Strategy Associate - Nature & Food

Company Description: Systemiq is a system-change company committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement by transforming markets and business models across five key systems: nature and food, materials and circularity, energy, urban areas, and sustainable finance.

As a certified B Corp, we combine strategic advisory with high-impact, on-the-ground work, partnering with business, finance, policymakers and civil society to deliver system change. With offices across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas, we are dedicated exclusively to sustainability-focused work.

• Location: Hybrid set up working via our London office
• Preferred start date: ideally December

• Application shortlisting deadline: 23 October 2026

Role Overview

We are seeking an Associate to join Systemiq's Nature & Food platform supporting high-impact work that accelerates the transition to more sustainable, resilient and inclusive food and land-use systems.

Working alongside colleagues across Europe and internationally, you will contribute to projects and initiatives spanning food systems, regenerative agriculture, biodiversity, land use, nature finance and climate policy. This includes work with the Food and Land Use Coalition (FOLU), a global coalition working to transform food and land use systems for people, nature and climate. You will help governments, businesses, philanthropies and civil society organisations develop practical, evidence-based solutions to complex sustainability challenges.

This role is ideal for an early-career consultant or sustainability professional who enjoys structured problem-solving, research and stakeholder engagement, and is looking to develop rapidly within a collaborative and entrepreneurial consulting environment.

We are also looking for candidates who are curious about how AI can enhance consulting. You will use AI-enabled tools to strengthen research, analysis, synthesis and communication, while applying sound judgement to ensure outputs remain robust, accurate and relevant.

Key Responsibilities

Project Delivery

• Contribute to the delivery of projects and initiatives through high-quality research, analysis and synthesis.

• Develop presentations, reports, briefing papers and workshop materials.

• Translate qualitative and quantitative evidence into clear insights and practical recommendations.

• Support the launch and dissemination of research publications and thought leadership.

• Support project planning and delivery to ensure work is completed to a high professional standard.

Nature & Food Systems

• Contribute to work across food systems, regenerative agriculture, biodiversity, land use, nature finance and climate policy.

• Support the development of strategies that balance environmental sustainability, economic resilience and social inclusion.

• Apply systems thinking to understand complex challenges and identify practical opportunities for change.

Coalition & Programme Support

• Support the coordination of multi-partner programmes and initiatives, including work with FOLU.

• Help manage workplans, meetings and follow-up actions with partners.

• Support the set-up and running of governance structures for coalitions and partnerships.

• Contribute to policy engagement, events and outreach around key international moments, such as the UN Climate Change Conference (COP).

Stakeholder Engagement

• Support client and partner meetings, workshops, interviews and multi-stakeholder engagements.

• Build effective working relationships with colleagues, clients and external partners.

• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and contribute to positive client relationships.

Team Contribution

• Work collaboratively across project teams and contribute to an inclusive, entrepreneurial culture.

• Support business development and fundraising through research, concept notes, proposal writing and thought leadership.

• Manage priorities effectively across multiple workstreams and team members.

• Use AI responsibly to enhance research, analysis and communication.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for an intellectually curious and purpose-driven individual with strong analytical skills and a passion for sustainability.

You enjoy solving complex problems, working with diverse stakeholders and turning evidence into practical recommendations. You are motivated by learning, thrive in collaborative environments and are excited by the opportunity to contribute to systems change.

Essential Experience

• Master's degree or equivalent in environmental science, agriculture, sustainability, economics, public policy, international development or another relevant discipline.

• Approximately 1-3 years' experience in strategy consulting, sustainability consulting, international development, research or another analytical, project-based environment.

• Strong analytical, research and structured problem-solving skills.

• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills.

• Ability to synthesise qualitative and quantitative evidence into clear recommendations.

• Interest in one or more of the following areas:

• Food systems

• Regenerative agriculture

• Biodiversity and nature

• Land use

• Climate and sustainability policy

• Nature finance

• Sustainable value chains

• Practical experience using AI tools to support research, analysis or drafting, together with sound judgement regarding their appropriate use.

Core Capabilities

• Structured and analytical approach to problem-solving.

• Strong organisational and project management skills.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

• Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.

• Intellectual curiosity, adaptability and sound judgement.

• Commitment to delivering high-quality work and creating positive impact.

Desirable

• Experience supporting coalitions, multi-stakeholder initiatives or partnerships.

• Experience with programme coordination, fundraising or proposal writing.

• Knowledge of international climate policy, European sustainability policy or food systems.

• Experience working across multiple countries or cultures.

• Additional language(s).

Location & Right to Work

This role is based in our London office. Candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK.

Applications should be submitted in English.

What We Offer

Joining Systemiq means working with leading organisations across business, government, finance and civil society to tackle some of the world's most pressing sustainability challenges. You will collaborate with experts from a wide range of disciplines, develop your consulting skills through meaningful project work, and contribute to practical solutions that accelerate the transition to a net-zero, nature-positive and more inclusive economy.

Alongside impactful work, you will benefit from a collaborative culture, opportunities for professional development and the chance to help shape the future of sustainable food and land use systems.

Diversity & InclusionAt Systemiq, we absolutely believe diverse perspectives are essential to driving system change. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where people feel respected, supported and able to do their best work.

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