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Programme Leader, Conservation and Availability of Genetic Resources Bioversity International

12:55:00 PM
Bioversity International (“Bioversity” for short) 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. We are a non profit organization, active in over 100 countries worldwide, with more than 350 staff working from some 16 country offices. We are one of 15 centres of the Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centres (CGIAR). This is an exciting time to join Bioversity International. We have recently developed new and ambitious goals, clear objectives and performance indicators for the next ten years. Two strategic priorities have been set ? to improve the use of biodiversity by smallholder farmers and the conservation of plant diversity.
For further information on Bioversity International, consult the Web page at
http://www.bioversityinternational.org
Purpose of Role
With international attention now focused on the need to increase investment in agriculture, Bioversity is seeking a highly motivated and dynamic person to lead the Conservation and Availability of Genetic Resources Programme as well as contribute to research in the area of in situ and on farm conservation and availability of crops and their wild relatives. As the leader of a global research team, the incumbent will provide scientific leadership, coordination and facilitation of ongoing and new research and global partnerships to lead to the development of a global programme in this field. As Program Leader, the incumbent will provide oversight to a team of genetic resources conservation, policy and informatics specialists. The position will be based in Bioversity’s Headquarters in Maccarese, near Rome, Italy.
Key responsibilities
He/She will have the following main responsibilities:
  • Manage and coordinate the research of scientists within the Conservation and Availability of Genetic Resources Programme, be responsible for its strategic coherence and scientific output, and foster the necessary partnerships to achieve research outcomes;
  • Be responsible for the Programme’s participation in relevant CGIAR Research Programmes (CRPs) in line with Bioversity’s policies;
  • Lead and contribute to research on in situ and on farm conservation and availability, and to the design of practices, guidelines, impact pathways, processes and policies towards achieving conservation outcomes on the ground in countries around the world;
  • Collaborate with other scientists both within Bioversity and in other CGIAR Centres and organizations;
· Produce scientific publications and other impact-oriented products from high quality research;
  • Lead our engagement with other key stakeholders and establish and maintain strategic partnerships at national and international levels;
  • Lead or contribute to the development of fundraising proposals to support such research, the associated capacity building of partners and the achievement of conservation outcomes.
  • Contribute to the communication effort of Bioversity on the research being conducted within the Programme;
  • Identify and lead opportunities to advance Bioversity’s research agenda.
Qualifications and competencies
Essential qualifications & competencies

· A PhD in a discipline relevant to in situ and on farm conservation and availability of genetic resources.
· At least 10 years of experience working on issues relevant to the management, conservation and availability of genetic resources.
· At least 5 years experience carrying out research with partners and relevant field experience in developing countries.
· Good understanding of policy issues related to the conservation and availability of genetic resources.
· Demonstrated competency in the management of scientific staff and other resources at a senior level, preferably in an international research or academic environment.
· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to effectively interact with people at all levels and build consensus in a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment.
· Demonstrated ability to build effective relationships with donors and generate funds for research and delivery of outcomes.
· A substantial and sustained record of achievement and innovation through project development, implementation and delivery of results, and demonstrated publication record.
· Drive and entrepreneurship to pursue and develop new research opportunities.
· Excellent English, both verbal and written.
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Desirable qualifications and competencies
· Experience with methodologies and tools for the capturing and monitoring of status and trends of plant genetic resources, in situ and on farm conservation and availability approaches.
· Familiarity with ex situ conservation and how it can complement in situ and on farm conservation.
· Familiarity with the CGIAR system.
· Working knowledge of Spanish, French or other major global languages.
Terms and conditions: This is an internationally recruited position at Level 2 of Bioversity’s Internationally Recruited Scale, in a scale of 5 levels, with level 1 being the highest. Bioversity International offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary, non-contributory retirement plan, medical insurance, housing allowance and leave provisions. All benefits are denominated and paid in US Dollars. The initial contract will be for a period of three years subject to a probationary period of one year.
Applications: Please apply online through Bioversity Job Opportunities web page (http://www.bioversityinternational.org/about_us/job_opportunities.html) by clicking the “Apply” button, completing the online application and attaching the required information by 20 April 2012 (applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed until the position is filled, which can be monitored in the Job Opportunity section of our web site).Please note that in the application you are required to provide the contact details (address, telephone number and e-mail address) of at least three referees, which Bioversity will contact for short listed applicants.
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).


Download Attachment: VA_Programme Leader, Conservation and Availability of GR.pdf

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