Head of GAIN Netherlands

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) is seeking a Head of GAIN Netherlands to lead on the partnerships management of Netherlands Dutch Engagement program and to manage the day-to day operations of GAIN Netherlands office.

This role will be offered on permanent contract basis, subject to availability of funding. You will be based in Utrecht, Netherlands.

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

The Netherlands is an important country for GAIN. Our representative office in Utrecht acts as the central coordination point for all our work related to the Netherlands and our Dutch stakeholders. The Dutch government is one of the major partners of GAIN in the area of food and nutrition security. Just recently they have funded another five-year grant centered around market-based solutions to improve diet quality and resilience for Bopp consumers, in particular in six countries (Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Mozambique, Benin and Uganda). Staff in the Utrecht office are part of the global teams to implement these programs. At the same time, GAIN will continue to leverage its collaboration with relevant Dutch organizations and networks active in improving food systems in LMIC settings.

GAIN Netherlands is also hosting the secretariat of the Netherlands Working Group on international Nutrition (NWGN). A platform of civil society organizations, knowledge institutes, the private sector and the government, based in the Netherlands and working in the field of international nutrition.

Reporting to the Director, Policy and External Relations, the Head of GAIN Netherlands will be responsible for both the internal and external facing activities on behalf of the GAIN Netherlands office.

You will lead the GAIN Netherlands office, and will be responsible for implementing and delivering the Dutch Engagement program by supporting GAIN’s global programs with the management of relationships with key Dutch partners.

As the leader of the GAIN Netherlands office, you will also be responsible for the effective and efficient operations of the office, overseeing legal compliance and alignment with donor requirements in line with GAIN’s policies, procedures, and processes.

Key Responsibilities include;

• As the Head of Office, acting as the authorized representative for the GAIN Netherlands office and ensuring effective office management and compliance with donor requirements and GAIN policies, procedures, and processes
• Maintaining strong relationships with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and their Food & Nutrition Security cluster
• Fostering strong collaboration with current partners and other stakeholders in the Netherlands active in international food and nutrition
• Extending GAIN’s network in the Dutch government around related topics (climate, resilience, agriculture, health)
• Responsible for the implementation, budget control and reporting of the Dutch Engagement program
• Supporting GAIN’s programs and teams with relevant knowledge coming from the Dutch Diamond network and creating new connections where relevant
• Responsible for the NWGN secretariat (including budget control, contractual agreements, general administration, website)
• Supporting the Netherlands Working Group on Nutrition (NWGN) co-chairs in the coordination of the network and the delivery of the annual workplan
• Acting as ambassador for GAIN and representing GAIN at appropriate global and regional meetings related to the Dutch Engagement work

About You

The ideal candidate will have experience working and managing partners from different stakeholder groups (private sector, NGOs, government, knowledge institutes) and will have substantial experience in a management position in an international NGO or multi-cultural setting.

You should have experience in developing or implementing organisational strategies or workplans and in leading an office or organisation. The postholder should have experience in compliance, donor reporting, budget management, resource mobilization, HR, Dutch laws, etc.

In addition to this, the postholder should have an excellent command of written and spoken English and Dutch with strong communication and advocacy skills. You should have proven leadership and management capabilities and be able to work with a range of people from different sectors, including private sector, government, civil society and academics. You should also be highly flexible and willing to travel to other GAIN offices.

A Master’s Degree in nutrition, food science, health, agriculture, agronomy, horticulture, international development or related field with experience in establishing networks in the Netherlands around food & nutrition is desirable.

About our Offer

The starting salary on offer for this role is from EUR 68,712 – EUR 73,608 (gross) per annum, depending 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.

Our Working Culture and Environment

We provide a flexible working environment that includes a combination of home and office working opportunities through our global hybrid working policy. This encourages our staff to have a healthy work-life balance and increases staff motivation, enriches employee wellbeing, and improves performance and productivity.

All of our positions are based in one or more of GAIN’s designated offices as stated on our job advertisements. Successful candidates will be based in one of GAIN’s country offices and must have the existing right to live and work within a reasonably commutable distance of the relevant city / cities in which the role is advertised. Please note, that GAIN does not sponsor working visas and relocations.

GAIN reserves the right to withdraw an offer of employment for candidates who are considered to ineligible under the above conditions during or after the recruitment process.

Applicants must be currently based in the Utrecht, Netherlands region to be eligible to apply for this position.

This advert closes on 13th February 2023. Early applications are encouraged. GAIN reserves the right to close this advert early should we receive suitable candidates ahead of the closing date.

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.