exciting role with impact which not only supports your professional development but also actively contributes to positive change in society
• A friendly and supportive team and plenty of opportunities to collaborate within the team, with members of the Center and beyond
• Flexible working conditions, and good social benefits in line with the standards of ETH Zurich
• An office centrally located in the heart of Zurich
• A range of continuing education opportunities and the chance to connect with a wide variety of interest groups
• Various benefits, such as public transportation passes and car sharing, a wide range of sports activities offered by ASVZ, childcare etc.

The start date will be the earliest possible for the selected candidate.

We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents until :

• CV
• 1 page motivation letter

Further information about the World Food System Center can be found on our Website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Martijn Sonnevelt, or Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal.

Please note, applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

The interviews are planned for or first round) and or second round).

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