Analyst, Sustainability and Multilateral Affairs (SAMA)

Increasing global attention to all dimensions of sustainability is driving international policies, recommendations and standards; consumer perceptions; corporate commitments and market forces that are and will continue to impact U.S. dairy exports. Despite notable U.S. dairy sustainability attributes, some competitors, opponents and activists seek to misrepresent U.S. dairy producers and processors as a means to advance their agendas and competitive advantage at the expense of U.S. dairy exports. Debates about social and policy interventions to advance sustainable food systems are playing out in multilateral organizations and international standard setting bodies with the potential to drive national level policies for years to come. Sustained, constructive engagement in these debates and the building of strategic partnerships are critical for USDEC’s efforts to advance outcomes that accurately represent U.S. dairy production and manufacturing practices, embrace trade as a key tool for delivering sustainable food systems, and expand opportunities for U.S. dairy exports.  

With many of USDEC’s existing and potential future markets among the most likely to look to multilateral institutions to guide product standards, commercial regulations, import requirement, environmental policies and public health laws, USDEC has a unique, proactive opportunity to engage in these multilateral processes to shape future policies in priority export markets.  

Under the direction of the SVP for Sustainability and Multilateral Affairs and other VPs in the SAMA Department, the Analyst, Sustainability and Multilateral Affairs supports the entire Sustainability and Multilateral Affairs Department, managing a variety of departmentwide projects, collaborations, and recurring projects. The dynamic nature of the work done by SAMA will provide an opportunity for the Analyst to take on new and interesting projects within the SAMA program of work. Support provided to the team will touch on a variety of efforts including promotion of U.S. dairy sustainability attributes, engagement in the multilateral organizations of priority to USDEC, monitoring of international standard setting bodies, particularly Codex, review and assessment of influential publications/reports, attendance of relevant events and meetings and more. This position is essential to helping the Department to achieve its goals, communicate about its activities, map its future priorities, define success with members and promote U.S. dairy’s commitment to sustainable nutrition to policymakers and thought leaders around the world.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities:

Perform all job responsibilities in a manner that meets or exceeds the standards established by the USDEC Way:

1. Works as a team member, recognizing that USDEC wins and loses together.
2. Respects and values colleagues. This includes considering roles, responsibilities, work styles, perspectives, and experience.
3. Trusts others as professionals working towards the same objectives & goals.
4. Communicates respectfully, inclusively, clearly, and in a timely manner.
5. Acknowledges, celebrates, and rewards good work and contributions.
6. Supports and creates opportunities for individual learning, growth, and mentorship
7. Fosters an environment of trust where people can share new ideas, innovates, takes risks, and learns from failure
8. Creates a safe environment that will empower and encourage the voicing of concerns and viewpoints.

Assist development and execution of SAMA program of work, this includes:

• supporting SAMA staff by attending and preparing summaries as requested for relevant meetings, webinars, and other events on priority topics.
• developing briefing books for international events or trips.
• supporting the team with travel logistics.
• drafting memos and/or completing research assignments on topics of interest.
• drafting communications for external stakeholders.
• initiating and coordinating meeting requests for SAMA.
• developing, editing, and sending SAMA quarterly newsletter.
• creating meeting materials and/or other promotional material.
• engaging with SAMA consultants when directed.
• developing relationships with priority stakeholders.

Coordinate cross-departmental, cross-organizational, and external collaborations and meetings with SAMA partners and colleagues, this includes:

• organizing logistics and planning, completing reporting, tracking follow up, developing communications, developing agendas, liaising with other staff involved and supporting development of SAMA contributions.

Facilitate SAMA communications and promotion working close with the SVP and VPs, this includes:

• developing communications collateral, supporting SAMA’s website presence, identifying and pitching new opportunities to promote the work of SAMA with USDEC members, engaging the Communications team, and working with other USDEC stakeholders to positively position SAMA’s contributions to members.

Monitor, engage and support as directed by the SVP on relevant global standards setting topics, primarily Codex, this includes:

• attending U.S. Codex public meetings, reviewing Codex website, supporting the Food Industry Codex Coalition, reviewing documents, conducting research, managing logistics, engaging with partners, including in LATAM, attending/viewing Codex meetings via webcast, and pursuing follow up as directed.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Self-motivated critical thinker with a strong desire to contribute to team success.

• Comfortable in multicultural/multilingual settings.
• Creative with excellent written & verbal presentation skills; professional presence critical.
• Knowledge of global food or agricultural industry technical and economic drivers.
• Willing to learn new topics and subject areas on the job.
• Comfortable with an all-hands approach and close collaboration across a small team.
• Energetic, positive, and persistent.

Education & Experience:

• University degree – BS/BA required
• 1-3 years’ experience with global organizations, multilateral/UN system, or government.
• 1-3 years experience with external communications, media, public relations or advertising.
• Demonstrated track record of project management.
• Prior experience with nutrition, food systems, or agriculture, environmental sustainability.
• International experience preferred.
• Video editing and graphic design experience preferred.
• Dairy or other agricultural industry experience preferred.

Travel:

• Will to travel up to 5% of time

We regret it is not possible to communicate with candidates except those who most closely match our current business needs. Thank you.

U.S. Dairy Export Council is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, gender, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Benefits

Competitive medical, dental, and life insurance benefits as well as ample paid time away (vacation, personal, sick, and company holidays). Generous 401(k), and collaborative culture.