India: Senior Scientist and Country Representative

Bioversity International is a global research-for-development organization. We have a vision – that agricultural biodiversity nourishes people and sustains the planet.

We deliver scientific evidence, management practices and policy options to use and safeguard agricultural biodiversity to attain sustainable global food and nutrition security. We work with partners in low-income countries in different regions where agricultural biodiversity can contribute to improved nutrition, resilience, productivity and climate change adaptation.

Bioversity International is a member of the CGIAR Consortium – a global research partnership for a food secure future.

For further information on Bioversity International, consult our Web page at: www.bioversityinternational.org

Context

India, which is a recognized mega-diversity centre, possesses unique field and horticultural crop diversity, including a number of crops that have long been naturalized. This diversity remains under threat from changes in land use, agricultural practices and climate change. Nevertheless, this crop diversity continues to be a major natural asset and represents an essential element in the livelihood strategies of the rural population. The diversity available with Indian farmers also constitutes an important resource to deal with the challenges of adapting to climate change, increasing the productivity and resilience of food systems, and contributing to nutritional security.

Bioversity International is seeking a dynamic and creative senior scientist, with excellent communication skills and drive, to provide scientific leadership of research activities on the management and use of agricultural biodiversity being implemented in India and to establish and expand strategic partnerships with key stakeholders in India and the Central and South Asia region. This position will be based at Bioversity office in New Delhi which is hosted by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT). The senior scientist will be expected to take on the role of country and regional representation for Bioversity.

Main responsibilities

Within Bioversity’s initiative on Effective Genetic Resources Conservation and Use, the incumbent will work with partners, stakeholders at the global, national and local levels in implementing collaborative research initiatives. More specifically:

Scientific

• Lead and support implementation of world-class research on the management and use of agricultural biodiversity in India and the region, including the supervision of scientists engaged in related research activities;
  

• Contribute to Bioversity's research activities and partnerships to support focus on the delivery of international public goods, capacity development, and bringing research results to scale for high impact on food security and dietary diversity, improved rural well-being and gender equity, conservation and use of agrobiodiversity, and environmental sustainability;

• Produce and contribute to high-impact scientific publications and other impact-oriented products from the research;

• Maintain and expand Bioversity’s partnership with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) including the implementation of collaborative research to investigate and promote the use and management of agricultural biodiversity in order to achieve better nutrition, improve smallholders’ livelihoods and enhance agricultural sustainability, training programmes, workshops and other initiatives;

• Establish, maintain and expand strategic partnerships with key stakeholders including national programmes, governmental agencies, with regional institutions, donor community, development partners, international and local NGOs, universities, regional institutions and other resource institutions;

• Contribute to the effective implementation of relevant activities being carried out in India under different CGIAR Research Programs;

• Identify opportunities for new collaborative research and lead and contribute to the development new funding opportunities including proposals and concept notes for the generation of financial and human resources;

Country and regional representation role

• Act as the primary point of contact and representative for India and the Central and South Asia Region to identify, cultivate and develop funder and other partnership opportunities, participation in relevant national and regional initiatives, and priority policy processes that contribute to achieving Bioversity’s Strategic Objectives;

• Facilitate links within and between Bioversity Initiatives at country and regional levels, and promote communication, exchange of information and collaboration among Bioversity staff implementing research in India and the region;

• Oversee India office operations and the implementation of hosting arrangements for staff based in India.

Qualifications and competencies

Essential qualifications & competencies:

• PhD in a biological, environmental or social science.

• A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in agricultural research for development, including international experience and a minimum of 5 years in a managerial capacity (project, human and financial resources).

• Good knowledge of plant genetic resources and/or agricultural biodiversity management and use issues.

• Proven experience and competence in effective relationship management with stakeholders all levels including with key research and development partners in India and the Central and South Asia region.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to promote engagement through negotiation and consensus-building and deliver presentations to a variety of audiences.

• Strong project management skills including the coordination of teams and the management of financial resources, preferably in an international research or academic environment.

• Strong motivation and resourcefulness, with a sustained record of achievement, innovation and strategic vision, demonstrated in research products and publications in peer reviewed journals.

• A successful track record in developing and writing research proposals and fund raising.

Terms and conditions: This is an internationally recruited position. Bioversity International offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary, non-contributory retirement plan, medical insurance, housing allowance and leave provisions. All benefits are denominated and paid in US Dollars. The initial contract will be for a period of three years subject to a probationary period of one year.

Please apply online through Bioversity Job Opportunities web page (http://www.bioversityinternational.org/jobs/) by clicking the “Apply” button, completing the online application and attaching the required information, no later than 17 April 2016. Please note that in the application you are required to provide the contact details (address, telephone number and e-mail address) of at least three referees, which Bioversity will contact for short listed applicants.

Bioversity is an equal opportunity employer and strives for staff diversity.