Brazil Sustainable Agriculture Lead, British Embassy Brasilia

About the role

The British Embassy in Brasilia is looking for a Senior Executive Officer (SEO) to lead its sustainable agriculture portfolio. The postholder will help shape the UK's partnership with Brazil on climate, nature and sustainable agriculture, working across UK government departments such as the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The role focuses on sustainable food production, food security, resilient supply chains and the bioeconomy, and is based in Brasilia (candidates from Sao Paulo and/or Rio de Janeiro may also be considered).

Key responsibilities

• Lead delivery of the Embassy's sustainable agriculture portfolio and advise senior leaders on policy developments.
• Support policy development on sustainable agriculture, livestock, climate-smart agriculture, land restoration and resilient food systems, working with the UK's Agricultural Attaché in Brazil.
• Manage the portfolio so that policy, programme and diplomatic engagement reinforce each other.
• Build relationships with Brazilian federal and state authorities, international organisations, research institutions, the private sector and civil society.
• Produce analysis on agriculture, food systems, deforestation, biodiversity, climate finance, carbon and nature markets and commodity supply chains.
• Oversee delivery of programmes, ensuring sound financial management, monitoring and evaluation and value for money.
• Line manage and mentor the Sustainable Agriculture Adviser.
• Prepare briefings for ministerial visits and represent the Embassy at external events.
• Work with the Head of Forests and other team leads to coordinate the AFOLU agenda, and contribute to the Embassy's corporate life.

Required profile

• 8+ years of professional experience in sustainable agriculture, land use, climate or environmental policy.
• Strong knowledge of Brazilian agricultural policies, AFOLU and related institutional frameworks.
• Proven leadership experience, including line management and mentoring.
• Experience of international programmes and agricultural finance.
• Expert level English and Portuguese.
• Legal right to live and work in Brazil.

Required skills

• Programme and project management, with experience of complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.
• Ability to translate policy priorities into effective programme delivery.
• Strong analytical, organisational and networking skills.
• Fluent writing in English on technical and policy issues for a senior UK audience.

Desirable: experience in agricultural commodity supply chains, sustainable or climate finance, nature-based solutions, and in an Embassy environment. The position is full-time, fixed term (36 hours per week) with possible renewal, from 4 January 2027 to 3 December 2028, paid BRL 20,062.91 per month. Benefits include health and dental care, life insurance, transport allowance and meal vouchers, plus flexible working and a leave package.