At a Glance
- Tasks: Support high-impact sustainability projects in food systems and land use.
- Company: Join Systemiq, a leader in sustainable consulting with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Work in a hybrid setup with opportunities for professional growth and impactful projects.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to system change.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in sustainability while developing your consulting skills.
- Qualifications: Master's degree and 1-3 years in strategy or sustainability consulting.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid set up working via our London, Amsterdam or Paris offices.
Contract: Full-time
Preferred start date: 1 October, with potential flexibility for an earlier start
Application shortlisting deadline: 20 July
Role Overview
We are seeking an Associate to join Systemiq's Nature & Food platform, supporting high-impact projects that accelerate the transition to more sustainable, resilient and inclusive food and land-use systems. Working alongside colleagues across Europe and internationally, you will contribute to projects spanning regenerative agriculture, food systems transformation, biodiversity, land use, nature finance and sustainable value chains. You will help governments, businesses, financial institutions, philanthropies and civil society organisations develop practical, evidence-based solutions to complex sustainability challenges. This role is ideal for an early-career consultant or sustainability professional who enjoys structured problem-solving, research and stakeholder engagement, and is looking to develop rapidly within a collaborative and entrepreneurial consulting environment. We are also looking for candidates who are curious about how AI can enhance consulting. You will use AI-enabled tools to strengthen research, analysis, synthesis and communication, while applying sound judgement to ensure outputs remain robust, accurate and relevant.
Key Responsibilities
- Project Delivery
- Contribute to the delivery of client projects through high-quality research, analysis and synthesis.
- Develop presentations, reports, briefing papers and workshop materials.
- Translate qualitative and quantitative evidence into clear insights and practical recommendations.
- Support project planning and delivery to ensure work is completed to a high professional standard.
- Nature & Food Systems
- Contribute to projects across food systems, regenerative agriculture, biodiversity, land use, nature finance and sustainable value chains.
- Support the development of strategies that balance environmental sustainability, economic resilience and social inclusion.
- Apply systems thinking to understand complex challenges and identify practical opportunities for change.
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Support client meetings, workshops, interviews and multi-stakeholder engagements.
- Build effective working relationships with colleagues, clients and external partners.
- Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and contribute to positive client relationships.
- Team Contribution
- Work collaboratively across project teams and contribute to an inclusive, entrepreneurial culture.
- Support business development through research, proposal writing and thought leadership.
- Use AI responsibly to enhance research, analysis and communication.
Candidate Profile
We are looking for an intellectually curious and purpose-driven individual with strong analytical skills and a passion for sustainability. You enjoy solving complex problems, working with diverse stakeholders and turning evidence into practical recommendations. You are motivated by learning, thrive in collaborative environments and are excited by the opportunity to contribute to systems change.
Essential Experience
- Master's degree or equivalent in environmental science, agriculture, sustainability, economics, public policy, international development or another relevant discipline.
- Approximately 1–3 years' experience in strategy consulting, sustainability consulting, international development, research or another analytical, project-based environment.
- Strong analytical, research and structured problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills.
- Ability to synthesise qualitative and quantitative evidence into clear recommendations.
- Interest in one or more of the following areas:
- Food systems
- Regenerative agriculture
- Biodiversity and nature
- Land use
- Climate and sustainability
- Nature finance
- Sustainable value chains
- Practical experience using AI tools to support research, analysis or drafting, together with sound judgement regarding their appropriate use.
Core Capabilities
- Structured and analytical approach to problem-solving.
- Strong organisational and project management skills.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
- Intellectual curiosity, adaptability and sound judgement.
- Commitment to delivering high-quality work and creating positive impact.
Desirable
- Experience working across multiple countries or cultures.
- Knowledge of European/other sustainability policy or food systems.
- Experience supporting multi-stakeholder initiatives or partnerships.
- Additional European language(s).
Location & Right to Work
This role can be based in our London, Paris or Amsterdam offices. Candidates must have the legal right to work in the country where they will be employed.
