SUGAR SMART Campaign Coordinator (Maternity Cover)

Sustain
The Green house, 244-254 Cambridge Heath Road, London EC2A 4LT

Posted: 20/11/2018

Deadline: 03/12/2018

Compensation: £36,943 per annum pro rata 0.6 FTE (equating to £22,166)

Job description Project Background Across the globe, communities at every scale have recognised the key role food can play in dealing with some of today’s most pressing social, economic and environmental challenges and are taking a joined-up approach to transforming their food culture and food system. From obesity and diet-related ill-health to food poverty and waste, climate change and biodiversity loss to declining prosperity and social dislocation, food is not only at the heart of some of our greatest problems but is also a vital part of the solution. SUGAR SMART is a campaign that fits within this vision, and is run by food charity Sustain working with councils, businesses, institutions and other sectors to help reduce overconsumption of sugar in their local areas. SUGAR SMART supports local campaigns to take on a cross-sector approach to transform their food environment and raise public awareness of the impacts of consuming too much sugar. SUGAR SMART was inspired by and developed on the back of Jamie Oliver’s Sugar Rush documentary. Sustain, the Jamie Oliver Food Foundation and other partners worked on developing the concept, the actions and supporting resources, as well as the website as a central hub in order to support sugar reduction work led by local campaigns. The campaign was piloted by Brighton & Hove in 2015, with other areas including Bristol, Exeter and Lewisham also running pilots ahead of a national launch in 2017. SUGAR SMART was adopted as a feature campaign of the Sustainable Food Cities Network in 2017. Whilst how much sugar we consume is ultimately down to individuals, the role of the environment we live in, from advertising and promotions, through to proliferation of sugary options is hugely influential. A vital part of SUGAR SMART is encouraging a multi sector approach with local businesses, organisations and residents involved. We know there is no one solution to obesity and poor diet and only a multi-pronged approach involving everyone will lead to long term change. Another element of this work is to support the uptake of the Local Government Declaration on Sugar Reduction and Healthier Food. The aim of the Declaration is to achieve a public commitment from the Local Authority to improve the availability of healthier food and drinks and to reduce the availability and promotion of unhealthy options. It should be endorsed by the elected leaders of London boroughs and relevant senior officers such as directors of public health. The declaration is open to all local authorities in London and beyond. To sign the declaration the local authority has to commit to take at least six different actions across six different key areas. In short the declaration is about a local council getting its own house in order around healthier food, where as Sugar Smart has a much bigger focus on influencing other institutions, specifically around sugar. For more information see www.sugarsmartuk.org and https://www.sustainweb.org/londonfoodlink/declaration/ About Sustainable Food Cities SUGAR SMART is a campaign of the Sustainable Food Cities network which works with 50+ local areas around the UK who are developing a cross-sector partnership of local public agencies, businesses, academics and third-sector organisations committed to working together to make healthy and sustainable food a defining characteristic of where they live. Since 2013 the Food Cities network has helped people and places share challenges, explore practical solutions and develop good practice on key food issues. All the members have a strategy and action plan in place, supported by a local food partnership. Practical and policy progress on key food issues are recognised and celebrated through the Sustainable Food Cities Awards, and cultivated through a range of initiatives, including SUGAR SMART and other Sustainable Food City campaigns, such as Veg Cities, Sustainable Fish Cities, and related work on food poverty (Food Power) and planning (Planning Food Cities). Sustainable Food Cities is run in partnership by Food Matters, the Soil Association (overall project manager) and Sustain: the alliance for better food and farming, with each organisation taking the lead on specific areas of work (Sustain is Campaigns Lead). Sustainability is a very broad concept and is about direction of travel rather than reaching a specific destination. In developing their plans, many cities have found it useful to address food across six areas: Promoting healthy and sustainable food to the public Tackling food poverty, diet-related ill health and access to affordable healthy food Building community food knowledge, skills, resources and projects Promoting a vibrant and diverse sustainable food economy Transforming catering and food procurement Reducing waste and the ecological footprint of the food system We have also used these six ‘key issues’ to structure both the Sustainable Food Cities Award (managed by the Soil Association) and help us design and implement the Sustainable Food Cities Campaigns (managed by Sustain), with measurable results from campaign activity then being able to count towards a city’s award application. Cities can participate in campaigns once they have reached an appropriate ‘life stage’ of development, with early development supported principally by Food Matters and the Network Coordinator. For more information see www.sustainablefoodcities.org About Sustain Sustain: The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity. We represent around 100 organisations working