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IITA Director for Humidtropics


Director for Humidtropics (Ref: DDG-R4D/DHT/CRP1.2/10/12)
 
Background: The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the position of Director for Humidtropics.
 
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). Our R4D is anchored on the development needs of sub-Saharan Africa. We develop agricultural solutions with our partners to tackle hunger and poverty by reducing producer and consumer risks, enhancing crop quality and productivity, and generating wealth from agriculture. We have 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.
 
Humidtropics is the IITA-led CGIAR Research Program on Integrated Systems in the Humid Tropics (CRP1.2, www.humidtropics.org). This exciting new global research for development (R4D) program targets systems that affect up to 1.5 billion rural people, most of whom operate within smallholder farming systems in which livestock and crop production are intimately linked. The program focuses on increasing the available options and strengthening the capacity of poor and vulnerable people to improve their livelihoods and living environment. The strategy is based on promising innovations and technologies for agricultural systems in the humid tropics that will result in vibrant communities, economic success, educated people, and environments that encourage health and well-being.
 
We are looking for a suitably qualified, dynamic and enthusiastic person to fill the challenging position of Director. The Director will be responsible for the positioning of Humidtropics as a leading R4D program, supporting the management of the diverse R4D operational teams spread in action areas across tropical Asia, Americas and Africa, and supporting the communication between important stakeholders such as beneficiaries, advisory committee, management committee, investors and R4D partners. The Director will work directly under the management of the IITA Deputy Director General R4D and collaborate with the R4D management of IITA (the Lead Center) and the other CGIAR Research Programs.
 
Position/Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of the Director will include:
 
·            Provide academic and strategic leadership in close cooperation with the research area leaders.
·            Develop a clear, shared vision and strong partnership for Humidtropics among participating centers, partners and other stakeholders.
·            Represent Humidtropics globally.
·            Develop and position the Humidtropics identity and reputation.
·            Lead resource mobilization efforts.
·            Provide direction for operational excellence.
·            Manage contracts with the CGIAR Consortium Board as well as between the Lead Center (IITA) and the Humidtropics partners.
·            Ensure timeliness and quality of program deliverables.
·            Ensure contractual obligations such as financial and technical reporting.
·            Prepare and support the annual meetings of the CRP Advisory Committee.
·            Chair the Management Committee.
·            Lead the Humidtropics Executive Office.
 
Educational Qualifications
The candidate should have PhD in a relevant field.
  
Core Competencies:
·            At least 10 years of relevant experience, including strategic research management, in an international, multi-disciplinary, and multi-cultural environment.
·            Proven expertise in leading teams and building partnerships for collaborative and cross-cutting research.
·            Documented experience with the current state of knowledge, policy, and practice across the research for development agenda.
·            Proven resource mobilization record.
·            Capability to represent the Program in an international environment.
·            Excellent leadership skills and sensitivity to cross cultural issues and ability to work with multicultural and multi-disciplinary teams.
·            Demonstrated strategic thinking, planning and management skills.
·            Excellent written and oral communication skills in English language are required with proficiency in other international languages (French and/or Spanish) viewed as a strong asset.
·            Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and gender awareness.
·            Commitment to gender equity and diversity.
·            Willingness to travel.
 
Duty Station: Humidtropics Executive Office at IITA, Ibadan, Nigeria.
 
General information: Initial appointment is for three years. IITA offers a competitive remuneration package paid in US dollars.
 
Applications: Applications including curriculum vitae, names and addresses of three referees should be addressed to the Human Resources Manager. Please complete our online application form using this link: http://www.iita.org/irs-online-application
 
Closing Date: 31st October 2012
 
IITA is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from women candidates.
 
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.