Deputy Director General, Research (R4D)

IITA is an international non-profit research-for-development (R4D) organization created in 1967, governed by a Board of Trustees, and supported primarily by the Consultative Group of International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). IITA’s R4D is anchored on the development needs of sub-Saharan Africa. IITA develops agricultural solutions with its partners to tackle hunger and poverty by reducing producer and consumer risks, enhancing crop quality and productivity, and generating wealth from agriculture. The institute has more than 100 internationally recruited scientists from about 35 countries and 900 nationally recruited staff based in various stations across Africa. Please visit http://www.iita.org/ for more information on IITA.

As a member of the Consortium of the Consultative Group of International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), IITA works in partnership with 14 other CGIAR-supported international research organizations around the world as well as with dozens of national research institutions, universities, and private research organizations. With the launching of global CGIAR Research Programs in 2010/11, new opportunities for collaboration have been developed. IITA has been asked to lead research focused on the Humid Tropics, but will contribute to research in six other CGIAR Research Programs as well.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

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POSITION TITLE:	Deputy Director General, Research (R4D)
REPORTS TO:	Director General
LOCATION:	Ibadan, Nigeria
SCOPE:	The DDG-Research will be expected to develop research strategies that will support the achievement of development results, a process better known in the institution as Research for Development, and ensure appropriate implementation of those strategies. S/he will ensure that IITA’s work not only enlarges global understanding of the problems and potentials faced by Africa’s poor farmers, but also results in better-nourished consumers, more profitable smallholder farm operations, and a more competitive and sustainable agricultural sector. The DDG-Research will work closely with IITA’s Director General to reach out to potential funders and partners who share IITA’s commitment to research that nourishes Africa.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

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KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• At least 15 years of experience in research in above competencies and 5 years in research for development management with increasing responsibilities
• Demonstrated excellence as a researcher in genetic improvement, biotechnology, plant protection or related research area
• Ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in a cross-cultural environment
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and team building skills
• Knowledge of sub-Saharan Africa and good contacts with key funders or partners of IITA is preferred

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead and guide the R4D Directorate, providing oversight on performance, budget preparation and execution, and achievement/communication of results.
• Provide strategic research leadership to ensure that IITA achieves its goals, uses its resources effectively and contributes to the broader goals of the CGIAR and the Consortium.
• Initiate and lead major strategic research as assigned by the DG.
• Coordinate regional hub directors and the IITA program managers for the CGIAR Research Programs.
• Strategic management of competencies of R4D and integrate them in CRP 1.2 in humid tropics
• Serve as a member of IITA’s senior management team, contributing to research policy development, action planning, corporate performance, and communications efforts.
• Collaborate closely with the Deputy Director General, Partnerships and Capacity Building to identify appropriate partners and resources, develop proposals, and resolve partnership/resource issues arising during implementation.
• Enhance the visibility of IITA in the global research community.
• Assist with external liaison, including with CGIAR funders, the Consortium, and other Centers, Sub-Regional Organizations, NARS, NGO, and other partners.

TERM:

• Initial appointment is for three years

EDUCATION:

• The candidate must have a Ph.D. in plant breeding, biotechnology or other research areas related to genetic improvement such as plant and soil health.

LANGUAGES:

• Strong English language skills (knowledge of French or Portuguese is also an advantage).

The International Institute For Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is located at Ibadan, Western Nigeria. It is about 100 minutes’ drive from Lagos.

Much of its 1000-hectare campus is used for scientific research on improving food production in Africa. A third of its campus consists of unspoiled tropical forest, a natural preserve for birds and other fauna. A lake about 3 kilometers long, developed to provide irrigation water, attracts hundreds of species of resident and migratory birds. The lake has been spawned with various fish species. Guides are available for visitors wishing to take a tour of the forest, try their luck at fishing in the lake, or watching for rare-migratory birds.

Visit the following websites to read more about the IITA centre and its facilities:

• http://www.iita.org/about
• http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Ibadan.aspx
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibadan
• http://www.starch.dk/isi/profile/ekha.asp

1. Application:

Communicate your wish to be considered by forwarding your CV and cover letter in confidence to Renaud Foster, as indicated above.

2. Assessment and Interviews with Renaud Foster:

Each CV is reviewed and assessed against the job description criteria. Candidates with the strongest match to the client’s needs will be screened by telephone. If further details are required, candidates may be invited for a face-to-face or Skype interview.

3. Presentation to the Client:

Based on the interviews, each candidate’s confirmed interest, and their experience and skill sets match to the job description, candidates are presented to the client. The client will select from this list of candidates those they wish to invite to a formal interview. Typically 2 to 4 candidates are invited to an interview. Whether selected or not, all candidates will be notified of their status at this point.

4. Formal Interview with the Client:

Once the selection of candidates has been made, the consultant will contact the candidates with a date, time and location for the interviews. The final selection process will involve a confidential formal interview by the Selection Committee.

5. Selection and Offer:

Once a candidate is selected and the client is prepared to make an offer, Renaud Foster will discuss the parameters of an offer with the candidate. Once the terms and conditions of the offer are accepted in principle by both parties, the client will prepare and present a formal written offer to the candidate.

TO APPLY OR OBTAIN FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Mr. Tom Foster Senior Vice President Renaud Foster tfoster@renaudfoster.com 1.613.231.6666 ext. 25 1.800.513.8117 ext. 25	Ms. Nicole Poirier Principal Renaud Foster npoirier@renaudfoster.com ext. 29 ext. 29
Head Office/Siège Social : 100, rue Sparks Street, bureau/suite 550 Ottawa, ON, Canada K1P 5B7 Tél: (613) 231-6666 Fax/Téléc: (613) 231-6663