Leader of the International Maize Improvement Consortium (IMIC) for Latin America

Support Latin American smallholders and seed producers in improving maize productivity and the competitiveness of the regional seed industry!

We are seeking for an innovative, results-oriented agricultural manager to lead the International Maize Improvement Consortium for Latin America (IMIC-LA). IMIC-LA is a platform for the regional maize seed industry, public sector researchers, and CIMMYT to work together to improve smallholder maize productivity through improvement and dissemination of high-yielding, stress-tolerant, and nutritionally-enhanced hybrids for the Latin American tropics/ subtropics, especially in Mexico under the MasAgro Project. IMIC-LA delivers elite germplasm, software tools, and molecular breeding technologies to small and medium-sized breeding programs in Mexico initially, but expanding to other Latin American countries. The position contributes to and draws on the experiences of a large multi-disciplinary research team with focus on maize improvement. The selected candidate will work closely with CIMMYT’s elite research teams, as well as with partners in advanced laboratories, seed companies, and national research programs worldwide, to improve the lives of farmers and consumers who depend on maize for livelihoods and food security.

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its Spanish acronym, CIMMYT®, is a not-for-profit research and training organization with partners in over 100 countries. Please refer to our website for more infowww.cimmyt.org

The position will be based at the CIMMYT Headquarters in El Batan, Texcoco, Mexico, but will involve frequent travel, including other CIMMYT field sites in Mexico.

The main responsibilities of the position will be:

• Implement and manage IMIC-LA by identifying partners, organizing planning meetings, understanding partners’ needs and constraints, developing goals, and formalizing partnership agreements.
• Link with Mexican Government agencies for most effective alignment of the IMIC-LA agenda with government programs.
• Oversee production and dissemination of IMIC products, including foundation seed, information on hybrids, parents and donors, and information management products.
• Implement a collaborative breeding strategy, driven and supported by regional seed producers, and integrated with the CIMMYT Latin American breeding programs.
• Make cutting-edge breeding technologies such as doubled haploids and genomic selection available to small and medium breeding programs.
• Support regional seed producers in scaling up production and adoption of new and efficient techniques.
• Liaise with national programs, ministries of agriculture, and leading commercial actors in the regional maize sector.
• Coordinate Fund-raising and business plan development for IMIC-LA.
• Perform other duties as requested by supervisor.

We are seeking candidates with the following qualifications:

• A PhD degree in plant breeding, agronomy or associated disciplines. Candidates with an MS degree, but with extensive maize seed industry experience in Mexico, will also be considered.
• At least 5 years experience in maize breeding or seed production in the private or public sector in Latin America, with knowledge of maize seed production processes and in-depth understanding of Mexican markets and value-chains for maize.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills, and the ability to develop consensus among public and private sector partners.
• Strong communication skills in Spanish, and a good working knowledge of English.
• Demonstrated ability to design and manage, multidisciplinary product-oriented projects
• Familiarity with plant breeding, plant physiology, and field crop management.
• Proven ability to organize and coordinate complex tasks and strong self-motivation and innovation skills.
• Aptitude for international research and development applied to the problems of developing countries.
• Demonstrated ability to work collegially and collaboratively in diverse, multicultural partnerships.

The position is for an initial fixed-term of three years, renewable based on performance and availability of funds. CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package paid in US dollars, with a range of benefits including housing allowance, life and health insurance, education allowance (to Grade 12), home leave, retirement fund, and relocation shipping assistance.

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.

Please email cover letter (detailing your competencies and experience for the position) and CV no later than Monday, 7 October, 2013 to Human Resources, CIMMYT (Email: cngo@sri-executive.com / Please indicate Position Reference number: 12241 in the header of your email).

For further information please contact Guillermo Flores, Staffing Specialist,g.flores@cgiar.org

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