Regional Science Leader for Potato in Sub-Saharan Africa

Ref.: 11- 42 RSL/IRS/SSA

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking an experienced potato principal scientist who has extensive experience in research management and fund raising, to lead and expand its Solanum potato program in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA). The scientist will be a member of Regional Senior Management Team, of the CIP global Science Leaders Team and reports directly to the Deputy Director General for Research at headquarters in Lima, Peru.

The Center: CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research-for-development (R4D) organization with a focus on potato, sweetpotato, and Andean roots and tuber crops. Our vision is one of “roots and tubers improving the lives of the poor”. CIP is dedicated to contributing towards food security and improved well-being in the developing world through research and partnerships underpinned by high quality science, state of the art technology, and training. CIP is headquartered in Lima, Peru, with staff and activities in over 30 locations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. CIP is a member of the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), a network of 15 research centers mostly located in the developing world and supported by more than 50 donor members.

The Position: The Regional Science Leader (RSL) for potato will be based in Nairobi, Kenya. The RSL provides the vision and determines the strategic objectives of the SSA potato program and serves as CIP’s potato scientific representative in the region. The RSL is responsible for the management of the entire portfolio of potato-research projects in the Region and assists project managers in addressing management issues. The RSL is co-responsible for managing the talent pool and pursuing funding raising activities in SSA, in close collaboration with the Regional Science Leader for Sweetpotato and the Regional Operations Leader.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• To set the vision and development strategy for potato research in SSA, in alignment with the CIP corporate plan
• To oversee the project portfolio for potato R4D in SSA
• To steer the strategy for scientific publications and for the dissemination of the scientific results deriving from the SSA potato program
• As part of a Regional Senior Management Team, manage CIP’s scientific talent pool and exploit synergies and opportunities with other institutions and programs engaged in vegetatively propagated crop research
• To raise funds, also through developing concept notes and proposals in strategic research areas to build an effective R4D program for potato that advances CIP towards its mission
• To be specifically involved in technical support to at least one major potato project in the region, from which significant development impacts and scientific publications will be generated
• To actively participate in CIP regional and global teams and produce timely update reports and communication briefs in coordination with project managers as required.

Selection Criteria:
• PhD degree in a relevant Plant Science or Social Science discipline.
• A minimum of 5 years experience in potato related research for development activities.
• Extensive staff and project management experience, preferably in the SSA context.
• Excellent intra-personal communication and leadership skills.
• Relevant publications in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Interest and demonstrated ability to work in a multidisciplinary and multi-cultural environment.
• Demonstrated success in resource mobilization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; knowledge of French or Portuguese would be a major asset.
• Strong team player, highly energetic, self-motivated, goal-oriented and committed to shared goals.
• Willingness to travel extensively.

Conditions: The employment contract will be for a three-year term, renewal depending on performance. Employment conditions include an attractive remuneration package, including health care, home leave, home allowance and other benefits. Regional and international travel is required. CIP prides itself on its collegial and supportive working environment, which allows space for personal and professional growth.

Applications: Applicants should apply by email, sending a cover letter summarizing their relevance to this position, a full C.V. and the names and contact information of three references that are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience at cip-recruitment@cgiar.org. The reference of the position should be clearly marked in the subject line of the email message. Screening of applications will begin on 20 January 2012, and will continue until the post is filled. All applications will be acknowledged; only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at http://www.cipotato.org

CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply