Foodthink Hiring | A few not-too-rubbish roles for those who still want to make a splash

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Foodthink is a knowledge, information, and writing community dedicated to sustainable food and agriculture, founded and managed by a group of partners with long-term experience in agricultural and food practice and research. Since our inception in August 2017, we have connected with nearly 200 outstanding researchers and practitioners from both China and abroad to collectively monitor, report on, critique, and analyse practices, research, policies, and innovations within the realm of sustainable agriculture and food.

Beyond curating original articles, Foodthink also strives to foster dialogue and collaborative learning between practitioners and the general public through various formats, such as course series, food-and-agriculture sharing sessions, book clubs, film screenings, agricultural work trips, industry conferences, and public events, all aimed at raising public awareness of sustainable food and agriculture issues. Since last year, we have also launched our podcast, “Food Talk”.

● A group photo of guest Shu Meng and the audience after the sharing session.
● Our promotional stall at the Friends of Nature 30th Anniversary Market.

The “Lianhe Plan” micro-grant project, dedicated to building industry infrastructure, has supported over 20 early-stage agrifood teams across the country; meanwhile, the Ecological Farm Internship Programme has helped more than 20 young people aspiring to work in ecological farming find placements at experienced farms. Over the past few years, Foodthink has also co-organised a range of industry events, including the Guangdong Harvest Festival and the Farmers’ Conference.

Now, we’re hiring again!

I. Editor (Full-time, 1 position)

First up is the Editor role. Foodthink currently has three editors, but we often find ourselves supporting an ever-increasing number of other projects. As a result, we’ve decided it’s time to bring some extra help into the editorial team!

● The editorial team also heads out for interviews from time to time. This April, we visited Yu Jiangang, a young man who returned to his village to raise silkworms.
Key Responsibilities
1. Plan and execute editorial topics, including commissioning, editing, image selection, layout, and proofreading; 2. Conduct interviews and write articles, as well as translate and edit English content;

3. Scout new authors and assist in managing the author community;

4. Support other Foodthink activities, such as organising public events, visiting farms, and coordinating industry conferences.

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Who we’re looking for
1. Ability to independently research, write and edit; some prior writing and editing experience (please include a portfolio or links to your work in your CV). 2. A keen interest in agriculture, food, the environment, and rural development; relevant academic or professional experience is a plus.

3. Proficient reading and writing skills in English.

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II. Communications and Media Operations (Full-time, 1 position)

Foodthink often receives feedback from our readers: ‘Your content is so good; it really ought to reach a wider audience.’ While we are grateful for the encouragement, we have come to realise that, compared to our content production, communication and outreach are our weak points.

Foodthink grew up during the heyday of WeChat Official Accounts, but we now find ourselves in a completely new media environment. Since last year, we have begun experimenting with podcasts as a fresh medium. Our frequent interactions with mainstream media over the last few years have also made it clear that even these ‘giants’ are under pressure to evolve. Consequently, we are looking for a professional colleague to take charge of our communications. If you believe you have the necessary skills, we welcome your application.

● Recording a podcast with Jiucun Craft Beer; this episode will be released shortly.
Responsibilities
1. Develop media communication strategies, focusing on written content, podcasts, and online and offline events (such as book clubs, sharing sessions, and harvest celebrations); 2. Monitor media trends, provide suggestions for content production, and assist in developing relevant work plans;

3. Maintain media relations and promote Foodthink’s content externally;

4. Handle the daily backend maintenance and community outreach for Foodthink;

5. Assist in planning Foodthink’s industry media products, such as newsletters and news briefs.

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What we are looking for
1. Experience in media, communications, or new media operations, with a preference for written media; 2. Familiarity with internet communication trends and a keen sensitivity to current hot topics in society and the food and agriculture sector;

3. A broad interest in media related to food, agriculture, and public welfare, with a strong sensibility for writing;

4. Strong planning and learning abilities, with the capacity to adapt to tasks across different media platforms;

5. A good foundation in English.

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3. Project Officer (Lianhe Project)

Beyond original articles and podcasts, Foodthink also aims to support partners engaged in sustainable agriculture, which is the origin of the “Lianhe Project”. Over the past few years, we have launched three rounds of micro-grant projects. Since 2021, we have also established two rounds of the Agroecology Internship Programme, helping young people who wish to work in agroecology find suitable farms. We are now openly recruiting a Project Officer for the “Lianhe Project”. If you want to travel across the country and work closely with agroecology practitioners, this role may be just right for you.

●A group photo at the Kunshan Farmers’ Seed Network annual meeting with practitioners funded by the ‘Lianhe Project’ who are engaged in the in-situ conservation of heirloom seeds.
●Interns He Yan and Da Wang, participants of the Agroecology Internship Programme, packing citrus fruits on the farm.
Job Responsibilities
1. Maintain close communication with partners involved in the “Lianhe Project”; 2. Plan project activities and execute them in collaboration with other team members;

3. Participate in project fundraising;

4. Complete the necessary documentation and administrative work for the project.

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Who we are looking for
1. A strong interest in issues such as sustainable agriculture, food, the environment, and rural development; relevant academic or professional experience is preferred; 2. Friendly and approachable, with the ability to build positive relationships with a diverse range of organisations and individuals;

3. Project management experience is an advantage;

4. Able and willing to travel.

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4. Project Officer (Climate Change)

Since 2021, Foodthink has focused intensely on the impact of climate change on agriculture. We also hope that the positive contribution of sustainable agriculture to tackling climate change can gain further recognition within China. What role should Foodthink play in this process? We hope to work with our new Project Officer to collectively imagine the future of the “Climate Change” project.

● Dai Yunyun, a young person who returned to their hometown in Guilin. Over the past few years, Foodthink has documented stories of farmers and climate change, similar to his. Articles on climate change can be found under the “#ClimateChange” tag on our official account.
● At the Kunshan Farmers’ Seed Network annual meeting, we also organised discussions among farmers regarding the impacts of climate change.
Job Responsibilities
1. Manage Foodthink’s climate change-related projects; 2. Participate in the design and fundraising for climate change projects;

3. Write articles and reports concerning agriculture and climate change;

4. Represent the organisation at various external meetings.

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Requirements
1. Familiarity with issues such as climate change and food systems, with strong professional expertise in these fields; 2. Prior professional experience in the field of climate change;

3. A positive work attitude and a collaborative spirit, with a willingness to undertake pioneering work in new areas;

5. Strong English communication, reading, and writing skills;

6. Able and willing to travel.

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What we offer
A relaxed and friendly working environment; a salary that is above average for the non-profit sector;

Reasonably priced, healthy ingredients.

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Working Hours and Location
Beijing, near the “Zhichun Road” station on Metro Lines 10 and 13. 40 hours per week, with 1-2 days of fixed office attendance.

Flexible working for the remaining time;

However, frequent participation in online and offline activities during evenings and weekends is required.

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● Finally, a photo of Foodthink’s daily cooking: Roselle jam that stained our fingers red. This was during the height of the pandemic when colleagues were unexpectedly quarantined in the office for a week; cooking and eating became some of the few comforts available. For the story of our lockdown, see the article “Seven Days and Nights of Six People Locked in the Office”.

How to Apply

Scan the QR code below, or click “Read Original” at the end of the text, to fill out the application form and attach your CV, portfolio, and other relevant materials:

If you have any other questions, please feel free to add Foodthink’s personal WeChat ID: foodthinkcn, or email us directly at [email protected].

Applicants with any queries, or those wishing to share more of their work and ideas, are also welcome to email the address above. We will contact suitable candidates within two weeks of receiving their application.

Published by Foodthink