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Director, CGIAR Research Program 3.6 ‘Dryland Cereals’

ICRISAT is seeking an innovative, dynamic and creative Program Director who is a strong believer in partnerships to lead and manage the CGIAR Research Program on Dryland Cereals.

The Consultative Group for International Agriculture Research (CGIAR) Research Program on Dryland Cereals (CRP 3.6) will focus on four staple cereals (barley, finger millet, pearl millet, and sorghum) that are of particular significance to smallholder farmers, especially women, in marginal dryland environments of Africa and Asia. The program will enhance the use of genetic resources and breeding efficiency, produce high yielding varieties with resistances to major biotic and abiotic stresses, improve crop management to reduce yield gaps, and improve systems to deliver new technologies into the hands of smallholders. The CRP is a global partnership among the CGIAR Centers ICRISAT (Lead Center) and ICARDA, plus and an array of principal partners including ICAR, India; AREEO, Iran; IRD and CIRAD, France; INTSORMIL, USA; and the Generation Challenge Program. See details at www.icrisat.org/icrisat-crp.htm.

The Position
The CRP Program Director will report to the Director General, ICRISAT/Chair of the CRP 3.6 Steering Committee, and will be based at ICRISAT’s Headquarters in Patancheru, near Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. The position is for an initial three-year period with the opportunity for renewal based on performance and availability of funding.

Duties and Responsibilities
  • Develop a clear and shared vision for CRP 3.6 among all partners and stakeholders and communicate this vision to all stakeholders.
  • Provide intellectual leadership to, and coordinate implementation of, the CRP.
  • Develop strong partnerships among participating centers, partners and other stakeholders.
  • Represent the CRP in international for a to ensure that the Dryland Cereals program is highly visible and strongly supported by investors and other stakeholders.
  • Guide fundraising efforts for the DRYLAND CEREALS CRP together with the Centers and other partners.
  • Ensure that the CRP has well developed and articulated gender and capacity strengthening strategies, defined work plans, clear deliverables, and that the CRP meets its programmatic and financial targets.

The Person

  • Demonstrated leadership qualities and track record in leading multicultural and multi-disciplinary teams and building partnerships for collaborative and cross-cutting research.
  • At least 10 years of relevant experience, including research management experience, in an international, multi-disciplinary, and multi-cultural environment.
  • PhD degree in a relevant discipline with a broad perspective on dryland agriculture in the developing world and across the research for development agenda.
  • Proven fund-raising record.
  • Demonstrated commitment to gender equity and diversity.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Employment Conditions
Employment contract will be for an initial three-year term. Salary will be internationally competitive, paid in US dollars, and commensurate with experience. ICRISAT provides additional benefits, including employer-paid medical, life and disability insurance and retirement benefits. Allowances toward hardship, relocation, housing, home leave travel, dependent children’s education and annual leave are also provided. ICRISAT provides a collegial and supportive working environment, which allows space for personal and professional growth.

How to apply
Applicants should apply on or before 31 August 2012, by email, sending a letter of motivation, a full Curriculum Vitae, and the names and contact information of three references that are knowledgeable of the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to: bici@sympatico.ca . The reference name of the position (Director, CRP-Dryland Cereals) should be clearly marked on the subject line of the email message. All applications will be acknowledged, however only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Learn more about CGIAR and ICRISAT by accessing web site at www.cgiar.organd www.icrisat.org

ICRISAT is an equal opportunity employer, and is especially interested in increasing the participation of women on its staff. ICRISAT has a flexible approach to international appointments and welcomes dual-career couples.