internationally, nationally, regionally and locally. Some of our recent alliance campaign successes include the following, we: Put a sugary drinks tax on the national agenda, then campaigned successfully with chef Jamie Oliver to see it adopted in the 2016 Spring Budget and confirmed in the government’s August 2016 Obesity Plan. This came after we also won robust legislation to protect children from junk food adverts on TV. Re-framed the national response to the current food poverty crisis, away from food banks and towards practical solutions to household food insecurity, helping vulnerable people to eat well. Ran a network of 1,000+ small-scale food businesses, helping them source ethical food, reduce food waste, divert unavoidable food waste to useful purposes, and to promote their work. Worked with the Organic Trade Board to facilitate the UK’s first generic organic marketing campaign, helping put the organic market back into growth for the first time since the recession. Facilitated creation of over 2,000 new community food growing spaces in London, working with many partner groups, the Mayor of London, local authorities and other land owners. Secured commitments from over half of supermarkets to remove junk food from their checkouts. Won national public-sector standards for food served in UK hospitals, schools, prisons, government and the armed forces, to benefit farmers, farm animals, sustainable fisheries and healthier eating. Sustain is an unusual organisation – small, creative, friendly, supportive, responsive and highly effective. We are frequently complimented for “punching well above our weight”. We value our staff and pride ourselves on creating an organisational culture that focuses on good relationships and working together to achieve ambitious change. Sustainable Food Cities is one of the most ambitious and exciting projects that we are currently engaged with, and we look forward to working with project partners and the new Campaigns Coordinator to make phase 2 a resounding success. For more information see www.sustainweb.org Job description Tasks and responsibilities The SUGAR SMART Campaign Coordinator will set priorities in a large and varied workload, in collaboration with Sustain’s senior manager, and the Sustainable Food Cities Campaign Coordinator, and close liaison with other key Sustainable Food Cities staff, cities, project partners and funders. The Campaign Coordinator’s responsibilities will include: To lead on: Relationships with, and support for local activity – primarily SFC members, London boroughs and possibly non-SFC members if capacity allows. Encouraging more cities in SFC network and London boroughs to join the SUGAR SMART campaign and sign the Local Authority Declaration Providing active, creative and on-going support to cities for roll-out of campaigns over a one- to two-year period, with support such as training, sharing ideas and inspiration, one-to-one advice and trouble-shooting, collecting data and monitoring and reporting on results. Organising webinars and/or workshops on the campaign Monthly Newsletter to campaign participants Social media including Twitter and Facebook – promote local work and achievements, relevant news on sugar Creating and promoting an engaging online and media campaign presence via the website(s), SFC network newsletter, external communications, traditional media and social media. Sustain campaigns within SFC. Being a spokesperson externally for Sustainable Food Cities (SFC) campaign issues, and informing Sustain’s wider thinking internally and communication on models of change. Relationships with national organisations and national SUGAR SMART campaign and SFC partners – and to organise regular meetings with them to inform the work. Championing national action, using the power of collective voices working at grassroots, to influence the policies and practices of national and regional businesses, institutions and government; seeking meetings with, and commitments to action by, senior representatives of such organisations. E.g. in Sugar Smart – meetings with national sectors e.g. caterers, leisure centres, youth clubs, to sign up Keeping in touch with parallel policy processes of relevance to campaign aims, with the aim of reinforcing Sustainable Food City campaign activities and cultivating new productive relationships. Development of campaigns work plans and assets Provide advice to cities on specific actions e.g. vending, advertising and sponsorship. The SUGAR SMART Campaign Coordinator will also: Contribute to the mutually supportive culture of Sustain, among the staff team, and project participants. Develop fundraising activities to enhance, extend campaigns or develop new ones, contributing ideas and expertise to fundraising initiatives that may be of benefit to programme partners and cities. Help cities with advice, data or other shared resources to win their own local support and funding, and to cultivate in-kind contributions. Maintain excellent financial and other records, to help with accountability and open to public scrutiny. The Campaigns Coordinator will work with Sustain’s finance and management team to report to the funder, the project working party and sub-groups, and the Sustain Council of Trustees (who ultimately also report to the Sustain alliance members). The role is based in Sustain’s London office, and is likely to involve travel nationally, occasionally with overnight stays, to enable participation of a wide range of geographical locations through support, training, regional events, and occasional conferences. The post holder will also undertake any other responsibilities in connection with the project that may arise from time to time. Personal Specification We are seeking a creative and experienced