Job opening at GRAIN: Africa programme staff

GRAIN is a small international non-profit organisation that works to support small farmers and social movements in their struggles for community-controlled and biodiversity-based food systems. Our support takes the form of independent research and analysis, networking at local, regional and international levels, and fostering new forms of cooperation and movement-building. Most of our work is oriented towards, and carried out in, the global South. GRAIN is currently focused on four programme areas that we consider critical to food sovereignty struggles: corporations, land, seeds and climate.

We now seek a new member for our team to focus on these issues in Africa! This a rare and exciting opportunity for someone who wants to join a well organised and dynamic global activist organisation. Learn more about GRAIN here: https://www.grain.org

- You must be able to produce research-based outputs on key issues GRAIN is working on. These include: land grabs and their impacts on local communities; new trends in agribusiness in Africa, like the growing role of the UAE; seed laws in Africa and the fight against UPOV; emerging trade agreements, such as AfCFTA; and the dangers of carbon markets for rural communities. This work should be done together with partners in the region, as far as possible, as well as other GRAIN staff. It involves actively researching and writing for GRAIN publications and social media, and generating other materials.

- You will be sharing data and analysis produced by GRAIN directly with groups and media in the region, both proactively and on request.

- You must be keen and able to actively develop strategic collaborations with partners in the region on the issues that GRAIN works on. Current ones include the informal alliance against industrial plantations, a coalition around Socfin/Bolloré, the global StopUPOV campaign and a new articulation on poultry in Africa.

- You will also help organise and participate in skill-sharing activities with allies, like workshops.

- Proven ability to do solid research and write engaging text on the issues GRAIN works on

- Progressive politics that align with GRAIN’s perspective and positions

- Experience, dynamism and passion to work with grassroots organisations and broad collectives in Africa

- Ability to work on your own within a highly decentralised, horizontal and international team

- Fluency in English

- Good grasp of the specific issues that GRAIN works on

- Ability to travel internationally a few times a year

Skills in the area of communications, as well as other languages, will be a plus.

START DATE: As early as 1 July and as late as 1 September 2026.

CONDITIONS: This is a full-time position. The initial contract is for one year, but it is GRAIN's hope to establish a longer term relationship. The person must be based in Africa, ideally East or Southern Africa, and have access to a good internet connection. Salary will be commensurate with what is paid in the person's place of work for a similar position within the non-profit sector. Benefits include health care, child allowance and pension. GRAIN is deeply committed to diversity and aims to provide a very supportive work environment. We strongly encourage women to apply.

PROCEDURE: If you are interested, please send a letter, CV and sample of writing you’re proud of to [email protected] before 31 May 2026. Interviews will be carried out in mid-June 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear from us by the end of June, your proposal was unfortunately not retained. Thank you for applying! We appreciate the work that all candidates put into this.

4 May 2026