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Senior Scientific Program Officer: Socioeconomics and Policy CIMMYT El Batán, Texcoco, Mexico


The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) seeks a results-oriented and experienced Senior Scientific Program Officer to support research, project management and program development activities in the Socioeconomics Program (SEP). Based in Nairobi-Kenya, the selected candidate will work under the direct supervision of the Socioeconomics Program Director, and will work in close interface with scientists, project leaders, the Program Administrative Teams worldwide, and other Programs/Units of CIMMYT, for enhancing the timely delivery and effective management of the research program. 
Specific responsibilities of the position will include:
•Support the Program Director and scientists in developing high quality grant proposals in strategic regions and priority areas worldwide.
•Assist the Program Director in planning and program management through collation and analysis of project-related information, monitoring of the scientific work plans, delivery of key milestones and outputs, and other reporting obligations.
•Assist the Program Director in recruitment and placement of new staff to implement activities across projects.
•Support scientists and project leaders in timely reporting and communication and outreach efforts for enhancing the impact of research by producing policy briefs, impact bulletins and other materials.
•Support internal and external publication of Program research outputs through internal review and scientific editing of materials.
•Mentor and guide young scientists in writing for journals and different scientific, development and policy audiences.
•Assist scientists, Program staff and the Director in developing and implementing more efficient operating procedure. 
•Support project leaders in developing and implementing timely sub-grant agreements and performance contracts with partners.
•Analyze Program resources and their use, and help develop strategic plans for human resource and capital development.
•Contribute to enhancing partnerships, data management and documenting the impacts of CIMMYT research.
•Contribute to scientific research and project implementation in selected thematic areas of socioeconomics and policy research.  
•Undertake any other relevant scientific and science administration tasks as assigned by the Program Director.


We are seeking candidates with the following qualifications:


Essential:

•Advanced degree in applied economics, project planning, business administration or any other related fields.
•A minimum of five years of experience in the management/administration or coordination of research or academic programs.
•Knowledge of donor requirements and experience in developing and writing successful project proposals.
•Deep understanding of agricultural research, development and environmental challenges in the developing regions.
•Practical skills and familiarity with standard project management software and results-oriented program management.
•Excellent scientific writing ability and communication skills. 
• Fluency in spoken and written English, other foreign languages is a plus.
• An effective and energetic team player, with the ability to work in a multidisciplinary and multi-cultural environment.
• Strong self-motivation and innovative skills, with capacity to work independently and meeting deadlines.


Desirable:

• PhD degree in applied economics, business administration or related field.
• Ability and willingness to allocate time flexibly into program management and supporting research in selected priority areas.
• Interest and motivation to leverage knowledge for building a highly effective research program for delivering impact.
• Familiarity with web publishing and interactive media.


CIMMYT (www.cimmyt.org) is a not-for-profit research and training organization with partners in over 100 countries. The center works to sustainably increase the productivity of maize and wheat systems and thus ensure global food security and reduce poverty. CIMMYT belongs to and is funded by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) (www.cgiar.org) and also receives support from national governments, foundations, development banks, and other public and private agencies.


CIMMYT has had enormous impact in the developing world. It is the center of excellence for work on two of the three most important food crops in the developing world. Its most famous employee, Dr. Norman Borlaug, is credited by many with saving more lives than any other individual in the history of the world. Borlaug’s work dramatically increased yields of wheat in the Indo-Gangetic plains in the 1960s and 1970s, staving off starvation for hundreds of millions. For this work, Borlaug received the Nobel Prize in 1970. Scores of other CIMMYT efforts have saved or enriched millions of lives, from releasing disease-resistant varieties and varieties resistant to drought and heat and soil deficiencies, to dispersing techniques to reduce farmer costs and post-harvest losses. In developing countries, wheat varieties developed by CIMMYT and its partners cover 75% of the area planted to modern wheat varieties.

The initial appointment is for three years, with possible renewals based on performance. CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package paid in US dollars, with a range of benefits including housing allowance, life and health insurance, education allowance (for pre-school, elementary, secondary, and other pre-university grade levels), home leave, retirement fund, and relocation shipping assistance.


CIMMYT is an equal-opportunity employer and strives for staff diversity in gender and nationality.
Apply at irsrecruitment@cgiar.org with a cover letter detailing your competencies and experience for the position, and a detailed CV/resume, please insert Position Reference Number 12245 on the subject of your e-mail.