Senior Innovation Ecosystem Lead*

The position is to be filled as soon as possible, with a contract duration of two years. At the end of the initial two-year contractual period, there are good prospects for contract extension. This position can be based in Germany, Kenya, or the United States, with a preference for candidates already residing and holding a valid work permit in one of these countries.

In 2025, Welthungerhilfe will launch a major Innovation Challenge to identify and support the most impactful and transformative innovations for Zero Hunger in the Global South.

You will lead the design and implementation of the challenge, build strategic partnerships, and further develop the initiative through complementary activities and formats. They will also drive the growth of a dynamic innovation platform, enhancing the visibility, reach, and impact of high-quality solutions.

Your responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction for the Innovation Challenge to maximize its impact in supporting food system innovators in the Global South.
• Develop and implement a roadmap to further improve the challenge, including new formats and complementary activities.
• Shape and grow a network of past Innovation Challenge winners, fostering collaboration and connections with UN agencies, NGOs, investors, businesses, and market actors.
• Identify and pursue funding and partnership opportunities across the private sector, academia, and non-profit sectors to ensure the growth and sustainability of the challenge.
• Oversee project scoping, planning, execution, and evaluation to ensure timely and effective delivery of milestones.
• Build, lead, and empower an international, remote team (including freelancers), fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation.
• Represent Welthungerhilfe at internal and external events, conferences, and workshops to advocate for its food systems innovation agenda.
• Promote multi-stakeholder coalitions and partnerships to address policy and market barriers to innovation, adoption, and scaling.
• Strengthen system intelligence by identifying high-potential innovation levers for Zero Hunger and mapping key actors, barriers, and opportunities through consultation, research, and co-creation.

Your profile

• Minimum 5 years of work experience, with ideally a minimum 2 years in a leadership position
• Strong experience in strategy development and management of complex endeavors with multiple stakeholders
• Familiarity with innovation methodology, impact investment, social entrepreneurship and business development
• Excellent networking skills and strong experience in relationship building and management; bringing an existing network in the area of food system innovation
• Excellent communication skills, cultural awareness, and ability to interact with higher level stakeholders (including government-, donor- and partner-representatives)
• Understanding of- and past work experience ín the development cooperation sector, specifically related to food systems innovation topics, is an advantage
• Digital proficiency and know-how (e.g., in database management) is as strong asset
• Previous work experience in management of innovation challenges, competitions, events or awards is an asset
• You recognize the growing value of data within an organization and inspire teams to make decisions grounded in analysis and evidence
• Excellent spoken and written English required; French or German as additional language would be a strong asset

What we offer

• Fair Compensation: A fair and equal remuneration based on a transparent salary scale.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy flexible working arrangements to support a balanced lifestyle.
• Modern & Agile Work Environment: Be part of a forward thinking organization that fully embraces digitalization and innovation across all areas.
• Personal & Professional Growth: Access diverse learning and development opportunities to advance your career.
• Team: Join our dedicated and diverse teams, where passion, expertise, and joy come together to create a better world.

In addition, Welthungerhilfe offers numerous other benefits, which are listed under Our benefits.

Please send your application via our online recruiting system by August 3, 2025. Your contact person is Peter Doerr. Welthungerhilfe is committed to fighting terrorism in all its activities. Accordingly, any applicant who is offered employment will be screened against lists of known and suspected terrorists.

Welthungerhilfe values diversity and ensures an inclusive, non-discriminatory working environment. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community.