Position overview
ICRISAT has a compelling mission to fight poverty and improve the lives of people living in the semi-arid regions around the world. The semi-arid tropics are harsh environments with some of the highest levels of poverty and malnutrition, impacted strongly by climate change and battling water shortages and environmental degradation. The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) cannot be met unless we are persistent in escalating efforts towards finding solutions in these most challenged landscapes.
This is an exceptional opportunity to become a part of a modern and innovative agricultural research organisation. ICRISAT is embarking on a journey to implement its new research structure in Asia, East and Southern Africa and West and Central Africa through its three newly carved global research programs. To implement its research for development agenda, ICRISAT is looking for a dynamic, experienced, exceptional, multi-talented candidate for the position of Global Research Program Director for its Global Research program “Enabling Systems Transformation”.
The Global Research Program Director, “Enabling Systems Transformation” will lead a multi-disciplinary team of scientists working in the area of nutrition for sustainable diets, technology adoption, impact assessment, market, institution and policy, gender, youth, agribusiness innovations and capacity development. The position will report to the Deputy Director General – Research. This is an Internationally Recruited Staff (IRS) position for three years with attractive compensation and benefits package payable in US dollars. A new contract may be offered at the end of the present tenure based on the performance of the incumbent, funding availability and the Institute’s continuing need for the position. The suitable candidate will need to be able to act fast, engage professionally and build relationships across multiple cultures, besides working closely with the Institute’s Leadership Team and scientists across all our locations in Asia and Africa. The successful candidate will be an exceptional leader who is a passionate, dynamic, and collaborative individual and is highly motivated to achieve excellence supporting smallholders farm and food systems transformation in the semi-arid tropics.
Primary Responsibilities
- Lead the Global Research Program “Enabling systems transformation” across Asia, East and Southern Africa and West and Central Africa in the area of nutrition, technology adoption, impact assessment, market, institution and policy, gender and youth, agribusiness innovations and capacity development.
- Provide effective leadership to the research team placed in six different research clusters to deliver high quality research for development outcomes from the Program.
- Inspire research teams and individual scientists to deliver high quality scientific outputs.
- Contribute to the ICRISAT efforts for resource mobilization and work with multi-disciplinary teams to develop research proposals and follow-through for successful funding.
- Work with other global research program directors as well as regional directors and demonstrate comprehensive output delivery as a team.
Candidate profile
Qualifications and Experience
The ideal candidate will have most, if not all, of the following skills, knowledge, experience, and personal characteristics:
- A Ph.D. degree in agricultural economics/social sciences/ relevant field.
- Relevant work experience of at least 20 years in the area of agricultural research for development with high quality research outputs including an excellent record of publication in high impact journals.
- Demonstrated ability to build research networks and partnerships required for research for development in the area of systems transformation
- Demonstrated ability to write proposals and resource mobilization in the area of agricultural research for development or similar areas.
- Well connected with institutions, organization in the relevant areas of research.
- Experience of leading multicultural, multi-disciplinary scientific teams and ability to work across diverse environments and cultures.
- Exceptional communication skills and the ability to deliver a compelling picture of the ICRISAT mandate across stakeholders.
- Knowledge of the context of smallholder farmers in the highly vulnerable climates of the semi-arid tropics and agronomic knowledge of the major crops and cropping systems of the South Asian, sub-Saharan African region.
- Excellent written and oral skills in English. Knowledge of other international languages, especially French, will be an advantage.
Skills and Knowledge
- Demonstrated leadership abilities and strong interpersonal skills.
- A deep understanding of agricultural science and its critical role in tackling issues such as climate change, natural resource management, malnutrition, gender issues and rural poverty across developing countries that impact the UN SDGs.
- Insights into solutions in agricultural science, ranging from plant breeding technologies to digital solutions and agribusiness.
- Proactive and achievement oriented.
- Strategic and innovative in business development strategy and execution.
- Established networks and skills to establish and strengthen industry partnerships.
- Ability to write impactful pitches and to follow these through personally or with support from others
- Excellent written and oral skills in English. Knowledge of other international languages, especially French, will be an advantage.
Assignment Location:
The position will be based at ICRISAT’s headquarters in Patancheru, near Hyderabad, Telangana State, India. Hyderabad is the largest city and capital of the Telangana State; and also the de jure capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is India’s fourth largest city; and is a fascinating combination of the ancient and the modern India.
Hyderabad has developed into one of the major hubs for the information technology industry in India. In addition to the IT industry, various biotechnology and pharmaceutics companies have set up their operations in Hyderabad owing to its established Public sector in Life Science Research and Genome Valley. The city incubates several promising start-up companies and is one of the most exciting business centers in the country.
Located at the crossroads of North and South India, Hyderabad has cultivated a unique culture that is reflected in its language and architecture. Hyderabad is known for its rich history, food and its multi-lingual culture. There are four major languages spoken in Hyderabad: Hindi, Deccani-Urdu, Telugu and English. English is the language of business and administration and is widely spoken and understood. The Hyderabadi cuisine is known for its delectable flavors. Traditional Hyderabadi Dum Biryani is the most celebrated dish from Hyderabad.
Hyderabad has world class education facilities. While it is home to the prestigious International Business School, the city also houses educational institutes and schools imparting various national and international curriculum. Noteworthily, ICRISAT hosts the International School of Hyderabad within its campus.
Hyderabad is an ideal destination for expatriation. A vibrant international community, warm and friendly residents, negligible crime rate, sophisticated luxury hotels, sprawling shopping malls, boutique cafes and world class recreation facilities make the city an ideal destination for global citizens.
How to apply:
How to apply:
If this position interests you, please follow the below instructions to apply.
Applicants should apply on or before 21 July 2021, with latest Curriculum Vitae, and the names and contact information of three references that are knowledgeable about their professional qualifications and work experience. All applications will be acknowledged. However, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Please visit www.icrisat.org and visit the career tab or click on the link below to apply
https://www.icrisat.org/global-research-program-enabling-systems-transformation/