What We Offer
Joining Systemiq means working with leading organisations across business, government, finance and civil society to tackle some of the world's most pressing sustainability challenges. You will collaborate with experts from a wide range of disciplines, develop your consulting skills through meaningful project work, and contribute to practical solutions that accelerate the transition to a net-zero, nature-positive and more inclusive economy. Alongside impactful work, you will benefit from a collaborative culture, opportunities for professional development and the chance to help shape the future of sustainable systems.
Diversity & Inclusion
At Systemiq, we absolutely believe diverse perspectives are essential to driving system change. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where people feel respected, supported and able to do their best work.
Strategy Associate - Nature & Food in London employer: Systemiq
At Systemiq, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer committed to sustainability and innovation. Our collaborative work culture fosters creativity and inclusivity, providing employees with ample opportunities for professional growth and development in the heart of London. Join us to make a meaningful impact on food systems and biodiversity while enjoying the benefits of a supportive team environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategy Associate - Nature & Food in London
✨Dive into Environmental Networks
Get involved with sustainability-focused organisations and attend their events. Look for local meetups or conferences in environmental management where you can connect with professionals in the field. This can lead to insider info on job openings at companies like Systemiq that might not be advertised widely.
✨Show Your Passion with Projects
Consider undertaking personal or community projects that highlight your dedication to sustainability. Whether it's a local clean-up or a carbon footprint assessment, document your findings and results. This not only boosts your portfolio but also shows potential employers like Systemiq that you're proactive and serious about the field.
✨Seek Out Green Job Boards
Don’t just rely on general job boards. Explore specific platforms that focus on sustainability and environmental management roles. Websites like EnvironmentJobs and Sustainable Business can be goldmines for full-time positions at companies like Systemiq. Keep an eye out for their aggregation of listings!
✨Let Your Online Presence Shine
Make sure your social media and professional profiles reflect your passion for sustainability. Share articles, engage in discussions, and connect with leaders in the field. Your active presence can make a lasting impression on hiring managers at companies like Systemiq when they search for candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategy Associate - Nature & Food in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sustainability:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sustainability shine through. Share any relevant experiences, like projects, volunteer work, or events you've participated in that align with Systemiq's values. This position isn't just about meeting qualifications; it's about genuinely caring for the environment and showing us why you're the right fit for Strategy Associate - Nature & Food.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications and Experience:Make sure to showcase any specific qualifications, such as degrees in environmental science or certifications in sustainability practices in your CV. We want to see how your academic background and practical experiences align with the job you're applying for, so don’t hold back on anything that demonstrates your expertise in environmental management.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:As we're looking for someone to jump into a full-time role, be specific about previous roles or projects that demonstrate your capabilities in sustainability. Use bullet points to make accomplishments clear, and don’t forget to quantify your achievements wherever possible – it’s all about showing us the impact of your work!
Research Systemiq and Reflect It In Your Application:We love candidates who take the time to understand what we're about. Mention specific initiatives or projects that Systemiq is known for in your cover letter. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely excited about the chance to contribute to our mission in the role of Strategy Associate - Nature & Food.
How to prepare for a job interview at Systemiq
✨Brush Up on Environmental Legislation
Given that we're diving into sustainability and environmental management, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of current environmental laws and regulations. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply to real-world scenarios, as you might face some technical questions about compliance and best practices during your chat with Systemiq.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Sustainability Projects
When you're discussing your background, highlight specific sustainability initiatives you've been involved in. Whether it’s a project at university or work experience, sharing measurable outcomes and your role will demonstrate your hands-on skills, which is super important for this full-time role at Systemiq.
✨Familiarity with Tools and Software
Make sure you're familiar with any relevant tools or software commonly used in environmental management, like GIS for mapping or data analysis tools. Bring this up in your interview as it shows you’re not only passionate but also prepared to roll up your sleeves and get to work!
✨Connect Your Values with the Company's Mission
Full-time roles are all about team fit, so it’s important to align your personal values with those of Systemiq. Be ready to discuss why you're passionate about sustainability and how you can contribute to their mission, as this will really resonate with the interviewers and show that you’re genuinely invested in their goals.
