Senior Consultant - Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems, Brussels

Senior Consultant - Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems

Department:

Social Research Employment Type:

Permanent Location:

Brussels, Belgium Description

Ecorys is a leading international research and consultancy company addressing society’s key challenges. We combine our deep knowledge of societal challenges with extensive expertise to make genuine sustainable change happen. We offer the full policy cycle to our clients, who are decision‑makers in the public and third sectors, supporting them in planning, implementing, and communicating change.We are currently looking for a Senior Consultant to join our Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems team. In this role, you will primarily work with EU institution clients such as the European Commission DG AGRI, DG SANTE, DG ENV, the European Investment Bank, and other competent authorities, providing evaluation, impact assessment, and research services.You will play a key role in winning and delivering projects for the European market and beyond, from acquisition through delivery. Responsibilities include managing contracts, leading project teams, forming consortia, ensuring quality of reports, and fostering strategic partnerships. Our Team’s Expertise

Public and private financing for the transition of the agricultural and forestry sectors Evaluation and impact assessment of policy interventions across environmental, health, trade, and sector‑specific domains impacting the agricultural and forestry sector Risk, resilience and functioning of the food value chainKey Responsibilities

Advance the field of policy evaluation and impact assessment within sustainable agriculture and food systems. Manage medium‑to‑large pan‑European projects, keeping them within budget and schedule while leading teams of researchers and experts. Strengthen strategic partnerships and develop our pool of associates, working with the Director and inter‑office networks.Identify new business opportunities and contribute to proposal drafting for EU policy areas. Deliver high‑quality reports and presentations, ensuring project success. Lead diverse technical delivery teams under tight deadlines. Provide line management for junior staff. What You Will Bring

Essential Experience

At least 8 years of experience, including at least 5 years managing projects and leading acquisitions in sustainable agriculture, livestock systems, plant health, biotechnology, animal health, land use, or food systems. Substantive expertise in one or more of agronomy, plant health, biotechnology, livestock production, or environmental impacts of agriculture.Experience in evaluations, impact assessments, or analytical studies of agricultural or livestock policies. Financial management and commercial know‑how. Technical and Analytical Profile

Strong writing and analytical skills, with knowledge of qualitative and quantitative methods (benchmarking, indicator development, contribution analysis, cost‑effectiveness and cost‑benefit analysis, desk research, interviews, surveys, focus groups). Applied quantitative research skills (statistical analysis, logic models, regression analysis) and experience designing, collecting, and analysing data.Enthusiasm for business development, winning projects, and leading tender‑writing. Strategic thinking and problem‑solving, contributing to company strategy. Team management experience and ability to maintain client relationships. Excellent spoken and written English and presentation skills.Education

Master’s degree (or PhD) in agronomy, agricultural sciences, plant sciences, plant health, biotechnology, animal science, veterinary science, environmental sciences, agro‑ecology, or a closely related discipline. Additional academic or professional experience in plant health regulation, biotechnology, environmental assessment, animal health, or sustainability analysis is an advantage.What We Offer

We provide a professional, stimulating, and learning environment with ample opportunities for development in a multicultural, supportive team atmosphere. The role offers a competitive remuneration package and attractive benefits, including a home‑working allowance, meal vouchers, private health, dental, and hospitalization allowances, a collective bonus, reimbursement for home internet and mobile phone devices, and subscriptions.Enjoy a good work‑life balance and a hybrid work policy.

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