Regional Science Leader for Potato in Sub-Saharan Africa

Screening starts: Feb 20, 2012 |

Unit: SSA |

Type: International

Ref.: 11- 42 RSL/IRS/SSA

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a dynamic leader for its research program on potato in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA). The post holder will lead a multidisciplinary team of scientists based in different countries within the region. Key requirements for the position include fundraising, setting research strategy and team management skills. A scientific background or experience in potato agronomy or breeding, or in social sciences in the agriculture sector would be desirable assets. The Regional Science Leader will be a member of the Regional Senior Management Team and CIP Global Science Leaders Team and report 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 major donors from the public and private sectors.

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 shaping, continuous building and the management of the entire portfolio of potato-research projects in the Region and actively leads the team to reach the objectives of the program while raising funds to support and expand the research activities.

The RSL is co-responsible for managing the talent pool and pursuing fundraising 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 raise funds to support and expand the potato research program, through the setting of the strategy, the planning for implementation, and the development of research proposals
• To oversee the project portfolio for potato R4D in SSA, also through participation in project management
• 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 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:

• Degree or equivalent experience in a Plant Science or Social Science discipline.
• A minimum of 3 years experience in leadership and fundraising roles.
• Demonstrated staff and project management experience, preferably in the SSA context.
• Excellent intra-personal communication and leadership skills.
• Capacity to strategize and formulate plans.
• Track record of publications.
• 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.

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 referees knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience at cip-recruitment@cgiar.org. The reference of the position should be clearly marked on the subject line of the email message. Screening of applications will begin on 20 February 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