campaigner with good team working skills who shares our commitment to improving children’s food environments, and who has the following skills and experience: Essential Track record of running successful campaigns Excellent oral and written communication skills, with strong attention to detail Good relationship building and team working skills Ability to work independently, with high levels of self-motivation Good project management, time management and organisational skills and the ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines Energy, enthusiasm, creativity and tenacity. Entitlement to work in the UK (Sustain is not able to assist with applications for work permits). Availability to commence work promptly following the recruitment process. Knowledge of issues surrounding healthy food and junk food Desirable Co-ordination and motivation of networks and coalitions Digital campaigning and social networking skills Good public speaking skills Experience in the fields of food and/or public health Experience of working with local authorities and the public sector Training or experience in nutrition Commitment to sustainable food and farming Successful track record in fundraising Experience of volunteer management Experience of working with the media, including ability to give clear and convincing media interviews This post will report to Sustain’s Deputy CEO, Ben Reynolds. Other details £36,943 per annum pro rata 0.6 FTE (equating to £22,166). Sustain matches pension contributions up to 5% of gross (available after a probationary period of three months The post is London based. Travel within UK will be required. Sustain’s office in the Bethnal Green area of East London. 8 month fixed-term maternity cover contract with potential to extend Starting January 2019. Part-time, 21 hours per week. Travel within the UK will be required, with occasional overnight stays 20 days annual holiday, pro rata 0.6 FTE (equating to 12 days per annum) rising two days every year to a maximum limit of 25 days (pro rata). The office closes over the Christmas period, and this period provides additional holiday days. Equal opportunities Sustain is an equal opportunities employer. See our equal opportunities policy: www.sustainweb.org/pdf/Sustain_Equal_Opps_Policy.pdf   Application information Please send a CV and covering letter addressing the person specifications set out in the job description above. Applications by email to recruitment@sustainweb.org. Closing date for applications: 5pm, 3 December 2018. Successful candidates will be notified by 7 December. Interviews will take place on 11 December in Sustain’s offices. Unfortunately we are not able to respond to those who are unsuccessful in getting an interview. We encourage applications from anyone with relevant skills and interests, but regret that we are unable to assist with finding accommodation or with visa applications. We envisage this work to start in January 2019. Please mention Roots to Work when applying for these job Job description Project Background Across the globe, communities at every scale have recognised the key role food can play in dealing with some of today’s most pressing social, economic and environmental challenges and are taking a joined-up approach to transforming their food culture and food system. From obesity and diet-related ill-health to food poverty and waste, climate change and biodiversity loss to declining prosperity and social dislocation, food is not only at the heart of some of our greatest problems but is also a vital part of the solution. SUGAR SMART is a campaign that fits within this vision, and is run by food charity Sustain working with councils, businesses, institutions and other sectors to help reduce overconsumption of sugar in their local areas. SUGAR SMART supports local campaigns to take on a cross-sector approach to transform their food environment and raise public awareness of the impacts of consuming too much sugar. SUGAR SMART was inspired by and developed on the back of Jamie Oliver’s Sugar Rush documentary. Sustain, the Jamie Oliver Food Foundation and other partners worked on developing the concept, the actions and supporting resources, as well as the website as a central hub in order to support sugar reduction work led by local campaigns. The campaign was piloted by Brighton & Hove in 2015, with other areas including Bristol, Exeter and Lewisham also running pilots ahead of a national launch in 2017. SUGAR SMART was adopted as a feature campaign of the Sustainable Food Cities Network in 2017. Whilst how much sugar we consume is ultimately down to individuals, the role of the environment we live in, from advertising and promotions, through to proliferation of sugary options is hugely influential. A vital part of SUGAR SMART is encouraging a multi sector approach with local businesses, organisations and residents involved. We know there is no one solution to obesity and poor diet and only a multi-pronged approach involving everyone will lead to long term change. Another element of this work is to support the uptake of the Local Government Declaration on Sugar Reduction and Healthier Food. The aim of the Declaration is to achieve a public commitment from the Local Authority to improve the availability of healthier food and drinks and to reduce the availability and promotion of unhealthy options. It should be endorsed by the elected leaders of London boroughs and relevant senior officers such as directors of public health. The declaration is open to all local authorities in London and beyond. To sign the declaration the local authority has to commit to take at least six different actions across six different key areas. In short the declaration is about a local council getting its own house in