Project Specialist (Climate Neutral Dairy Farm Pilot), Helsinki, fixed-term

WE ARE LOOKING FOR PROJECT SPECIALIST (CLIMATE NEUTRAL DAIRY FARM PILOT) TO JOIN OUR TEAM OF VALIO PEOPLE  

We at Valio believe that a future-proof food system combines different forms of food production, some of which already exist, and some are only at a research stage. To feed everyone in the world in the future, we need sustainably produced plant- and animal-based food, and new innovations from e.g. cellular agriculture. All these forms of food production need and support each other. 

The efficient food system is not just about food products. The side streams, like manure, may be used to produce energy and fertilizers. and, for example, lignocellulose from agriculture maybe used in fibre materials for clothing. At the same time, we reduce climate emissions, maintain biodiversity and recycle nutrients. At best, the integration of different value chains improves the profitability of the whole food production system. 

In a sustainable food system, animal and plant production and cellular agriculture complement each other and should be developed as part of the whole – not alone or in opposition to each other.

Further information on Food 2.0 ”Veturi” project: Valio käynnistää Business Finlandin veturirahoituksella Food 2.0 -hankkeen, jossa kehitetään tulevaisuuden ruokajärjestelmää ja edistetään ruokaviennin kilpailukykyä - Valio 

Animal-based food production needs to be developed to be more nature-efficient to secure sustainable food production in the future as well. There are several climate actions that are identified to make animal-based food production more sustainable, and those actions have been thoroughly researched but their widespread implementation requires practical piloting. For that, several mature climate actions will be put to test on real life Finnish dairy farms.

As part of Food 2.0. “Veturi” project we are seeking a highly motivated Project Specialist (fixed-term position) to join our team and support with/coordinate Climate Neutral Dairy Farm Pilot project and support with Carbo® customer project. You will play a key role in designing, implementing, and managing initiatives aimed at achieving climate neutrality within dairy farming operations and as part of our team develop commercial solutions from the climate work. 

Your main responsibilities will be:

• Develop and  support the implementation of pilot project to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve climate neutrality on dairy farms;
• Support with Valio’s sustainable business Carbo® customer project ()
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to identify and implement innovative solutions and best practices;
• Innovate and develop solutions to mitigate environmental impact of dairy farming practices and identify opportunities for further improvement;
• Monitor project progress and performance metrics, and provide regular updates to stakeholders;
• Coordinate outreach and communication efforts to engage stakeholders and raise awareness about climate-neutral dairy farming practices;
• Provide technical guidance and support to dairy farmers participating in the pilot program;
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards related to environmental sustainability;
• Other project related activities

Success in the position requires:

• Proven experience in project management, preferably in the agricultural or environmental sector
• Understanding of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change mitigation strategies
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Humble, yet ambitious attitude towards work
• Passion for sustainability and a commitment to driving positive change in the food system (the whole value chain)
• Knowledge of dairy farming day-to- day practices and familiarity with the dairy industry.
• Relevant degree in agriculture, environmental science, sustainability, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Ability to travel in Finland.
• Fluent in Finnish and in English

We work in a hybrid model that takes into account the employee’s and team’s wishes for office and remote work. The office location is in Pitäjänmäki, Helsinki.

We all share the same passion working at Valio: together we make life better. We invest in people-centered leadership, and the development of team collaboration. We want every Valio employee to have a clear understanding of their own job and goals, and the opportunity to influence their own work and expertise. We pay attention to, among other things, employee well-being and engagement at work and workplace safety with various metrics. You will also have access to the benefits of a large, renowned Finnish food company. 

For more information, please call Juha Nousiainen, SVP, Climate solutions (050 3840242).

Please send your application by 2 June 2024 via application link.