Country Manager and Scientist

The International Potato Center (CIP)is looking for an experienced Country Manager and to lead the design andimplementation of CIP Rwanda Country strategy by positioning CIP’s research anddevelopment agenda in Rwanda and the great lake region (DRC and Burundi). Thisposition is engaged primarily in the design and implementation of project relatedresearch activities in the country to strengthen CIP’S research in a holisticmanner by interlinking specific disciplines into a systems approach. The selectedcandidate should be committed to using research for development in a complexcooperative environment of research and development partners, specificallyfocusing in capacity building of partners in a PPP approach, in alignment withCIP’s regional and global priority setting. AboutCIP: CIP, a member of the One CGIAR, a global research partnership fora food-secure future. One CGIAR science is dedicated to transforming food, landand water systems in a climate crisis, and it is carried out by 13 CGIARCenters/Alliances in close collaboration with hundreds of partners, includingnational and regional research institutes, civil society organizations,academia, development organizations and the private sector. CIPworks with partners in over 20 countries to improve diets and incomes of poorpeople in Africa, Asia and Latin America through scientific research,innovation, and capacity strengthening.Focusing on potato and sweetpotatoas food systems entry point, CIP’s programs seek to strengthen broaderagri-food systems to generate economic, social, and nutritional benefits forfarmers, enterprises and consumers emphasizing the priorities of women andyouth. CIP emphasizes the synergies between social and bio-physical sciences asa core strategy for making breakthroughs in our understanding of complexdevelopment challenges in food and agriculture and for our ability to overcomethese. Within this pluralistic strategy, qualitative social science has acentral, and increasing place for explaining human and institutional behaviorand assessing benefits and risks for human development. The position: The CountryManager and Scientist will report to the Regional Director Africa and will bebased in Kigali, Rwanda. Key Responsibilities: Country Manager (50%) Working closely with the Regional Director, andregional team to develop and lead implementation of a strategic direction andplan for the country program. Working closely with project PrincipalInvestigators (PIs) and Global science Leaders to coordinate integration andimplementation of in-country projects, aligned with strategic country plan. Ensure that structures and systems follow CIPstandards, and that they support program delivery and promote managementcoordination and efficiency throughout the country. Play the role of institutional representation atcountry level with donors, partners, regional fora and networks, programmaticmeetings/institutions, CGIAR regional meetings, to support projects. Provide timely and effective oversight of the financialposition of the country program including identification and implementation ofrequired changes to match funding levels. Maintain safe & healthy work environment byestablishing, following and enforcing standards and procedures, complying withlegal regulations. Identify key country partners, build, and developpartnerships based on country activities, interact with partners at a countrylevel, be the country focal point for global partners in coordination withRegional Director to collaborate with CIP’s Capacity Building on Operations. Monitor operations team (facilities, IT,procurement, communications, budget), quality and quantity of resources incompliance with policies, procedures, and standards (CIP's and donors) tosupport project portfolio Lead and mentor the country team to ensure theeffective staff management framework, contribute to their performance reviewsand identify succession and development plans. Management of research and development activities(50%) Lead a large review of crops grown and productionin major agro-ecologies. Design a research program to effectively improvethe integration of improved, biofortified and climate resilient sweetpotato andpotato varieties into existing agro-ecologies where these crops play andimportant role. Collaborate with breeders, seed system specialists,nutritionists and agricultural economists to reach the program objectives. Work with leading sweetpotato and potato experts ina variety of disciplines to reflect on the current state of knowledge on theseimportant crops production systems and current and potential role in thecontext of climate change. Support on meeting the need for sustainableintensification and rapid urbanization on the African content. Lead the development and promotion of new researchprojects addressing key aspects of the food science agenda with appropriateroles for CIP and research partners. Write technical reports and communicate fluentlywith team members of CIP and partner organizations. Requirements PhDor MSc degree in agronomy, seed system or related field, preferably in potatoor sweetpotato. At least 8years of professional experience at a senior operating role in a globalresearch organization or business enterprises in multiple countries orequivalent. Strong track record ofestablishing and managing strategic partnerships with funders, governments,international organizations, and the research community in Rwanda. Strong knowledge andexperience of management practices to enable the creation of appropriatecountry implementation plans. Proven expertise of leadingfunding initiatives and managing complex proposal development processes. Leadershipcompetencies: o Planning and managing staff to achieve qualityresults. o Value honesty, integrity, and diversity. o Building and maintaining partnership and relationships. Excellent written and oralcommunication skills in English. Knowledge of local language is desirable. How to apply? Please Visit thefollowing link: https://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/ and submit your cover letter and a full C.V.with your references (preferable recent supervisors). Screening of applicationswill begin on March 30, 2024 and will continue until the post is filled. Allapplications will be acknowledged; however only short-listed candidates will becontacted. This position will NOT work or havecontact with children and/or vulnerable adults. CIP is an equal opportunity employer.Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are particularlyencouraged to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr