Director, Global Rice Science Partnership

Apply by: 10 March 2012

To provide strategic and operational leadership for the Global Rice Science Partnership (GRiSP, www.grisp.net), a CGIAR Research Program which brings together hundreds of public- and private-sector organizations. GRiSP was launched in November 2010, aligning the rice research activities of three CGIAR centers (IRRI, AfricaRice, CIAT) with those of numerous other international and national R&D partners. GRiSP focuses on innovative, integrated solutions to improve rice-based production systems and their value chains, including basic and applied research on genetic resources, crop improvement, sustainable management practices, postharvest technologies and new rice products, policy research, and extension. As the Director of GRiSP, you will be a dynamic, innovative, highly respected scientific leader who provides strategic guidance, develops effective implementation mechanisms, and builds outstanding teams for implementing GRiSP based on its overall strategy and work plan.

Duties

This position involves all aspects of leading a global program in collaboration with research and development partners in many institutions around the world. The GRiSP Director acts on behalf of all participating centers and partners in GRiSP. Key responsibilities include

• Providing intellectual leadership for strategic foresight, implementation, and reporting of GRiSP activities
• Guiding the development of 5-year and annual work plans and budgets
• Developing strong partnerships among participating centers, partners, and stakeholders
• Ensuring that GRiSP has effective strategies and mechanisms for new frontier research, capacity building, and gender
• Implementing a high-quality monitoring and evaluation system to ensure that the program meets its targets
• Implementing an effective internal and external communication strategy
• Identifying opportunities for new global or regional initiatives and guiding fund-raising efforts
• Representing GRiSP at major events of the global/regional research and development communities
• Communicating with the Consortium office and other CGIAR programs and offices on GRiSP-specific matters
• Preparing and conducting meetings of the Oversight Committee (OC), the Program Planning and Management Team (PPMT), and GRiSP thematic workshops
• Managing a small Program Management Unit (PMU), including the global program support and coordination budget, as approved by the PPMT.

Qualification requirements:
• PhD in a relevant scientific discipline, including agricultural, biological, environmental, or social sciences
• At least 15 years of post-PhD research experience, with a strong background in agricultural research for development and a proven record of strategic thinking and research leadership; demonstrated experience in managing interdisciplinary teams and large research programs
• Excellent written and spoken English
Preferred competencies include
• Experience or good understanding of rice production systems worldwide
• Experience in planning and coordinating outcome-driven research
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including public speaking and web communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead multidisciplinary R&D teams
• Demonstrated ability to work with a wide range of public, civil society, and private sector partners, including development of new partnerships
• High level of success in attracting and managing funds
• Demonstrated commitment to coaching, mentoring, role modeling, and developing young scientists

Screening will start on 10 March 2012 and will continue until a suitable candidate has been found.

Please indicate the position reference number in the e-mail subject line. IRRI regrets that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

IRRI provides a multicultural work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity, with a competitive compensation and benefit package. Women are encouraged to apply.

Join us to deliver rice science for a better world

Interested candidates should apply online (click apply now). Should you encounter problems applying online please email at IRRIRecruitment@irri.org.

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