Deputy Director General (Research)

Vacancy Announcement
Deputy Director General (Research)

Bioversity International is the world’s largest organization undertaking research on agricultural biodiversity, dedicated to addressing global issues related to food security, poverty, climate change, and environmental degradation. Bioversity undertakes, encourages and supports research and other activities aimed at improving the well-being of people in the developing world, by enhancing the sustainable use and conservation of agricultural biodiversity. We are a non profit organization, active in over 100 countries worldwide, with more than 350 staff working from some 18 country offices. We are one of 15 centres of the Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centres (CGIAR).

Bioversity International is now seeking a:
Deputy Director General (Research)

The successful incumbent will be both an inspiring scientific leader and excellent research manager. Reporting to the Director General, the Deputy Director-General (Research) will provide overall leadership in setting the strategic direction and priorities of Bioversity’s research and for ensuring the seamless and synergistic implementation of the organization’s research programme on agricultural biodiversity and the use and conservation of genetic resources, ensuring the delivery of outcomes and impact.

More specifically, the incumbent will:
• Provide scientific and management leadership for planning, implementing and monitoring a cohesive research agenda, and ensure that this agenda is aligned with the organization’s strategic
direction and contributes to the CGIAR Strategy and Result Framework (SRF) and Research Programmes (CRPs);
• Ensure coordination and maximum synergies across Bioversity’s research themes and disciplines and maximize their contribution to CRPs. Develop and support processes to ensure that Bioversity’s research products and capacity building activities contribute to maximizing the desired outcomes and impacts;
• Contribute programmatic leadership in the further development of the CGIAR Research Programmes of the new CGIAR;
• Advocate and advance Bioversity’s research agenda and overall positioning with key stakeholders and in international meetings and fora;
• As a member of the senior management team, contribute to the effective management of Bioversity and to its resource mobilization activities.

Mandatory Competencies and Qualifications
• PhD in agricultural, biological or social science, or equivalent qualification. Preference will be for competencies in genetic diversity science, with expertise in the broader Research for Development paradigm;
• 10-15 years of experience, including in developing countries, taking on progressively more responsibility in research and research management, at international senior level;
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of the critical roles of agricultural biodiversity, and genetic resources in particular, for food security, improving livelihoods and addressing the challenges of
climate change and environmental degradation;
• A distinguished record of achievement and innovation, including in scientific publications on topics relevant to Bioversity’s research agenda;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to build consensus and manage conflict;
• Proven ability to establish, nurture and oversee multi-cultural, gender-sensitive multidisciplinary research teams;
• Demonstrated competency in managing people and projects across different regions;
• Excellent verbal and written English, and presentation skills to effectively represent Bioversity in international scientific fora;
• Willingness to travel extensively.

Desirable competencies and qualifications
• Knowledge of other major international languages;
• Knowledge of the CGIAR.

Terms and conditions: This is an internationally recruited position for which Bioversity International offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary, non-contributory retirement plan, medical insurance and leave provisions. All benefits are denominated and paid in US Dollars. The initial contract, which is renewable, will be for a period of three years, subject to a probationary period of one year.

Applications: Expressions of interest together with a full CV and supporting statement, highlighting your experience and skills against the requirements of the role should be directed in confidence to Ursula Gallagher, Director The SRI Group, 40 Grand Canal Street Upper, Dublin 4, Ireland ugallagher@sriexecutive.com ; +353 1 6479206, by 8 April 2011.

Bioversity is an equal opportunity employer and strives for staff diversity. Women and candidates from developing countries are encouraged to apply.

Bioversity International, Bioversity for short, is the operating name of the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI) and the International Network for Improvement of Banana and Plantain (INIBAP).