Back Asia-Program Director

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) is currently seeking 'Program Director - Asia'. The position can be based in Asia, either at headquarters or a mutually agreed location and reports to the Director General. The successful candidate will lead ICRISAT research and operations in Asia and will be in charge of mobilizing resources, developing innovative funding strategies, supporting project implementation, and developing new partnerships and strengthening current ones in Asia. ICRISAT is a non-profit, non- political organization that conducts agricultural research for development in Asia and Africa with a wide array of partners throughout the world. Covering 6.5 million square kilometers of land in 55 countries, the semi-arid or dryland tropics has over 2 billion peopleand 644 million of these are the poorest of the poor. ICRISAT and its partners help empower these disadvantaged populations to overcome poverty, hunger and a degraded environment through better agricultural production systems.Primary Responsibilities:

• Represent ICRISAT in the Asia region through liaison with governments, pan-Asian networks and authorities, organizations and initiatives;
• Enhance partnerships in the Asia region, especially with regional/sub-regional organizations, national agricultural research and extension systems (NARES), non-governmental organizations and the private sector;
  
• Contribute to the strategic management and leadership of the Institute;
  
• Contribute to delivering on ICRISAT’s Strategic Plan, Theories of Change and Country Strategies through professional research management and leadership that prioritizes and focuses the Institute’s global research for development programs;
  
• Lead, coordinate, review and monitor the research activities in Asia, including resource mobilization, annual budgeting, research planning, priority assessment, proposal development, partnership relations, staff evaluation and research reporting;
  
• Lead the research effort of the Institute in understanding the challenges faced by farmers and communities of the semi-arid tropics of Asia and deliver a coherent research for development agenda for this region;
  
• Participate in the ICRISAT Research Committee that formally drives the Institute’s research agenda and so ensure science quality and research excellence across the Institute and especially within the Asia Program;
  
• Nurture and sustain internal cross-program interactions and teamwork, working closely with other Directors and leaders in ICRISAT to ensure strong support for and engagement with the implementation of research activities globally;
  
• Assist in public awareness activities and greater visibility of ICRISAT in the region;
  
• Perform other responsibilities assigned by the Deputy Director General-Research and/or the Director General.Candidate profile:
  
  The ideal candidate will have most, if not all, of the following skills, knowledge, experience, and personal characteristics:
  
  • Ph.D. in Agricultural or Plant Sciences, Development Studies or related fields. 
  • Work experience of at least 15 years in international agricultural research for development with high levels of quality research outputs.
    
  • Proven capability to develop and manage a large program, including all aspects of project management: managing budgets and staff, building and managing partnerships, monitoring and evaluating impacts and leading a diverse team.
    
  • Experience in systems research where multiple stakeholders, including public policymakers, the private sector and agribusiness are involved in achieving research outcomes. 
    
  • Adaptability – ICRISAT is going through a process of change and requires commitment and flexibility.
    
  • Experience in addressing governance, institutional and market aspects of agriculture with examples of successful research and development interventions.
    
  • Demonstrated commitment to mentoring of staff, a safe workplace and protection of the environment.
    
  • Strong motivation and leadership skills to bring out the best from both individuals and teams.
    
  • Ability to establish, nurture and oversee multi-cultural, gender-sensitive multidisciplinary research teams.
    
  • Demonstrated expertise in written and oral communications and public awareness activities.
    
  • Demonstrated championing the critical areas of gender, youth, nutrition, knowledge sharing and innovation.
    
  • Demonstration of an entrepreneurial spirit with aptitude for innovation.
    
  • Fluency in spoken and written English is essential, knowledge of other languages will be an asset.How to apply:
    
    If you wish to be considered for this position, please use the Application Form below on or before 31 August 2023. All information will be in the strictest confidence as we pride ourselves on our professional service.  We will revert to you as soon as feasible when we have reviewed your application.
    Please CLICK HERE to submit your application.ICRISAT is an equal opportunity employer.