Food and Trade Policy Analyst

The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP) is looking for a full-time Food and Trade Policy Analyst, based in our Minneapolis or Washington D.C office. 

Please apply via the instructions below. Applications received through the Handshake platform will not be reviewed. 

Who are you? 

You are passionate about finding policies that bridge climate, agriculture, and trade in ways that advance justice both within and among countries, in the United States and across the globe. You understand the challenges confronting global food systems and the obstacles created by international trade, finance, and debt policies. You’re a strategic communicator who shares your ideas clearly with a range of audiences, including activists, advocates, and decision-makers. You prize science and you understand politics and power. You work well in a team and are committed to inclusive coalition politics. You are a champion for the public interest and democratic decision-making, committed to regulating corporate power and supporting good policy for farmers, food and farm workers, consumers, and ecosystems. 

Who are we? 

IATP is a nonprofit policy advocacy organization with headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Our mission is to work locally and globally at the intersection of policy and practice to ensure fair and sustainable food, farm, and trade systems. Our program staff match high-level research and analysis with on-the-ground engagement to bring policy into practice. In addition to our headquarters in Minneapolis, we have small offices in Washington, D.C. and Berlin, Germany. (Find out more at www.iatp.org). 

 
The Position: 

The Food and Trade Policy Analyst will work with the Director of Trade and International Strategies, as well as other IATP program staff, within our trade and global governance program. This program develops analysis and policy proposals to advance agroecological solutions to food production that increase climate resilience, enhance rural communities, and reduce corporate control of agriculture in the global North and South. We demonstrate the specific ways existing trade policies obstruct or advance these goals, produce accessible materials targeted to relevant audiences, and develop alternative strategies with partners in the U.S. and around the world. 

In this role, you will develop clear and compelling analysis of global agriculture and trade policies that advance economic, climate, and food justice. IATP program staff work in partnership with food and farm justice and climate-focused organizations in local, national, and international settings in networks and coalitions to develop effective policy strategies and public education tools. The position will include policy advocacy with decision-makers, legislators, journalists, and the wider public. 

 
Responsibilities: 

• Analyze public policies and experiences with global and local food production, locally grounded approaches to food systems, and their relationship to food sovereignty.  
• Evaluate the economic and financial constraints created by trade policies and the obstacles and opportunities that better trade policies could lend to the achievement of food security and food sovereignty.  
• Develop better alternative trade proposals that advance human rights and food sovereignty. 
• Actively engage with partners in the United States and abroad to develop strategies for a just transition for agriculture that is mindful of global responsibilities and possibilities. 
• Advocate with policymakers on specific trade policy reforms. 
• Represent IATP in public forums in the U.S. and internationally. 
• Serve as a trade and food system expert source for media outlets and the philanthropic community. 
• Write funding proposals and reports. 
• Work within and across policy teams inside IATP. 

 
Preferred Qualities and Qualifications: 

• Committed to IATP’S mission and values. 
• Minimum of five years of experience working on agriculture, food systems and/or trade policies to advance social, environmental and/or economic justice. 
• Post-secondary education or equivalent experience in research and writing. 
• Excellent writing, oral, and interpersonal skills. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of agroecology and the policies needed to support it, along with familiarity with trade policy institutions and their impact on agriculture and food systems.  
• Experience working within coalitions or networks. 
• Skilled at working across diverse backgrounds and perspectives. 
• Proven ability to translate statistical and other data sources to support policy analysis. 
• Committed to working within an interdisciplinary team.  
• Proficiency in English is required. In addition, proficiency in Spanish or Portuguese and experience working in Latin America preferred.  
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.  

 
Physical Requirements: 

• The position will be based in Minneapolis or Washington D.C and follow a flexible hybrid schedule. 
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally two to four times a year. 

 
Benefits and Compensation:  
Compensation for this position is based upon qualifications and experience, with a starting range of $55,000-$70,000. IATP offers excellent health insurance, a Health Savings Account (HSA), paid vacation and holidays, sick and safe leave, 403B retirement plan with employer match, employer paid life, AD&D and LTD insurance, and optional employer paid mobile plan. Enjoy a lively, collegial, flexible, and dog-friendly work environment. This hybrid position is in the Minneapolis or Washington D.C. office and requires two in-person workdays.  

 
How to Apply: 

Please combine your resume, cover letter, and two samples of your work into a single PDF and submit to jobs@iatp.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting March 16. No phone calls, please. 

IATP is committed to the principle of equity. If your experience is close to what we are looking for, please consider applying. Experience comes in many forms — skills are transferable, and passion goes a long way. We know that diversity makes for the best problem-solving and creative thinking, which is why we are dedicated to adding new perspective to the team and encourage everyone to apply. IATP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, military status, or any other characteristic as established by law.