2013 Legal Fellowship, Center for Food Safety

The Center for Food Safety (CFS), a leading public interest organization devoted to legal advocacy in food law and sustainable agriculture, is seeking applications for its 2013 Legal Fellowship Program.  CFS’s mission centers on protecting consumers, the environment, and farmers by challenging the impacts of harmful food production systems.  CFS also works to strengthen food and environmental laws and enforcement at both federal and state levels, in part by promoting and protecting organic standards.  This program provides an opportunity for a recent law school graduate interested in both litigation and policy work to become familiar with this new and growing practice area.

As a member of the legal team, the Legal Fellow will work on cutting edge issues, among them: genetic engineering, factory farming, food labeling, organic standards, global warming, sewage sludge, aquaculture, irradiation, nanotechnology, and state and federal legislative initiatives.  The Legal Fellow will work alongside the legal team on litigation in cases in federal and state courts, including case investigation, discovery, trial practice, and appellate work.  Other duties will include, but are not limited to, rule-making and administrative work at the state and federal level, as well as work on general legislative, public policy, and public education issues.

The fellowship is awarded through a competitive selection process.  It is a paid one-year appointment, commencing in the summer / fall of 2013, and it is open to law students who graduated / or will graduate in the years 2013, 2012, or 2011, and those completing legal clerkships.  The Legal Fellow is based out of the San Francisco or Portland office.

Qualifications:

• an interest in and experience with administrative and environmental law or another relevant area;
• a demonstrable passion for enforcing and strengthening environmental laws, as well as an interest in sustainable agriculture and / or food law;
• excellent legal research and writing skills;
• self-motivation and willingness to do administrative tasks;
• an ability to work closely with others in small, team-oriented office environment; and
• timely admission to the California, Oregon, or Washington bar.

To apply: Please send a cover letter, resume, three references (two may be from law school, one must be a legal employment supervisor), and a non-academic writing sample to Ryan Crumley at rcrumley@centerforfoodsafety.org. Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate a dedication to and interest in environmental law, sustainable agriculture, and litigation of the type undertaken by the Center for Food Safety.

The fellowship deadline is December 31, 2012.

Assistant Director, Global Agriculture & Food, Chicago Council on Global Affairs

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs, founded in 1922, is a leading independent, nonpartisan organization committed to influencing the discourse on global issues through contributions to opinion and policy formation, leadership dialogue, and public learning. As neither an advocacy organization nor a sector‐specific actor, it is able to bring together stakeholders from different sectors and serve as an honest broker able to sort through and synthesize diverse viewpoints. Its analyses and policy recommendations have had direct impact on federal policymaking and in shaping public opinion.

The Chicago Council’s portfolio on Global Agriculture and Food includes a suite of projects focusing on the U.S. government role in global agricultural development in Africa and South Asia; U.S. domestic agriculture policy; the role of girls in rural development; and the nexus between agriculture and health. Please see below for a list of current projects.

The Chicago Council is seeking an Assistant Director to support its Global Agriculture and Food portfolio. The primarily responsibilities of the Assistant Director are to manage the production and dissemination of the portfolio’s intellectual products, including reports, white papers, and commentaries. As part of this responsibility, the Assistant Director will also work closely with the Executive Director, Global Agriculture and Food to engage the Global Agricultural Development Initiative Advisory Group and manage other operational components of the Initiative.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Work closely with the Executive Director in providing operational management to the Global Agricultural Development Initiative including, but not limited to, budget management, creating and overseeing work plans, and representing the Initiative to external funders and stakeholders
• Design and manage the study, publication, and dissemination processes for Global Agricultural Development Initiative policy papers, issue briefs, and other studies
• Assist with Global Agricultural Development Initiative events including meetings of the Initiative’s advisory group, consultations with senior policymakers and experts, working group sessions, etc.
• Draft correspondences, project marketing materials, and opeds/articles as needed or upon request
• Supervise support staff and interns as assigned
• Provide support at Council events approximately 3 - 4 times monthly (registration, ushering, etc.), requiring some evening and early morning hours;
• Perform other projects as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• A master’s degree with a focus on international affairs or related field of study and at least five years of experience in the policy arena, preferably experience working in the foreign, development, and/or agriculture policy realms
• Demonstrated ability to work closely with others to effectively manage and carry out various portions of complex projects with multiple activity streams being realized under tight timelines with minimal supervision
• Excellent management and organizational skills, strong attention to detail, desire and ability to take initiative and work independently, and professional maturity
• Demonstrated experience in event planning for delegation trips, meetings, and conferences involving senior individuals (domestic and foreign dignitaries, CEOs, senior policymakers, Member of Congress, etc.)
• Superior verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex concepts and topics clearly, thoroughly, and succinctly, and support decision making in consensus-based processes
• Strong writing and editorial skills, preferably experience with policy-relevant writing
• Desire and ability to work effectively and efficiently in a fast-paced, dynamic, and demanding environment; flexible schedule in working late evenings/early mornings on occasion
• Innovative problem-solver and a proactive spirit.

