Program Officer - Collaborative Crop Research Program (MF)

EPIP; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 111,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Program Officer to join their international team in Minneapolis. This role is pivotal in driving innovative agroecological solutions that empower smallholder farmers and enhance food systems globally. You will collaborate with diverse stakeholders to develop impactful research projects that address pressing challenges like climate change and food security. If you are eager to make a difference in sustainable agriculture and have a strong background in project management and research, this opportunity could be your next big step in a fulfilling career.

Qualifications

• Experience in agroecological research and project management.
• Strong collaboration skills with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate a global portfolio of research projects for smallholder farmers.
• Develop strategic responses to global food security challenges.

Skills

Agroecological solutions

Project management

Research collaboration

Strategic planning

Education

Master's degree in relevant field

PhD in relevant field

Tools

Data analysis software

Project management tools

Job description

Program Officer - Collaborative Crop Research Program (MF)

Posted on August 09, 2021

The McKnight Foundation is a fourth-generation family foundation that was established by William L. McKnight and his wife, Maude L. McKnight, in 1953. As an early leader of 3M, Mr. McKnight earned a reputation for spurring innovation and recognizing the creative potential in others—practices that live on at the Foundation and are reflected in its core values.

For over 35 years, The McKnight Foundation’s Collaborative Crop Research Program (CCRP) has worked to ensure a world where all have access to nutritious food that is sustainably produced by local people. This is accomplished through collaborative agroecological systems research and knowledge-sharing that strengthen the capacities of smallholder farmers, research institutes, and development organizations. McKnight takes a holistic, ecosystem approach to agriculture, supporting research and partnerships that lead to increased crop productivity, improved livelihoods, better nutrition, increased equity, and regenerative environmental outcomes in ten countries on two continents.

Since its founding, the CCRP has committed more than $134 Million in grantmaking to further collaborative crop research between smallholder farmers, leading local researchers, and development practitioners. Currently, grants support regionally based research projects that are grouped into three communities of practice (CoPs) in the Andes, West Africa and East & Southern Africa with leadership provided by regional consultants in collaboration with the Foundation team.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Program Officer will work at the cutting edge of transdisciplinary agroecological solutions and cultivate a global portfolio of research projects and related investments focused on creating equitable and sustainable options for smallholder farmers and food systems.

A member of the McKnight Foundation’s international program team based in Minneapolis, the Program Officer reports to the International Program Director. Working in close collaboration with the international team, grantees, regional consultants, and partners around the world, the CCRP team develops strategic responses to a range of pressing global challenges including rising population growth and global food security; mitigating agriculture’s impact on climate change and adapting to the impact of climate change on agriculture; and, the tension between regenerative and unsustainable crop production.

COMPENSATION

The salary range for the International Program Officer is $111,600-$117,800. The position is based in Minneapolis, MN (there are no exceptions). While the team is working remotely during COVID, employees are scheduled to return to the office part-time in September 2021 and full-time in January 2022.

Please submit your resume and cover letter expressing your interest in the position and fit for the role via GoodCitizen’s Candidate Portal link provided. Letters may be addressed to Sarah Meyer.