The Global FoodBanking Network (GFN) is a growing network, with food banking organizations based in 44 countries, and an ambitious goal to increase food access for 50 million people by 2030, with a focus on emerging and developing markets.
The Opportunity:
In less than four years, GFN has grown from a $2m to a $20m+ organization reflecting the expansion of food bank operations of membership organizations to meet the rising hunger need internationally.
The organization advances a unique hunger relief model that has significant value to communities in need based on meals provided to food insecure populations due to its reliance on food recovery. Ensuring food produced for human consumption makes its way to people struggling with hunger will be a critical contributor to the ability to meet food demand projected over the next 30 years. Further, the growing focus on climate change necessitates that we consider how food banking can play a greater role, in mitigation. Food banks are well positioned to help support meeting future demand as well as achieving SDG 12.3: Halving Food Loss and Waste (FLW) by 2030.
GFN recognizes that nearly a third of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted between the farm gate and consumer. This does not take into account the amount of food that may be lost on-farm. The effects of FLW are devastating due to hunger needs, resources lost in the production of the food that is eventually discarded, and in the actual environmental impact of FLW.
Food banks rely on partnerships with the private sector to recover wholesome edible surpluses for re-distribution to populations in need. As food banks respond to service demands, there is a significant need for more food to be recovered. At the same time, food producers are looking for a business partner to reduce FLW, support reputational advancement, and engage employees.
Two years ago, we established the Product Sourcing and Strategic Partnerships team at GFN to support the vital work of our members to recover and provide diverse, culturally appropriate, and sufficient sources of food to the communities they serve. Due to a recent internal promotion, we are seeking a new team member to support GFN’s accelerated growth. The LATAM Product Sourcing Associate Director will be located in one of GFN’s largest regions, Latin America. In this region, this important member of staff will be responsible for the further development of the work and continuation of developing/strengthening regional relationships resulting in larger and more diverse donations for communities in need. Partnering with local food bank staff, the position will also provide a much-needed regional layer of support that will strengthen communication and action with multinational companies to enable greater access to food and other resources.
Each of these team members will engage with food and grocery product producers, distributors, and retailers, as well as farmers and agri-businesses for donations to serve families in need while ensuring excess product, does not go to waste. Working with food bank staff to develop and expand purchasing programs to supplement product donations will also be a critical part of this role. Additionally, these individuals will assist Regional Field Managers with product sourcing training for food bank staff and best practice sharing with the goal of enhancing overall Network expertise.
The ideal candidate knows the food industry and works well with cross-functional teams to achieve business objectives; has demonstrated success working with diverse stakeholder groups including affiliated members, internal teams, and all levels of corporate leaders across industry sectors. Key for success is also a strong understanding of the intersection of the food industry, food rescue, and hunger relief along with the nuances of food banking.
Responsibilities include:
- Assess sourcing landscape and continue to develop strategic plan to increase relationships and product sourced by country across region.
- Develop productive, collaborative relationships with network food bank staff to nurture industry partnerships benefiting global and local organizations.
- Based on a partnership framework, increasingly recruit, and deepen the engagement of product donors in the work of food banks. Partner effectiveness is measured through public recognition of the engagement, the number of markets where donation activity is occurring, and overall increase in donations as well as holistic support including local funding, volunteer engagement, etc.
- Establish and nurture relationships at all appropriate stages of the supply chain and levels of decision making within partner organizations to strengthen the network’s status as a preferred recipient of excess food and non-food essentials
- Create new training tools and communication vehicles that will assist food bank members with identifying, educating, and servicing donors.
- Work with food bank staff to create and implement effective action plans for holistic donor support.
- Implement, manage, and track business strategies that help secure more product for food banks.
- Help forge and carry out GFN’s broader partnership strategy with system conveners, to increase GFN visibility and brand awareness as well as position food donation in the broader Food Loss and Waste (FLW) space.
- BA/BS or relevant experience
- 7 years relevant food bank/food systems/food industry experience; retail grocery a plus
- Strong understanding of the intersection of the food industry, food rescue, and hunger relief along with the nuances of food banking
- A proven track record of implementing plans to deliver results against strategic goals
- Ability to utilize business experience and industry understanding to successfully engage and motivate partner representatives across the company and throughout their supply chain. Willing to both lead and provide hands-on support
- Strength in monitoring industry trends and analyzing data to derive business insights
- Ability to articulate effectively with internal and external contacts using verbal, written and presentation skills and effective negotiation skills based on a win-win philosophy and commitment to long-term partnership development
- Committed to the organizational mission of ending global hunger
- Must possess cultural awareness and commitment to supporting a culturally diverse workplace that values different backgrounds and life experiences
- Proficient in MS Office applications, Salesforce, and other project management tools are preferred
- Valid passport and legal eligibility to work in the country where the candidate resides
- Fluency in English is required
- Fluency in Spanish is required and fluency in Portuguese is preferred