TO APPLY

Please e-mail a cover letter and résumé as Word documents to hr@thechicagocouncil.org. 

EOE

Agricultural Program Supervisor, Wisconsin Dept. of Ag, Trade, & Consumer Protection

This position leads strategic planning and sets overall direction and policies for the Market Wisconsin programs related to increasing the sale of Wisconsin grown or produced agricultural products within local and regional markets.  This position oversees and directs program planning, development, and implementation of Market Wisconsin programs, including setting program goals and objectives, strategies and measuring results.   At the Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection our mission and vision is to make Wisconsin a world leader in agriculture, food safety, and consumer protection.  At our headquarters, perched on the Southeast side of Madison overlooking the city, employees enjoy plentiful, low-cost parking, and easy access to major highways.

Job Duties:   This position leads strategic planning and sets overall direction and policies for the Market Wisconsin programs related to increasing the sale of Wisconsin grown or produced agricultural products within local and regional markets. Oversees and directs program planning, development, and implementation of Market Wisconsin programs, including setting program goals and objectives, strategies and measuring results. This position makes recommendations for the enactment of legislation or initiatives related to economic development priorities issued through the Governor's and Secretary's offices which includes implementing the 2009 Wisconsin Act 293 Farm to School Program.  To see the position description please click here.

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  

• Thorough knowledge of supervisory and personnel management practices (e.g., hiring, discipline, grievance, performance evalations, training, etc.); this includes strong leadership and team building skills.
• Extensive knowledge and skills related to local food market development efforts gained through direct work with such programs as: Farm to School, farmers markets, community supported agriculture, food production, food procurement, and/or food distribution, etc.
• Strong leadership and people management skills including experience in performance evaluation, team building and motivating.
• Knowledge of economic developement and/or marketing strategies, including the ability to identify target markets, develop market entry strategies and identify investment opportunities in the state.

Applicaions due on or before October 29, 2012.

Chief of Party, ACDI/VOCA (Agricultural Cooperative Development International

ACDI/VOCA is currently seeking a Chief of Party for a multi-year program in Liberia.  The overall goal of the project is to reduce chronic food insecurity and vulnerability of individuals, households and communities to food security shocks. ACDI/VOCA will work with smallholders to build a solid foundation at the household level in order to increase food security, build resilience and expand economic opportunities. Interventions will introduce environmentally sustainable agricultural production practices, improve post-harvest practices, integrate cash crops into the smallholder production system, increase access to savings and credit and train households in business skills. The project will also focus on improving health and nutrition in vulnerable communities with a focus on children two years old and under and women who are pregnant or lactating through an integrated approach.

Responsibilities:

