Head of Food System & Market Transformation

Job description

Overview

Position title: Head of Food System & Market Transformation

Reports to: Director, Climate & Sustainability (C&S)

Location: Singapore

Contract type: Permanent

WWF-Singapore is a Singapore-registered charity, a network member of WWF International – one of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organisations.

WWF-Singapore protects critical natural resources for people in Singapore, supports a global network that spans over 100 countries, and supports in-situ conservation with partner offices in the region.

WWF-Singapore addresses issues important to Singapore and the region, such as climate change, deforestation, marine pollution, and illegal wildlife trade.

We achieve this through community-based conservation and restoration in key landscapes and seascapes, and by innovative approaches for market transformation, sustainable finance, policy and advocacy, and education and outreach.

For more information, please visit wwf.sg

Summary of Role

The Head of Food System & Market Transformation (FSMT) will lead WWF-Singapore’s efforts to shift towards sustainable, deforestation and conversion-free (DCF), and regenerative food systems leading to a long term and sustainable food and water security.

The role must work closely with WWF’s global Food & Ag and Forests Practices, and Singapore conservation, education outreach, public sector partnerships, and growth & partnership colleagues.

The role will influence key stakeholders - including policymakers, retailers, manufacturers, traders, and consumers - to adopt strong sustainability commitments and actions.

As part of the Climate & Sustainability leadership team, it combines system-level change with consumer behaviour change, supporting WWF’s goals on climate, biodiversity, and responsible consumption.

The role requires deep technical knowledge of food systems and their impact on nature, climate, and people.

It also involves representing WWF externally, and building partnerships with government, civil society, media, academia, finance, and business.

The Head of FSMT will lead strategic projects, manage budgets, and lead a high caliber, multidisciplinary team.

They will also explore the use of artificial intelligence to enhance programme management and proposal development, driving innovation and efficiency across WWF’s food system and market transformation work.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Programme Management

   Develop FSMT programmes to deliver on WWF-SG's Theory of Change, ensuring food system initiatives support biodiversity recovery, climate goals, and a Nature Positive future.
   
   Develop and scale flagship programmes in responsible sourcing, circular economy, and regenerative agriculture.
   
   

   Mobilise cross-sector stakeholders to advance WWF’s goals for food, forests, and climate.
   
   

   Lead the FSMT unit, managing budgets, timelines, and delivering fundraising targets with the growth & partnerships team to ensure financial sustainability.
   
   

   Collaborate with Fundraising and Finance teams to develop proposals, manage programme governance, donor reports, and support fundraising events.
   
   

   Identify high-impact opportunities in Singapore, Southeast Asia and the wider Asia Pacific region, including nature-positive production and trade, sustainable diets, and food waste reduction.
   
   

   Mentor and guide the FSMT team, including their skills development, progression pathways, and performance management.
   
   

   Ensure strong integration with the Climate & Sustainability department and high collaboration across WWF-Singapore teams.
   
   

   Manage project delivery on time and on target, including workplans, budgets, staff, consultants, and reporting, in line with WWF standards.
   
   

   Contribute to digital transformation, promoting the use of innovative technologies like AI to improve programme efficiency.
   
   

2. Private Sector and Stakeholder Engagement

   Engage companies to eliminate deforestation and ecosystem conversion from supply chains.
   
   

   Lead strategic outreach initiatives, such as industry events and roundtables, to engage companies, financial institutions, policymakers, civil society, and potential donors.
   
   

   Secure long-term funding for the FSMT programme by working closely and collaboratively with fundraising teams.
   
   

   Actively manage partnerships and grants, ensuring successful delivery and acting as the main point of contact for internal and external stakeholders.
   
   

   Develop engagement materials and strategies that encourage sustainable sourcing and investment practices, drawing on WWF’s global expertise.
   
   

3. Systems Change & Policy Advocacy

   Represent WWF externally, delivering key messages to media, government, academia, civil society, and business.
   
   

   Advocate for policies that support sustainable land use, resilient food systems, and climate-smart agriculture.
   
   

   Support integration of food systems into Singapore’s climate (NDCs), biodiversity (NBSAPs), and land targets (LDN).
   
   

   Ensure WWF’s voice is present in key industry platforms and standards.
   
   

   Support related conservation programmes, including forests, marine, plastic pollution, wildlife trade, and sustainable tourism.
   
   

4. Consumer Engagement, Behaviour Change and Impact Evaluation

   Lead campaigns and partnerships to promote planet-friendly diets and reduce food waste.
   
   

   Collaborate with communications and education & outreach teams to create tools, communities and guides for sustainable food choices.
   
   

   Support training and capacity building initiatives for sustainability ambassadors.
   
   

   Ensure alignment with WWF’s global frameworks and share insights across the network.
   
   

   Organise workshops and meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
   
   

Required qualifications and skills

• Master’s degree in agriculture, food systems, sustainability, economics, management or related fields.
  
  
• Minimum 8 years’ experience in food systems, sustainable agriculture, or corporate sustainability.
  
  
• Strong knowledge of deforestation-free supply chains, regenerative agriculture, and sustainable consumption.
  
  
• Proven ability to work with private sector and government stakeholders and develop scalable transformative programs.
  
  
• Excellent skills in project management, communication, and stakeholder engagement.
  
  
• Strong networks and experience in Singapore.
  
  
• Familiarity with agri-food standards and ability to analyse and communicate sustainability issues.
  
  
• Proficient in digital tools, including AI applications.
  
  
• Singapore citizen/permanent resident

Desirable

• Familiarity with sustainability standards (e.g., ASC, MSC, RSPO, Rainforest Alliance, FSC).
  
  
• Experience in behavior change campaigns or public engagement strategies.
  
  
• Knowledge of food-related policy frameworks and international climate/nature agreements.
  
  
• Successful fundraising experience

This job description covers the main tasks and conveys the spirit of the tasks anticipated proactively from staff.

Other tasks may be assigned as necessary according to organizational needs.

What We Offer

• A leadership role in one of the most critical areas of climate & sustainability.
  
  
• A collaborative, mission-driven work environment.
  
  
• Access to WWF’s global network, tools, and expertise.
  
  

Required Skill Profession

Other