Program Manager, Innovation and Startups

Background

In November 2023, the Board of Directors of the International Fertilizer Association (IFA) approved the Association’s Startup Strategy. The Strategy builds on IFA’s experiences with startups since 2019 and extensive discussions with member companies and AgTech startups. The Strategy focuses on three main pillars: (i) development of an online permanent presence, (ii) renewal of the IFA Smart & Green conference; and (iii) organization of targeted startup competitions. These three pillars aim to facilitate knowledge sharing, provide access to innovation, and connect fertilizer corporates and startups. All three components include training, external communication, and membership drive. The Strategy also identifies innovation and breakthrough areas that require working more closely with startups, the critical role of partnerships, and resources required to implement the Strategy.

Reflecting increased ambitions on innovation and startups, IFA is hiring a Program Manager, Innovation and Startups.

Key Responsibilities

The main duties of the Program Manager include but are not limited to the following, under the supervision of the Deputy Director General of the Association:
Support implementation of the operational plan for the IFA Startup Strategy and of the IFA work program on plant nutrition products.
Help manage the Advisory Group on Innovation and Startups and the Working Group on Plant Nutrition Products.
Lead the development and maintenance of the online presence/platform on innovation and startups on the IFA website.
Develop the program of the Smart & Green conference, ensuring that it becomes a global flagship event on plant nutrition innovation and technologies.
Plan and execute, in partnership with external organizations, annual startups competitions targeting pressing issues facing the fertilizer industry.
Organize regular webinars on emerging areas of innovation and manage and expand a repository of startup video pitches, interviews and presentations.
Develop training programs for both the fertilizer industry and startups, including identification and management of the trainers.
Identify potential new Members and help recruit them, in cooperation with the IFA Membership Manager, and support greater engagement of the Members in IFA’s activities related to innovation and startups.
Support other IFA departments (Sustainability, Public Affairs, Communications, etc.) as far as it relates to innovation, startups and plant nutrition products.

Qualifications

Familiar with the AgTech startup/innovation ecosystem. Work experience in one of the venture capital funds or private equity funds focused on AgTech will be an advantage. Experience in conducting due diligence is a must.
Project management skills with a focus on meeting deadlines and delivering high-quality outcomes.
Experience in organizing startup competitions, developing programs of conferences and other events on innovation, and developing online platforms.
Professional experience of ten years maximum, of which two to five years of relevant experience.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.
Near-native or native fluency in English (main working language). Additional languages are a plus.
Master degree in business/finance, ideally with specialization in private equity/venture capital or innovation management.

Job Type : The Program Manager will have an IFA staff status. It is a permanent contract. IFA works in a hybrid mode, requesting staff to be in the office at least once a week.

Reporting : The Program Manager will directly report to the Deputy Director General.

Location : London or Paris.

Who Can Apply : UK nationality or work permit required if the candidate wishes to be based in London. Nationality or work permit of a European Union Member State required if the candidate wishes to be based in Paris.

How to Apply : Please submit your resume to [email protected].

Deadline for Application : 31 March 2024.

About IFA : IFA was founded in 1927 and is the only global fertilizer association, with more than 480 members in some 70 countries and a mission to promote efficient and responsible production, distribution and use of plant nutrients. This mission plays a critical role in feeding the world sustainably. IFA represents providers of plant nutrition solutions. Members include fertilizer producers, traders and distributors, as well as their associations, service providers to the industry, research organizations, AgTech startups and non-governmental organizations.

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