The Good Food Institute is a global network of nonprofit think tanks working to make the global food system better for the planet, people, and animals. Alongside scientists, businesses, and policymakers, GFI’s teams focus on making plant-based, fermentation-enabled, and cultivated meat delicious, affordable, and accessible. Powered by philanthropy, GFI is an international network of organisations advancing alternative proteins as an essential solution needed to meet the world’s climate, global health, food security, and biodiversity goals.
As home to key governments that fund technology and some of the world’s foremost agricultural and technology hubs, Asia may be the most critical geography for the future of alternative proteins. The Senior Policy Specialist (Thailand) will have a specific country focus on Thailand to accelerate the growth of the alternative protein sector and catalyse Thai government support for approximately 80% of the role. The other 20% of the role would focus on work in Southeast Asia, pending priorities, but specifically focusing on research, writing, and risk management.
How You Will Make A Difference
It’s a critical time for alternative proteins globally, and particularly in Asia, the first region of the world in which cultivated meat became a consumer reality, where traditional forms of plant-based consumption create unique consumer markets, and where governments are moving towards broader regulatory support for the sector.
The Senior Policy Specialist (Thailand) will be responsible for:
Policy engagement in Thailand
- Support the Thailand Economic Opportunity Study for alternative protein by contributing information and knowledge on Thailand's food policy and socio-economic landscape, while facilitating connections with key governmental and non-governmental stakeholders.
- Working with the Policy Manager to design a national policy engagement strategy using the results from the Thailand Economic Opportunity Study. Identify and engage with key governmental agencies, officials and policy-makers to initiate conversations and build on the findings. Construct a narrative around the benefits of alternative proteins for Thailand; encouraging public R&D; advancing trade and ease of doing business, and; developing a robust talent pool for the sector.
- Leading and building GFI APAC’s relationships with Thai government agencies, officials, and policymakers.
- Monitoring Thai policy developments and representing GFI’s views to the Thai government through written submissions and participation in online or in-person fora.
- Representing GFI at external events as necessary and speaking to external audiences on alternative protein and related policy issues.
Research, writing and risk mitigation
- Conduct a strategic mapping of the highest priority research topics, based on a gap analysis of the national policy priority documents, to advance the Policy Team’s work and manage the delivery of research projects either by completing the work in-house using your quantitative or qualitative research skills or by commissioning external partners and working closely with them.
- Synthesise and analyse secondary literature and primary data relevant to alternative proteins, writing reports and summaries to support policy asks within GFI and for external-facing audiences.
- Develop and execute dissemination and engagement strategies for completed research projects, working through the media where appropriate.
- Drafting and preparing detailed submissions, presentations, letters, concept notes, internal and external resources, and materials for government officials and companies.
- Build your own awareness of and highlight any areas of risk to the alternative protein sector from a government relations and policy lens.
Who We're Looking For
We are looking for smart, thoughtful, kind, and creative self-starters who want to contribute to global efforts to fight against climate change, promote sustainable food systems, and develop healthy and humane foods accessible to everyone. GFI’s staff enjoy high levels of autonomy. They must be self-motivated, work well both independently and in concert with a larger, geographically dispersed group, and be comfortable working in a rapidly evolving operational environment. The Senior Policy Specialist (Thailand) must have:
Knowledge and experience
- A minimum of seven years of professional experience in research and policy analysis, or in advocacy roles, ideally within a comparable industry or context.
- A proven track record of a minimum of three years of previous relationship management: cultivating relationships with government agencies, communicating with legislative or executive branch policymakers and staff, both verbally and in writing.
- Experience in navigating dynamic and constantly evolving policy environments.
- A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as economics, political science, public policy etc.
Skills and behavioural attributes
- Fluency in both Thai and English (written and spoken).
- Strong support for GFI’s philosophy and mission; demonstrated interest in public health, sustainability, food and nutrition, animal protection, or the drive and initiative to take responsibility for delivering impact.
- Excellent written and verbal communication and organisational skills, with experience and comfort in communicating with a range of stakeholders.
- The demonstrated ability to communicate complex and nuanced information clearly in both written and oral presentations to a range of audiences in both Thai and English.
- Strong work ethic and ability to see projects through to completion.
- Highly effective organisational and interpersonal skills.
- Self-motivated and able to work well independently under pressure.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet competing deadlines.
- Ability to work creatively and effectively as a team member.
- Comfort working remotely and in-person as required.
We want the best people and we don’t want biases holding us back. We strongly encourage people of every race, colour, orientation, age, gender, origin, and ability to apply. Since we value a diverse workplace, we prioritise an inclusive climate absent of discrimination and harassment during the application process and after you join the team.
Research indicates that men tend to apply for jobs when they meet just 60% of the criteria, while women and other marginalised groups only apply if they are a 100% match. If you are passionate about GFI’s mission and think you have what it takes to be successful in this role, even if you don’t check all the boxes, please apply. We’d appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The Fine Print
- Terms of Employment: 1-year contract
- Reports to: Policy Manager
- Location and hours: Bangkok or Singapore. Remote locations in Thailand would be considered.
- Salary: SGD85-95K based on a residency in Singapore. GFI APAC's remuneration will be benchmarked to your location of residence and years of work experience.
- Benefits:
- You’ll be engaged in hugely meaningful work at the forefront of a fast-growing, intellectually challenging sector.
- Working alongside a warm, inclusive and high-impact global team.
- Primarily remote work with flexible working arrangements, with occasional travel opportunities to meet with stakeholders and team members.
- Application deadline: 17th February 2025
- Application process: Please complete the application form, upload your CV and cover letter. Your cover letter (of 1-2 pages) should set out:
- What motivated you to apply for this role?
- How do you meet the requirements listed in the job description?
- Which bit of the job description energises you the most?
Beyond the initial screening process, there will be several further rounds. We really look forward to hearing from you!
Any questions? If you have any questions about this role, please do reach out to us at [email protected]. If you’ve read this far but decided not to apply, please feel free to share this job description with someone else in your network who you think might be a good fit for the role. Thank you!
