UN Policy Manager

Role Summary

The UN Policy Manager (all genders) supports our ambitious efforts to engage with international institutions to bring food system transformation and sustainable diets to the heart of the global policy agenda. They will work within our UN team to mainstream a shift towards plant-based diets as a proven climate change adaptation and mitigation solution.

We are looking for a candidate to lead our biodiversity policy and advocacy workstream, including our engagement with the UN CBD. The ideal candidate is a biodiversity expert with demonstrated experience of influencing policy outcomes at national or international level. A strong understanding of relevant financial mechanisms, instruments and entities, and experience in engaging with international policy processes and UN agencies is a plus.

The UN Policy Manager (all genders) will report to the Head of UN Affairs and will work collaboratively with other teams including programmes, communications, research, impact, and country policy managers. The successful candidate will also work closely with external partners and stakeholders.

Job Details

Reports to: Head of UN Affairs

Department: INT UN Policy & Public Affairs

Location: Remote, preferably based in Germany (Berlin), UK or Kenya (Nairobi)

Hours: 40 hours per week (35 if UK based)

Duration: 2 years contract, with possibility of extension

Responsibilities

Advocacy & Stakeholder Engagement (60%)

• Establish and maintain effective collaborative relationships with external stakeholders and identify opportunities and strategies to improve engagement with policy-makers, environmental and other aligned organizations, healthcare officials, corporate leaders, scientific bodies, and grant-making organisations.
• Identify opportunities to influence policy narratives and (climate) agenda on biodiversity issues (international events, calls for contribution of UN agencies, coalitions work etc.)
• Collaborate with ProVeg country teams to develop a targeted outreach to national policymakers and spread our Diets Toolkit contributing effectively to our global policy impact.
• Develop ProVeg’s positions and advocacy strategy regarding biodiversity and agriculture/food systems.

Partnership & Coalition Coordination (20%)

• Build a strong network of organizations and individuals in support of our advocacy work at the different UN bodies, specifically the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, and participate in coalitions and joint advocacy campaigns.
• Maintain a database of activities, contacts, and external engagements in Hubspot.

Event Planning & Logistics (10%)

• Coordinate talks, press conferences, and networking events in the lead up to different events (SB64, COP17, COP31).
• Speak at public events, fora, and other platforms, and serve as a representative of ProVeg to the public and the media.
• Support planning of logistical arrangements for different events (badging, travel, accommodation etc.).

Communications & Outreach (5%)

• Raise the profile of ProVeg online and offline by writing compelling content (e.g. Op-Eds) for targeted websites, campaigns, social media, mainstream media & PR (including broadcast media) with the support of our Communications team

Impact Tracking (5%)

• Support maintenance of up-to-date record of our engagements, activities and impacts.
• Assist with funding reports or donor updates.

Qualifications

• You hold at least a Master’s degree in political science, public affairs, law, or a similar subject.
• You bring 3-5 years of relevant experience in policy work, and a demonstrated track record influencing international or national policy outcomes on biodiversity or a related field.
• You have a good understanding of international multilateral processes and entities (e.g., United Nations, IPCC), especially CBD COPs (advantage).
• You demonstrate excellent command of English, both oral and written; additional languages are a plus.
• You possess excellent stakeholder engagement skills, and a strong international policy network.
• You have a good understanding of food system transformation and protein diversification, particularly as they relate to biodiversity.
• You are passionate about ProVeg’s mission and believe in the power of impact-driven decision-making for achieving social change.

Benefits of working with us

Depending on working location these will differ. Here are some benefits we offer at ProVeg:

• Strong organisational focus on personal development with a designated training budget
• Flexible, trust-based working arrangements and remote work.
• Mental health & wellbeing support via access to the OpenUp platform and a free Headspace (Mindfulness app) subscription
• Provision of a work laptop and other necessary equipment
• A workplace that encourages everyone to bring their whole selves to work. We are an inclusive workplace for our diverse employees around the world.
• And last but not least: Become part of a great team and work with us towards a world where everyone chooses delicious and healthy food that is good for all humans, animals, and our planet

When?

Application deadline: 12.12.2025

Start date: 01.03.2025

Timeline:

• 25.11.-12.12. Published
• 08.12.-12.12 Screening (please note that we will first get back to you within this week)
• 15.12. - 22.12. First interviews with P&C
• until 09.01.2026:. Trial tasks
• 12.01. - 23.01.: 2nd interview with the team
• Final decision
• Start date: Between 1 and 16 March

Depending on working location these will differ. Here are some benefits we offer at ProVeg:

• Strong organisational focus on personal development with a designated training budget
• Flexible, trust-based working arrangements and remote work.
• Mental health & wellbeing support via access to the OpenUp platform and a free Headspace (Mindfulness app) subscription
• Provision of a work laptop and other necessary equipment
• A workplace that encourages everyone to bring their whole selves to work. We are an inclusive workplace for our diverse employees around the world.
• And last but not least: Become part of a great team and work with us towards a world where everyone chooses delicious and healthy food that is good for all humans, animals, and our planet

English is a must

Other languages are a plus