Policy Specialist (Senior to Principal level) (선임-수석급 정책 연구원)

The Good Food Institute Asia Pacific

Elevate alternative proteins through policy engagement in Korea

The Good Food Institute APAC, a nonprofit think tank, is working to make the global food system better for the planet, people, and animals. Alongside scientists, businesses, and policymakers, GFI’s teams focus on making plant-based, fermentation-enabled, and cultivated meat delicious, affordable, and accessible. Powered by philanthropy, GFI is an international network of organisations advancing alternative proteins (APs) as an essential solution needed to meet the world’s climate, global health, food security, and biodiversity goals.

We unlock the knowledge and resources needed to transform how meat is made—satisfying rising food demand in ways that accelerate climate progress, protect animals and ecosystems, and strengthen public health. Please check out resources in Korean on the GFI website here and our 2025 Year in Review to find out more about who we are and what we do.

Korea is home to world-class research institutions, drives funding of technological advancements, and has the potential to lead the global revolution in alternative proteins. The Policy Specialist will spearhead the Korea team’s work with the Korean government. We are in the process of setting up an entity in Korea and are looking for the right talent and fit to join the core team.

How you will make a difference

Your position will carry both high responsibility and high impact, shaping how quickly Korea and the world transition to a more sustainable and ethical food system.

As Policy Specialist, you will lead, coordinate, and grow workstreams dedicated to driving impactful policy initiatives for alternative proteins at the national and provincial levels. You will deliver strategic planning and execution that collaborates with policymakers, nonprofit organisations, and other stakeholders while working in alignment with GFI’s global affiliates.

You will play a pivotal role in driving the creation and adoption of evidence-based regulatory pathways for fermentation-derived and cultivated proteins, securing significant public investment in R&D for all alternative protein modalities, and ensuring equitable access to domestic and global markets for alternative protein products, ultimately accelerating the adoption of alternative proteins and contributing to a more sustainable, ethical, and resilient food system in Korea and beyond.

Key responsibilities

Policy development and advocacy

● Developing and implementing policy strategies to achieve positive policy changes, underpinned by thorough research and stakeholder mapping, e.g., influencing the government policies and plans under the Food Tech Industry Promotion Act.

● Working with the GFI network to design, deliver, and implement national policy plans.

● Building relationships with senior politicians and officials in public institutions, across legislative bodies, central ministries, and provincial governments.

● Building alliances with nonprofit organisations, industry players, and other stakeholders.

● Representing GFI Korea at external events and collaborating on policy issues related to alternative proteins, with a focus on areas such as public R&D funding, trade facilitation, regulatory support, and talent development.

● Monitoring domestic and international policy developments and representing GFI Korea’s positions to the government through written submissions and direct engagement.

● Drafting and preparing detailed submissions, presentations, letters, concept notes, and internal and external resources.

● Serving as a spokesperson for GFI Korea in policy matters.

Regional and global engagement

● Participating in relevant regional and global policy fora to represent GFI Korea’s perspective, including at global committee calls with other GFI affiliates and global policy working groups as required.

● Collaborating with colleagues across GFI and its global affiliates to align on regional and international policy initiatives, while actively coordinating with policy staff from APAC, Brasil, Europe, Israel, India, Japan and the U.S., as well as relevant strategic partners, to address region-specific issues and opportunities.

Operational excellence and reporting

● Working with Operations support to manage departmental spending on policy initiatives and adhering to people operations and operational procedures.

● Drafting policy-related budgeting in collaboration with the Operations Manager and the Director of Strategy and Programs.

● Performing other duties as assigned to ensure the success of GFI’s policy initiatives.

Who we’re looking for

We are looking for smart, thoughtful, kind, and creative self-starters who want to contribute to global efforts to fight against climate change, promote sustainable food systems, and develop healthy and humane foods that are accessible to everyone. GFI’s staff enjoy high levels of autonomy and must be self-motivated; work well both independently and in concert with a larger, geographically dispersed group; and, be comfortable working in a rapidly evolving operational environment. An ideal candidate for the Policy Specialist position will have experience that reflects the following:

● At least 7 years of experience working in Korean public policy, politics, policy advocacy/research, public affairs consulting, food regulation, industrial/biomanufacturing policy, innovation strategy, or related policy disciplines, including engaging with high-level stakeholders. A degree or equivalent experience in public policy, political science, law, public administration, or a related field is strongly preferred.

● Proven experience engaging government agencies and communicating with legislative and executive branch policymakers, both verbally and in writing.

● Experience building coalitions and developing consensus among partners with different, complementary, and sometimes competing objectives.

● Native-level Korean fluency and business-level English proficiency (written and spoken).

● Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly to a range of audiences.

● Excellent project management skills; detail-oriented, persuasive, and able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a dynamic, evolving environment. Ability to solve problems under pressure.

● Comfortable working remotely within a fast-growing, distributed organisation.

● Strong alignment with GFI's mission and demonstrated interest in alternative proteins, public health, climate, animal protection, or hunger relief.

● Commitment to GFI's values: believe change is possible, do the best we can, share knowledge freely, act on evidence, and invite everyone to the table.

We want the best people, and we don’t want biases holding us back. We strongly encourage people of every race, colour, orientation, age, gender, origin, and ability to apply. Since we value a diverse workplace, we prioritise an inclusive climate free from discrimination and harassment during the application process and after you join the team.

The fine print:

● Terms of employment: Full-time (flexible hours), contract. Following the initial probationary period, you may transition to a regular permanent employee role upon mutual agreement.

● Reports to: Director of Strategy & Programs, Korea

● Location: Flexible – we will consider applicants from anywhere in Korea. This is a remote role, and you will be able to work from home or anywhere you choose within Korea. The whole GFI Korea team aims to get together in person approximately twice per year for around 1-5 days at a time. Travel costs will be covered by GFI Korea in accordance with our travel policy.

● Travel and work hours: Flexible hours with an occasional need to work at night or early mornings to engage in global meetings with partners around the world.

● Annual Salary: 90 to 143 million KRW.

● Benefits: Statutory health, pension, workers’ compensation, and employment insurance per Korean regulations; paid and unpaid leave per GFI Korea’s policy; medical, dental and well-being support; professional development support

● Right to work requirements: The successful candidate must, by the start of employment, have permission to work and to be able to travel within Korea. Please note that GFI Korea’s policy is not to sponsor employment visas. The successful applicant will need to confirm they are eligible to work in Korea without requiring GFI Korea’s sponsorship of an employment visa.

● Application process:

a. Please complete this application form (https://form.asana.com/?k=Q0krl58aGxNFmeYiAfvoAA&d=167772284987522) and upload your CV.

b. Screening call: An initial conversation to ask general questions.

c. Timed assignment: You’ll complete strategic assessments within a certain timeframe.

d. First interview with GFI APAC team members: Focused on organisational and team fit, as well as deeper expertise questions.

e. Final interview with the leadership team to finalize the fit.

f. Reference check: Provide referees who can comment on your strategic and operational capabilities.

Important dates

Application deadline: August 17, 2026

Anticipated start date: November/December 2026