Director of International Finance

We are seeking a dynamic, innovative, and service-orientated professional for the position of Director of International Finance who can lead the finance function during an exciting and demanding period of change and rapid growth of the Center. The Director will be an integral part of the senior management team of the Center, and will participate actively in the development and implementation of strategy.

CIMMYT is a not-for-profit research and training organization headquartered in Mexico, with over 1000 employees, offices in 14 countries, and an annual budget in excess of US$140 million. Over almost fifty years, CIMMYT and its partners worldwide have made a strong contribution to reducing hunger and increasing food security. Please refer to our website for more information: www.cimmyt.org

The position will be based at CIMMYT Main Campus (located 45 km northeast of Mexico City, Mexico). The selected candidate will be expected to travel extensively as required to CIMMYT regional offices throughout Asia, Africa, and Latin America, as well as to conferences and other events.

The selected candidate will engage in the following activities:

• Prepare and present financial strategies and reports to the Management Committee.
• Manage Treasury, Accounting and Reporting, Procurement, and Budgeting functions ensuring compliance.
• Prepare reports and analyses for the Board of Trustees.
• Develop and implement financial policies and procedures, to streamline operations, and provide effective and timely information and support.
• Manage the Finance Managers of regional and country offices.
• Propose and implement changes to CIMMYT’s financial reports, including the annually audited reports, as required.
• Assist in the decentralization of CIMMYT, culminating in regional administrative and scientific hubs.
• Represent CIMMYT in International fora.
• Lead the development and implementation of automated financial systems including workflow automation.
• Facilitate internal and external audits.
• Participate as an active member of the CIMMYT Management Committee, which is responsible for assisting the Director General in making strategic decisions.

We are seeking candidates with the following qualifications, skills, characteristics and interests:

• Minimum of ten years of experience in international finance and financial management, ideally gained in both the private and public sectors.
• Experience in managing project -based accounting systems.
• University degree in Accounting, Finance or related field and CPA, CA, CFA, or similar accreditation; strong knowledge of IFRS.
• Experience in the formulation and implementation of major financial reforms, e.g. new approaches to internal costing, ERP systems, remapping Charts of Accounts, and overall preparation of financial reports.
• Experience with rapidly growing and transforming organizations.
• Experience living and/or working in a developing country.
• Ability to work in a multicultural team.
• Ability to work in a stressful environment and under pressure.
• Experience in an international matrix management structure.
• Ability to motivate and manage staff.
• Excellent communication skills, orally and written, including the ability to make persuasive presentations.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Fluency in Spanish is a plus.
• Knowledge of Dynamics AX will be an advantage.

We will offer an initial contract for 3 years, which is renewable subject to continued need and funding for the position and performance of the staff member. Our internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, automobile or transportation allowance, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children’s education, paid vacation, annual airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.

To apply for this position, please email cover letter and CV no later than Monday, 7 October, 2013 to Human Resources, CIMMYT (Email: mcayetano@sri-executive.com / Please indicate Position Reference number: 12324 in the header of your email).

For further information on the selection process, please contact Guillermo Flores, Staffing Specialist, at g.flores@cgiar.org

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.