order around healthier food, where as Sugar Smart has a much bigger focus on influencing other institutions, specifically around sugar. For more information see www.sugarsmartuk.org and https://www.sustainweb.org/londonfoodlink/declaration/ About Sustainable Food Cities SUGAR SMART is a campaign of the Sustainable Food Cities network which works with 50+ local areas around the UK who are developing a cross-sector partnership of local public agencies, businesses, academics and third-sector organisations committed to working together to make healthy and sustainable food a defining characteristic of where they live. Since 2013 the Food Cities network has helped people and places share challenges, explore practical solutions and develop good practice on key food issues. All the members have a strategy and action plan in place, supported by a local food partnership. Practical and policy progress on key food issues are recognised and celebrated through the Sustainable Food Cities Awards, and cultivated through a range of initiatives, including SUGAR SMART and other Sustainable Food City campaigns, such as Veg Cities, Sustainable Fish Cities, and related work on food poverty (Food Power) and planning (Planning Food Cities). Sustainable Food Cities is run in partnership by Food Matters, the Soil Association (overall project manager) and Sustain: the alliance for better food and farming, with each organisation taking the lead on specific areas of work (Sustain is Campaigns Lead). Sustainability is a very broad concept and is about direction of travel rather than reaching a specific destination. In developing their plans, many cities have found it useful to address food across six areas: Promoting healthy and sustainable food to the public Tackling food poverty, diet-related ill health and access to affordable healthy food Building community food knowledge, skills, resources and projects Promoting a vibrant and diverse sustainable food economy Transforming catering and food procurement Reducing waste and the ecological footprint of the food system We have also used these six ‘key issues’ to structure both the Sustainable Food Cities Award (managed by the Soil Association) and help us design and implement the Sustainable Food Cities Campaigns (managed by Sustain), with measurable results from campaign activity then being able to count towards a city’s award application. Cities can participate in campaigns once they have reached an appropriate ‘life stage’ of development, with early development supported principally by Food Matters and the Network Coordinator. For more information see www.sustainablefoodcities.org About Sustain Sustain: The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity. We represent around 100 organisations working internationally, nationally, regionally and locally. Some of our recent alliance campaign successes include the following, we: Put a sugary drinks tax on the national agenda, then campaigned successfully with chef Jamie Oliver to see it adopted in the 2016 Spring Budget and confirmed in the government’s August 2016 Obesity Plan. This came after we also won robust legislation to protect children from junk food adverts on TV. Re-framed the national response to the current food poverty crisis, away from food banks and towards practical solutions to household food insecurity, helping vulnerable people to eat well. Ran a network of 1,000+ small-scale food businesses, helping them source ethical food, reduce food waste, divert unavoidable food waste to useful purposes, and to promote their work. Worked with the Organic Trade Board to facilitate the UK’s first generic organic marketing campaign, helping put the organic market back into growth for the first time since the recession. Facilitated creation of over 2,000 new community food growing spaces in London, working with many partner groups, the Mayor of London, local authorities and other land owners. Secured commitments from over half of supermarkets to remove junk food from their checkouts. Won national public-sector standards for food served in UK hospitals, schools, prisons, government and the armed forces, to benefit farmers, farm animals, sustainable fisheries and healthier eating. Sustain is an unusual organisation – small, creative, friendly, supportive, responsive and highly effective. We are frequently complimented for “punching well above our weight”. We value our staff and pride ourselves on creating an organisational culture that focuses on good relationships and working together to achieve ambitious change. Sustainable Food Cities is one of the most ambitious and exciting projects that we are currently engaged with, and we look forward to working with project partners and the new Campaigns Coordinator to make phase 2 a resounding success. For more information see www.sustainweb.org Job description Tasks and responsibilities The SUGAR SMART Campaign Coordinator will set priorities in a large and varied workload, in collaboration with Sustain’s senior manager, and the Sustainable Food Cities Campaign Coordinator, and close liaison with other key Sustainable Food Cities staff, cities, project partners and funders. The Campaign Coordinator’s responsibilities will include: To lead on: Relationships with, and support for local activity – primarily SFC members, London boroughs and possibly non-SFC members if capacity allows. Encouraging more cities in SFC network and London boroughs to join the SUGAR SMART campaign and sign the Local Authority Declaration Providing active, creative and on-going support to cities for roll-out of campaigns over a one- to two-year period, with support such as training, sharing ideas and inspiration, one-to-one advice and trouble-shooting, collecting data and monitoring and