The International Development Research Centre (IDRC), a Canadian Crown corporation, supports research in developing regions of the world to promote growth and development. The result is innovative, lasting local solutions that bring choice and change to those who need it most.

IDRC is looking for an experienced and dynamic professional for the following senior position:

Director, Agriculture and Environment
Ottawa, Canada
$123,160 - $155,899
Indeterminate position

The Agriculture and Environment (AE) program area focuses on the connection between agricultural development and environmental sustainability in time of global changes. It recognizes that providing basic goods such as food and water requires increased productivity and environmental sustainability as well as ensuring improved human health and sound economic development.

The AE program area is composed of four programming units that were launched in April 2010 for a period of five years:

  • Agriculture and Food Security (AFS);
  • Ecosystems and Human Health (Ecohealth);
  • Climate Change and Water (CCW), and
  • Environmental Economics (EE).

Reporting to the Vice-President Program and Partnership, the Director provides strategic intelligence and promotes its effective utilization in the design and execution of the Program Area; provides intellectual leadership in research for development and in the identification of new research areas; contributes to policy development, planning, management and evaluation of the Program Area at corporate and regional levels; manages a team of professionals and support staff in a matrix environment based in Ottawa and overseas Regional Offices; and strives to enhance and expand partnerships with Canadian and international agencies of other developed and developing regions.

Candidate Profile

Education

PhD. in a discipline directly related to the Program Area (e.g. agricultural, natural or environmental sciences) and publications related to environmental research for development.

Experience

This position requires extensive experience, with and emphasis in developing regions, in the following activities:

  • Developing, planning, implementing and managing research programs related to the Program Area
  • Providing strategic direction and maintaining and expanding partnerships with Canadian and international development organizations
  • Leading and managing a highly skilled multidisciplinary team and administering financial resources
  • As an articulate spokesperson on agriculture and environment research for development matters
  • Working in a Canadian and international development research organization

Language

  • Bilingual position (English and French) at an advanced level

Knowledge

  • Exceptional knowledge of critical issues facing developing regions in the area of Agriculture and Environment
  • Extensive knowledge of the key actors in the field of development aid and research support
  • Good knowledge of policies and programs of major international agencies related to the Program Area
  • Knowledge of emerging issues in Canadian foreign policy and international development

Competencies

  • Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills including the ability to synthesize and package information to respond to the needs of a variety of groups within and outside the IDRC.
  • Value-Based Leadership: champions change in a positive manner, effectively represents IDRC values, and knows when to hold firm or to concede on an issue to move forward and engages actively in the development of IDRC’s vision for the future and supports corporate strategies
  • Strategic Agility: determines how social, political and economic factors can affect programming and resource management strategies; formulates innovative approaches to improve programs and processes; and takes timely action to leverage opportunities, generate new partnerships or expand resources
  • Professional Expertise: explains the dynamics of international development and how national, regional and international priorities may impact the Centre’s research for development agenda
  • Management Excellence: implements human resources and other corporate strategies that meet current and future organizational needs and effectively communicates and supports corporate decisions
  • Engagement: reinforces collaboration and creates a sense of direction and purpose to inspire, motivate and guide team towards Centre’s vision

Additional Information

This position requires a willingness to undertake national and international travel (e.g. an average of 30 - 60 days per year).

Expressions of interest together with a full CV and supporting statement, highlighting your experience and skills against the requirements of the role must be directed in confidence to:

Auree de Carbon, Director
HQ: SRI Executive Search
40 Grand Canal Street Upper
Dublin 4, Ireland

adecarbon@sri-executive.com
Tel.: +33 1 47881406
PLEASE DO NOT APPLY FOR THIS POSITION THROUGH IDRC CAREERS WEBSITE: All applications should be sent directly to adecarbon@sri-executive.com as noted above.