• Under the general supervision of the Senior Managing Director, Food Security, the Chief of Party (COP) will assume responsibility for overall program management of the P.L. 480 Title II program, and will provide leadership, oversight, and support to all aspects of the program including, but not limited to, monetization and commodity management, improving livelihoods of beneficiaries, and promoting improved health and nutrition as well as emergency response.
• The COP will have overall responsibility for staffing as well as sub-recipient activities in addition to ensuring the program is in compliance with donor regulations and ACDI/VOCA policies and procedures.
• Cultivate and liaise with program partners, Liberian governmental agencies and USAID offices in Liberia and Washington DC, and promote the acceptance of the Liberia Title II program and assure its smooth functioning, by establishing and maintaining positive relationships with the USAID Mission, local NGOs, the private sector, and other governmental and non?governmental agencies and organizations, specifically other Title II Cooperating Sponsors.
• Ensure that staff members complete Recipient Agency Agreements (RAAs) and contracts with other organizations as needed and ensure compliance with both donor regulations and ACDI/VOCA policies.
• Ensure that project partners are implementing project activities in accordance with ACDI/VOCA’s agreement with USAID.
• Ensure effective finance, progress, and donor reports, compliance with donor and ACDI/VOCA regulations, and efficient utilization of program staff and resources.
• Ensure compliance among key staff with all corporate and local ACDI/VOCA policies and procedures, ensuring appropriate policies and procedures are in place and understandable by staff including, but not limited to, Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual, translations of ACDI/VOCA corporate policies and clear and transparent accounting and management procedures.
• Monitor budget, fund disbursal, and financial records ensuring that project expenditures are in compliance with ACDI/VOCA and USAID policies and regulations.
• Ensure quality development of project reports, contracts, and other programming documents, and monitor ongoing activities to ensure they are reaching the intended objectives and are in full compliance with donor regulations.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years overseas experience in the international development field.
• Experience developing and managing USAID Title II programs.
• Experience with commodity management under P.L. 480 required.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the field of people and project management, as well as strategic planning.
• Prior experience with USAID projects, procedures, policies and reporting requirements is required; prior experience with Title II projects is highly preferred
• Effective record of building relationships with governmental organizations as well as private and community organizations is required
• Established track record of achieving results within difficult working environments is required
• Masters degree in a pertinent field (for example: social research, project management, international development, international business) is highly desirable
•  Fluency in English

Apply online at: http://acdivoca.maxhire.net/cp/?E55C6F361D43515B7E59192F775618630362774B

No phone calls please. Only finalists contacted. Women and minorities encouraged to apply. EOE.

Contact Information:

ACDI/VOCA International Recruitment

joinus@acdivoca.org

Staff Attorney, Center for Science in the Public Interest

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is a non-profit health-advocacy group based in Washington, D.C., that focuses on nutrition and food safety. CSPI publishes Nutrition Action Healthletter, the nation's largest circulation nutrition newsletter. CSPI provides valuable, objective information to the public, represents citizens' interests before legislative, regulatory, and judicial bodies, and ensures that advances in science are used for the public's good. CSPI is supported largely by the 850,000 U.S. and Canadian subscribers to its Nutrition Action Healthletter and by foundation grants.

The Litigation Project uses state and federal courts, as well as filings before federal agencies, to help correct corporate misbehavior. The project brings its own advocacy lawsuits, working with private lawyers across the country. CSPI’s legal filings have produced binding settlements resulting in more honest labeling of artificial ingredients and halting deceptive marketing. In addition, the Litigation Project files a variety of complaints and rulemaking requests before the FDA and other federal agencies. The Staff Attorney assists the Director in using the legislative and judicial system to further CSPI’s goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Undertake litigation on behalf of CSPI or on behalf of private plaintiffs.
• Identify and retain appropriate class plaintiffs.
• Draft complaints and other legal documents such as motions, briefs, and discovery requests and responses; conduct discovery.
• Meet litigation deadlines.
• Choose appropriate forums for suit.
• Research new topics for litigation possibilities.
• Identify matters suitable for regulatory action.
• Draft complaints and other documents for filing before federal agencies.
• Stay up-to-date on trends within the food industry.
• Read relevant trade journals and news stories, examine advertising and labeling for food products.
• Stay abreast of changes in relevant statutes and regulations.
• Attend conferences and earn CLE credits.
• Maintain law license in at least one state.
• Help supervise litigation interns.

Qualifications

• Law degree (J.D.), admitted to at least one state bar, and 1 to 7 years of litigation or regulatory experience.
• Member of D.C. Bar or ability to apply for admission immediately upon hire.
• Knowledge of consumer and regulatory law and litigation experience.
• Strong legal writing, research and verbal communications skills.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret common legal and technical journals, financial reports and legal documents.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
• Computer proficiency with MSOffice, and experience with Internet-based research tools such as Westlaw.
• Demonstrated commitment to public-interest advocacy and consumer protections.