reporting on results. Organising webinars and/or workshops on the campaign Monthly Newsletter to campaign participants Social media including Twitter and Facebook – promote local work and achievements, relevant news on sugar Creating and promoting an engaging online and media campaign presence via the website(s), SFC network newsletter, external communications, traditional media and social media. Sustain campaigns within SFC. Being a spokesperson externally for Sustainable Food Cities (SFC) campaign issues, and informing Sustain’s wider thinking internally and communication on models of change. Relationships with national organisations and national SUGAR SMART campaign and SFC partners – and to organise regular meetings with them to inform the work. Championing national action, using the power of collective voices working at grassroots, to influence the policies and practices of national and regional businesses, institutions and government; seeking meetings with, and commitments to action by, senior representatives of such organisations. E.g. in Sugar Smart – meetings with national sectors e.g. caterers, leisure centres, youth clubs, to sign up Keeping in touch with parallel policy processes of relevance to campaign aims, with the aim of reinforcing Sustainable Food City campaign activities and cultivating new productive relationships. Development of campaigns work plans and assets Provide advice to cities on specific actions e.g. vending, advertising and sponsorship. The SUGAR SMART Campaign Coordinator will also: Contribute to the mutually supportive culture of Sustain, among the staff team, and project participants. Develop fundraising activities to enhance, extend campaigns or develop new ones, contributing ideas and expertise to fundraising initiatives that may be of benefit to programme partners and cities. Help cities with advice, data or other shared resources to win their own local support and funding, and to cultivate in-kind contributions. Maintain excellent financial and other records, to help with accountability and open to public scrutiny. The Campaigns Coordinator will work with Sustain’s finance and management team to report to the funder, the project working party and sub-groups, and the Sustain Council of Trustees (who ultimately also report to the Sustain alliance members). The role is based in Sustain’s London office, and is likely to involve travel nationally, occasionally with overnight stays, to enable participation of a wide range of geographical locations through support, training, regional events, and occasional conferences. The post holder will also undertake any other responsibilities in connection with the project that may arise from time to time. Personal Specification We are seeking a creative and experienced campaigner with good team working skills who shares our commitment to improving children’s food environments, and who has the following skills and experience: Essential Track record of running successful campaigns Excellent oral and written communication skills, with strong attention to detail Good relationship building and team working skills Ability to work independently, with high levels of self-motivation Good project management, time management and organisational skills and the ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines Energy, enthusiasm, creativity and tenacity. Entitlement to work in the UK (Sustain is not able to assist with applications for work permits). Availability to commence work promptly following the recruitment process. Knowledge of issues surrounding healthy food and junk food Desirable Co-ordination and motivation of networks and coalitions Digital campaigning and social networking skills Good public speaking skills Experience in the fields of food and/or public health Experience of working with local authorities and the public sector Training or experience in nutrition Commitment to sustainable food and farming Successful track record in fundraising Experience of volunteer management Experience of working with the media, including ability to give clear and convincing media interviews This post will report to Sustain’s Deputy CEO, Ben Reynolds. Other details £36,943 per annum pro rata 0.6 FTE (equating to £22,166). Sustain matches pension contributions up to 5% of gross (available after a probationary period of three months The post is London based. Travel within UK will be required. Sustain’s office in the Bethnal Green area of East London. 8 month fixed-term maternity cover contract with potential to extend Starting January 2019. Part-time, 21 hours per week. Travel within the UK will be required, with occasional overnight stays 20 days annual holiday, pro rata 0.6 FTE (equating to 12 days per annum) rising two days every year to a maximum limit of 25 days (pro rata). The office closes over the Christmas period, and this period provides additional holiday days. Equal opportunities Sustain is an equal opportunities employer. See our equal opportunities policy: www.sustainweb.org/pdf/Sustain_Equal_Opps_Policy.pdf   Application information Please send a CV and covering letter addressing the person specifications set out in the job description above. Applications by email to recruitment@sustainweb.org. Closing date for applications: 5pm, 3 December 2018. Successful candidates will be notified by 7 December. Interviews will take place on 11 December in Sustain’s offices. Unfortunately we are not able to respond to those who are unsuccessful in getting an interview. We encourage applications from anyone with relevant skills and interests, but regret that we are unable to assist with finding accommodation or with visa applications. We envisage this work to start in January 2019. Please mention GCDAwhen applying for these jobs