Programme Manager, China (FTC - 2 years)

Job description

About The Role FAIRR is expanding its work in China, reflecting the strategically important role the market plays in shaping the future of sustainable food systems and accelerating the protein transition. The Programme Manager, China will manage and deliver funded, time-bound China programme workstreams over the two-year fixed-term period, including the China Agri-Food Engagement, investor and company engagement, research deliverables and stakeholder relationships. Working closely with the Senior China Programme Manager, the Director, Research & Engagement and colleagues across research, investor engagement and communications, the role will strengthen FAIRR’s presence in the Chinese market, support collaborative investor stewardship activity and contribute to FAIRR’s long-term China strategy. Key Outcomes & Accountabilities OUTCOME 1: Lead and deliver the operational aspect of China Agri-Food Engagement Lead the day-to-day operational management and delivery of the China Agri-Food Engagement project with investors and companies. Leading research, analysis and production of investor preparation materials, company assessments and related engagement deliverables. Maintain clear project plans, timelines, risks, actions and reporting to ensure funded deliverables are completed to a high standard. Work closely with internal colleagues beyond the immediate team to support investor stewardship activities on Chinese companies in the FAIRR coverage, including supporting collaborative investor engagements and bilateral engagements. Manage a junior Analyst OUTCOME 2: Build high-quality stakeholder engagement and manage relationships Support the Senior Manager, China with the coordination of investor groups, company outreach, engagement meetings and follow-up communications. Develop trusted, long-term relationships with institutional investors, financial institutions, companies and other stakeholders relevant to FAIRR’s China work. Represent FAIRR professionally at investor meetings, company engagements, conferences, workshops, webinars, briefings and roundtables. OUTCOME 3: Produce credible research and insights to support investor stewardship Work with internal thematic experts and external partners to ensure research is credible, decision-useful and suitable for investor engagement. Support collaborative and bilateral investor engagement activities relating to Chinese companies in FAIRR’s coverage. Contribute insight, local market understanding and stakeholder feedback to the development of FAIRR’s long-term China strategy and regional partnerships. Success Measures China Agri-Food Engagement project milestones, funded deliverables and agreed workstream objectives are delivered on time and to a high standard. Investor and company engagement activities are well coordinated, professionally managed and supported by clear materials and follow-up actions. Research outputs, company assessments and engagement materials are credible, decision-useful and aligned with FAIRR’s quality standards. Strong relationships are developed and maintained with Chinese market stakeholders, institutional investors, financial institutions, companies and external partners. The junior analyst is effectively managed, supported and clear on priorities, development goals and delivery expectations. Technical Expertise & Role-Specific Capability Significant senior-level experience in corporate governance, investor stewardship, shareholder rights and responsibilities, and wider responsible investment practice, with the credibility to advise and influence sophisticated institutional-investor audiences. Excellent stakeholder-management, facilitation and communication skills, with proven ability to build trusted relationships and navigate complex, sensitive or high-stakes discussions constructively across cultures. Strong programme-management capability, including the ability to lead multiple workstreams, coordinate internal and external partners, manage risks and dependencies, and deliver high-quality outputs to deadline. Strong understanding of sustainability risks and opportunities in the agri-food sector, with particular insight into the China market, policy environment, corporate landscape and investor-engagement context. Native Mandarin speaker, with excellent written and verbal English communication skills and the ability to produce clear, credible materials for both Chinese and international audiences. Willing and able to travel to China when required to support stakeholder engagement, programme delivery and relationship development. Career Framework Expectations Our Career Framework provides a shared approach to development and performance across the organisation. It is built around four core pillars: Connect, Deliver, Focus and Lead, which outline the key behaviours and expectations expected at all levels. CONNECT — Building trust, relationships and collaboration DELIVER — Driving outcomes and execution FOCUS — Applying expertise and driving improvement LEAD — Leading self, others and organisational success Organisational Values Focusing on what matters to create change. We are change makers Collaborating & Delivering Together. (We collaborate) We innovate. (reimagining and manifesting the possible) We act with integrity. This role supports FAIRR’s mission by strengthening investor engagement and research activity in one of the world’s most influential agri-food markets. By helping investors and companies address sustainability risks linked to intensive animal agriculture, climate impact, biodiversity loss and food system resilience, the Programme Manager contributes directly to FAIRR’s ambition to accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable and equitable food system. The role embodies FAIRR’s commitment to strategic action, collaboration, evidence-based insight and long-term impact. Additional Information Working Arrangements Hybrid working from near Marble Arch (Oxford Street) North Row, London, UK, in line with FAIRR’s organisational working arrangements. Travel Requirements International travel to China is essential and will be required from time to time, alongside attendance at relevant external meetings, conferences, workshops and stakeholder events. Salary Range To be confirmed during recruitment stage. Benefits Benefits will be provided in line with FAIRR’s standard employee benefits package.