Expert Innovation Ecosystem

About Welthungerhilfe

Welthungerhilfe is among Germany’s largest private aid organizations. Independent from political and religious influence, it works to help build a world free from hunger. In partnership with national and international actors, the organization responds to humanitarian emergencies and advances long-term approaches that improve living conditions for people facing the greatest vulnerability. Its work focuses on transforming food systems, staying locally led and globally connected, and using innovation, evidence, and data-informed decisions to improve impact and support the goal of Zero Hunger.

Its vision is “Zero Hunger on a Healthy Planet.”

Role Overview

The Expert Innovation Ecosystem role is based in Bonn, Germany, and is planned to start on August 1, 2026. The assignment runs for 12 months initially, with strong prospects for extension after the first year.

This position is centered on creating a digital platform for innovators who are driving social, environmental, and societal impact in the Global South. The platform is intended to increase the visibility of these innovators so they can connect more easily with investors, collaborators, and supporters. The role also involves bringing together different stakeholders and coordinating partnership-building activities around the platform.

In addition, the position supports the coordination of the annual “Seeding the Future – Global Food System Challenge” and contributes to shaping it so that the most impactful innovators are well connected to the digital platform.

Responsibilities

• Drive the creation and expansion of a platform focused on innovation in food systems.
• Contribute to the annual Seeding the Future – Food Systems Challenge and help scale promising high-impact solutions.
• Develop and maintain an active global community of innovators, partners, funders, and country teams.
• Create strategic partnerships and identify funding opportunities that advance innovation initiatives.
• Represent Welthungerhilfe’s food systems innovation work both inside and outside the organization.
• Spot high-impact opportunities and key leverage points that can accelerate change in food systems.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate brings at least 3 years of relevant professional experience, along with solid project management and stakeholder engagement skills, preferably gained in complex multi-partner settings. Familiarity with innovation, impact investing, social entrepreneurship, and business development is important.

Strong networking and relationship-building abilities are required, and an existing network in food systems innovation would be a clear advantage. The role also calls for excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management capabilities.

Experience in development cooperation and food systems innovation is desirable, and prior work on digital awards or innovation challenges would be beneficial. The organization is also looking for someone who is open to strengthening their use of data-informed approaches in their work.

Excellent spoken and written English is required. French or German would be a strong additional asset.

Offer and Benefits

• Competitive and equitable pay aligned with a transparent salary structure.
• Flexible work arrangements that support healthy work-life balance.
• A modern, agile environment that actively embraces digitalization and innovation.
• Access to learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.
• A committed, diverse team where expertise, passion, and enjoyment combine to create meaningful impact.

Additional Information

The organization notes that several further benefits are available under its employee benefits package.

Applicants must submit their application through the organization’s online recruitment system by July 10, 2026. The contact person for this vacancy is Peter Doerr.

Welthungerhilfe states that it is committed to combating terrorism across all its activities. Any candidate receiving an employment offer will be screened against lists of known and suspected terrorists.

The organization also emphasizes diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates from all parts of the community. It maintains an inclusive and non-discriminatory working environment.

About the Organization’s Work

Welthungerhilfe works through projects in many countries to fight hunger and poverty. Its guiding strategy is “Zero Hunger on a Healthy Planet,” and it places strong emphasis on transparency and quality in its work and partnerships.