Netherlands: Research Assistant (Fair Price) - Volunteer Position

Organization: Fairfood International
Country: Netherlands
Closing date: 03 Feb 2015

Name: Research Assistant – Fair Price (Amsterdam) – Volunteer Position (16 hours to 24 hours a week)

Department: Policy and Advocacy

Fairfood is an Amsterdam-based non-profit organisation that envisions a fair & sustainable food system able to adequately produce and provide nutritious food for everyone in a way that preserves the environment and natural resources for future generations, respects human rights and secures a thriving economy for all, thereby contributing to ending hunger and poverty.

It is Fairfood’s mission to improve the socio-economic conditions of vulnerable people, such as smallholder farmers, workers (especially women) and consumers in our food system and to ensure the sustainable production and consumption of food, by influencing the policies and practices of global food and beverage companies and governments.

Purpose of the position:

As a *Research Assistant – Fair Price,*your main role will be to support the Fair Price program to develop research in support of our upcoming campaign. You will have three main responsibilities:

• You will support the Fair Price Research Manager in developing research on key commodities, trade flows and trends, labour rights violations and relevant national and international legislation;
• You will support the Fair Price team in developing a campaign addressing identified labour rights issues in the key commodity.
• You may support the Fair price Research Manager in building an expert database on issues related to food commodity prices and organizing a workshop on this topic.

Position within the organisation:

As a Research Assistant – Fair Price, you will be working under the direct supervision of the Fair Price team and in close collaboration with the members of the Fair Price team. Our team is results-oriented, young, dynamic and international so we would be very happy to count you with us.

Competences:

You are fluent in English (verbal, writing) • You are able to work well both independently and within a team • You have excellent demonstrated research skills • You are also results-oriented, analytical, quality focused and able to work within agreed deadlines. • Furthermore, you are able to work independently, and often flexibly, but are also a team player. • You have affinity with Fairfood’s goals.

Knowledge and Experience:

Knowledge of the food and beverage industry, or a degree related to international and sustainability development studies, agricultural economics, labour and international represent are a big asset. • Knowledge of research methodologies and quality protocols is a plus.

What we offer:

This is an unpaid position which is suited to acquire work experience in this particular field of work and at an NGO. It offers you the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge about campaigning, advocacy and sustainability research analysis. We offer a versatile position within a young, international organisation, and dynamic team. You will have the freedom and opportunities to continue developing yourself and achieve tangible results. We value our volunteers to whom we offer reimbursement of home-work travel as well as lunch when they are in the office.

Weekly hours: 16 hours to 24 hours a week (two to three full days per week)

Duration: Three to four months with the possibility of renewal, starting as soon as possible

How to apply:

If you recognise yourself in this outline and have noticed your core qualities detailed above, we would like to meet you! Do note that a working permit or other residence permit for The Netherlands is required. If interested, please send your motivation letter and CV to the Fair Price Research Manager Irina Toma, irina.toma at fairfood.org before 3 February 2015. Starting date end February – beginning March 2015.