Application  Send your application materials, which should include a cover letter indicating relevant experience and interest, résumé, and writing sample to:

Colleen O'Day
CSPI - Dept. IDSA
1220 L Street, NW #300
Washington, DC 20005
Or email (preferred): hr@cspinet.org

Applications due on or before 12/11/2012.

Senior Counsel for Regulatory Affairs

We have been asked to assist in locating candidates for the position of Senior Counsel for Regulatory Affairs at Roll Law Group PC.

The position announcement is as follows:

Roll Law Group PC, the “in-house law firm” for Roll Global LLC, is seeking a Senior Counsel to direct global food and beverage regulatory work for all of its privately-held farming and food and beverage companies.  Roll Global and its affiliates are global leaders in their respective industries.  Paramount Agribusiness comprises Roll’s vertically integrated farming operations, which include pistachios, almonds, pomegranates and citrus, representing such well-known brands as Wonderful, Cuties, and POM Wonderful.  The Roll Global portfolio also includes other businesses such as FIJI Water and Teleflora.  Roll Global and its affiliates collectively have over $3 billion in annual revenues and over 5,000 employees.  The Roll Global and Roll Law Group headquarters is located in West Los Angeles.  Roll Law Group has over 40 lawyers plus staff, providing legal services to all of Roll Global’s operating companies in almost every legal discipline.


RESPONSIBILITIES

■ Counsel and advise operating companies on U.S. food and beverage regulatory matters, including safety, quality, labeling, marketing, and advertising.

■ Direct and manage the compliance of operating companies with food and beverage laws and regulations in international markets.

■ Engage as appropriate with officials at FDA, FTC, USDA, EPA, FAS and international agencies, including Codex Alimentarius Commission, EFSA, etc.

■ Manage internal health-claims approval process.

■ Provide legal advice, training, and education on emerging regulations, including the new U.S. Federal Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

■ Manage investigations and enforcement actions related to operating companies’ food and beverage businesses, including product retrieval events (recalls, withdrawals, etc.).

■ Provide counseling related to new product development, including GRAS applications and substantiation of health, nutrition, natural and other food-related claims.

■ Work closely with Government Affairs team to help operating companies take advantage of legislative opportunities and manage risks domestically, at both the federal and state levels, and internationally across various jurisdictions.

QUALIFICATIONS

■ Minimum of 7 years’ experience practicing in a top-tier law firm or food and beverage company in the area of food and beverage regulation commensurate with the responsibilities enumerated in this post.
 
■ Demonstrated excellent judgment, common sense, and ability to work well with operating companies and external operating companies.

■ JD from an accredited, top tier law school.

■ Strong academic credentials, excellent analytical, organizational, verbal and written skills required.

■ Ability to provide top-quality, proactive, accurate, timely and effective legal support in a fast moving environment with minimal supervision.


OTHER

■ Competitive salary and benefits offered.  We will pay for relocation to the Los Angeles area.

IATP Senior Associate, Agriculture Policy

The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP) works at the intersection of policy and practice to ensure fair and sustainable food, farm and trade systems, locally and globally.  IATP has offices in Minneapolis and Washington.  This position is based in Minneapolis.

DESCRIPTION

IATP seeks a full-time Senior Program Associate to coordinate the Institute’s work on agriculture policy.  The Senior Program Associate will be involved with the design and implementation of a multi-year plan, with co-workers and partners, to redefine what agriculture policy should look like regionally, nationally and internationally.  This position will require visionary thinking, a background in agriculture and food policy, strong analytical, writing and communication skills, and the ability to coordinate work and people.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate IATP agriculture policy staff and partners in developing initiative.
• Lead implementation for agreed projects
• Participate in advocacy efforts for federal and local policy change
• Supervise interns, and potentially staff, as needed
• Support communications through the news media, social media and IATP websites, as well as written reports and analyses
• Represent IATP publicly
• Participate in fundraising and reporting

QUALIFICATIONS

• Understanding of and support for IATP’s perspective on food and agriculture issues
• 5-10 years’ experience working professionally on agriculture issues
• In-depth understanding of agriculture policy and the infrastructural barriers to a sound, sustainable policy
• Excellent communication, public speaking, writing, analytical, and project management skills
• Ability to relate cooperatively and constructively with a diversity of colleagues and stakeholders
• Ability to learn new issues, work independently and take initiative while meeting agreed upon goals and deadlines
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel
• Solid computer skills
• Team player - good interpersonal skills and sense of humor a must.
• Masters degree or equivalent graduate work in in agriculture, public policy or related fields preferred.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Compensation for this position is based on qualifications and experience.  IATP offers excellent health insurance, vacation and sick leave benefits and a lively, creative work environment at our office in Minneapolis, MN.

