Project Coordinator: Food System Coordinator

Candidates must be within commuting distance of Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough Environment City (MEC) is an independent charity that promotes healthy and sustainable living. We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and dynamic coordinator to deliver a unique project.

This is a three-year project that will take a sustainable whole system approach to create a blueprint for localised food system change.

The three key elements of this project will include:

1. Creating healthy, nutritious sustainable food for all using food system surplus through an innovative model of community-led enterprise.
2. Strengthening a localised supply of sustainable fresh produce
3. Supporting the development of a more sustainable food system and resilient supply of local produce through infrastructure improvement and developing partnerships.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• To take day to day responsibility for the delivery of the localised food system change project in line with the delivery plan to ensure that the identified outcomes are achieved.
• Undertake an extensive mapping and auditing exercise of existing related stakeholders, provision, activity providers, infrastructure and opportunities related to the local food system and sector.
• Engage and build rapport with a diverse range of food initiatives, enterprises and wider stakeholders (SMEs, growers, public sector, VCSE sector, private sector) and partners, and manage these relationships for the life of the project, increasing awareness of and participation in related activity.
• Support the development and establishment of a social enterprise that will create healthy, nutritious sustainable food for all using local food, gluts, and food system surplus.
• Facilitate and oversee a programme of food system related training for project stakeholders and participants and deliver training where appropriate.
• Organise a programme of events, visits and study trips for project stakeholders and participants.
• Facilitate talks, workshops, meetings and other member-led related opportunities for stakeholders to help bring about positive change within the localised food system.
• Support the work of the Middlesbrough Food Partnership (and Food Action Plan) and Middlesbrough Food Power Alliance (and Alliance Action Plan).
• Support a strategic approach to embedding sustainable food within the policies and practices of partner organisations from the public, private and voluntary sectors, for example through influencing procurement and planning policies.
• Take the lead on creating an enhanced social media presence, linking with existing partner online platforms. Support MEC and project partners in communicating and disseminating progress and achievements of the projects through a variety of channels, including social media.
• Develop online and practical resources, including an interactive online toolkit, newsletter, and social media and marketing support.
• Keep records of all activity undertaken and participant and stakeholder engagement to assist in project monitoring, evaluation and contribute to the preparation of reports.

In addition to these duties, all staff are expected to:

• A commitment to sustainability, ethical behaviours and practice, responsible environmental stewardship, 'enabling healthy communities' and developing healthy communities

• Assist with other aspects of MEC s work as appropriate and such other duties in keeping with the general aims of the post as may from time to time be determined by the CEO.
• Ensure that the requirements of the company s Health and Safety policies and procedures are practised and observed.
• Ensure that the requirements of the Company s Equal Opportunities, Environment and Data Protection policies and procedures are practised and observed.
• Attend training as required to continue to undertake and develop the role effectively.

• Contribute to Middlesbrough s Public Health agenda, through developing a basic understanding of Public Health issues and signposting to local health improvement services. Appropriate training will be provided.
• As this post may involve work with children and vulnerable groups, any appointment will be subject to a Disclosure under the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Project Coordinator must have:

• Previous experience of delivering food related and/ or sustainability-based initiatives and/ or campaigns.
• Experience of managing initiatives involving a range of partners.
• Understanding of whole system approaches to addressing complex issues.
• Experience of working in and/ or understanding of the food system.
• Experience of developing and delivering strategic level projects with defined outcomes.
• Experience of managing, supporting and growing local partnerships.

With a passion for a thriving, supportive and more resilient local food system, you will have the ability to motivate, provide inspiration and leadership to others. You will require excellent communication and organisational skills and a have commitment to healthy, sustainable and accessible food for all.