APPLICATION: Send resume and cover letter to IATP Human Resources at jobs@iatp.org.  The deadline for applications is October 29.

IATP is an equal opportunity employer.  We actively encourage people of color to apply for this and all positions at IATP. 

Executive Director of Ten Rivers Food Web

Ten Rivers Food Web (TRFW) is a nonprofit organization spanning three counties in the heart of western Oregon, from the Pacific ocean to the foothills of the Cascade mountains.  TRFW's vision is a robust foodshed where at least 30% of the food consumed in our three-county region is locally grown, processed and distributed.  TRFW strives to make local food available to people of all income levels and help farmers reach more markets. While many are devoted to the local food movement, TRFW's goal is to reach those unaware of its benefits to the health of their communities and themselves.

Executive Director Position 

Leading candidates will be broadly informed leaders with a high level of intellectual curiosity and the capacity to educate the public and encourage others to explore new terrain.  TRFW seeks a self-directed person, but one who can take directions from an active Board of Directors and who can work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people.

 The Executive Director should be a visionary and strategic leader who understands food security issues from growing, processing and distributing food to creating access regardless of income and the impact of food security on the quality of community life and health. The ED will represent TRFW at all levels and be available to educate the public and collaborate with similar and complementary organizations and projects throughout the TRFW region.

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors. Immediate supervision for the ED will be provided by the President of the Board or Executive Committee.

The ED has administrative responsibilities for:

• Organizational management: programmatic; personnel; IT; insurance and facilities.
• Supervision of staff, based on written policies established by the Board.
• Financial management: financial planning; operating budget; grants budget; accounting and audit; tax reporting and all other reports that may be required.
• Planning: Determine the feasibility and financing mechanism for projects and activities.
• Contracts and Grants: oversee the pre- and post- awards of grants and other project funding.
• Board relations: work collaboratively with the Board to develop long- and short-term strategic, programmatic, policy and fiscal goals. Maintain appropriate relations with the Board and its committees to ensure they have all the information needed to make sound decisions. Participate in Board development, orientation and training. Meet monthly with executive committee, Board President and Board.
• External relationships: Building affiliations with other organizations; cultivating and developing relationships with philanthropic groups and individuals, and the public.

Requirements: An undergraduate degree is required; advanced degree preferred, plus 2 years experience as an ED or similar, preferably for a food-related organization. Equivalent years of experience in lieu of some education would be considered. Strong written and oral communication skills are critical to ensure the ED will be effective and persuasive in presenting TRFW and its mission to its affiliates, government and non-government agencies, and the public. The ED will be adept at developing relationships with community groups as well as business and government leaders engaged in local, regional, and national conversations of food security and the health and well-being of local food systems. To maintain the public face of the organization, the ED is required to live within the 3-county area served by TRFW and attend events outside the normal work day across the counties. The ED must hold a valid Oregon Driver’s license and carry auto insurance.

The ED will have solid experience in community food security activities and demonstrate the ability to conceptualize, develop and evaluate programs. The successful candidate will have demonstrated strong organizational, administrative and financial management skills, including the successful supervision of staff. The ED will be comfortable in a hands-on role and willing to do any task required to meet the goals of TRFW. The ED must be able to think strategically about TRFW’s priorities and help translate these priorities into program development, staff recruitment and related fundraising activities. S/He will help establish a diversified funding base and help identify potential donors to TRFW.

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience

To apply for the Executive Director position, please send in PDF form by Friday October 5th:

Your resume and contact information (address, e-mail, phone number)

A cover letter

Three pertinent references with contact information described above.

 

To:

Chris Peterson
Board President
chris@tenriversfoodweb.org
541-929-4167
or Ten Rivers Food Web, P.O. Box 2680; Corvallis, OR 97339