The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking an accomplished Deputy Leader for the CIP-Asia Region with proven management experience, to work closely with the Regional Leader and to develop both a regional vision and organizational strategy to support CIP’s organizational structure.
The Center: CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweet potato, and Andean roots and tubers. Its vision is of roots and tubers improving the lives of the poor. CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved well-being, and gender equity for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world. CIP works with partners to contribute high quality science, technology, and capacity strengthening for sustainable science-based solutions. CIP is headquartered in Lima, Peru, with staff and activities in over 30 locations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. CIP is a member of the CGIAR Consortium. CGIAR is a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future. Its science is carried out by the 15 research centers who are members of the CGIAR Consortium in collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations.
The Position:
This position will be based in New Delhi, India and will report to the CIP Regional Leader- Asia (RL.) The key role of the Deputy Leader is to have both internal and external facing responsibilities, ranging from partnership and management (business development, framing of key approaches, high-quality delivery and written products) to administration (information technology, financial reporting, overseeing CIP facilities), and human capital (HR/recruiting, mentoring, career progression). The Deputy Leader will partner closely with the Regional Leader to develop both a regional vision and strategy to support CIP’s organizational structure and deliver on the agreed business plan.
Responsibilities
Strategic Planning and Leadership
• To be part of the Senior Management Team (SMT) and to work closely with the Regional Leader (RL) on thought leadership, innovation and strategic planning. • To support the RL in policy and advocacy with significant change makers both in government, civil society and the private sector to influence pro-poor economic investment and enhance poverty eradication through the applicable use of agricultural science. • To improve project cycle management with a goal towards total quality management. This would include mentoring, training and supporting individual project and team leaders.
Human Resources Management
• Structure and lead teams to deliver outstanding operational efficiencies • Support and mentor colleagues across the region • To provide HR support on recruitment and national labour law compliance • Identify best practices and improve internal systems with an eye toward future needs and budget realities. • Manage increasing segments of information technology, human resources (recruiting, reviews, staff deployment/workload balancing, and career progression) with related internal communications and budgeting/finance duties. • Mentoring, coaching; visible, approachable sounding board/resource • Support annual assessment process as part of the CIP Talent Management Cycle , as well as other professional initiatives for staff training and development.
Knowledge Management
• To help support CIP’s own internal intelligence by gathering and capturing evidence both to influence donors and to feed the media with success stories and challenges. • To help integrate the CIP Asia Region into new ERP system (OCS).
• Share in knowledge dissemination, reporting, and communications.
• Share in knowledge dissemination, reporting, and communications.
Communication and Representation
• To represent both the Regional Leader and CIP Headquarters at the highest level and to deputize for the Regional Leader whilst travelling or on leave. • To present CIP’s work at various international events; industry-group conferences, professional associations, and other public venues. • Communications/Media – Expand and direct external communications and media relations in conjunction with the Regional Leader
New Business Development
• To manage an increasingly diverse and complex range of partnership structures between Government, the private sector, multilateral development agencies, and civil society. • Build and maintain strong partnership relationships and demonstrate skills as an exceptional relationship-builder. • To assist the Regional Leader in identifying new business opportunities across the region • To help gather and provide donor intelligence to inform the organisation as a whole • To be proactive in identifying new business opportunities through dynamic and innovative partnerships.
Reporting
• To oversee and monitor the timeliness and quality of budgetary and financial information provided by national accountants and Financial Managers • To help identify financial risk and provide management support in process analysis and implementation of good practices with regards to financial procedures • To contribute in annual budget planning • To oversee regional administration on sign off of travel requisitions, logistics, cash advances etc.
Selection Criteria:
• Proven track record in similar management positions • Highly intelligent, with advanced degree in Administration, Economics or related field from a leading university • Demonstrated delivery of superior results, commanding respect, and assuming leadership roles • Experience of both living and working in Asia. Knowledge of an Asian language is desirable. • Success in roles requiring execution of multiple tasks while responding to multiple priorities • Proven ability to work with efficiency, flexibility, and good humour • Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide array of people – junior and senior, for-profit and non-profit, and from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds • Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills are essential • Knowledgeable and passionate about international development strategies and activities • Ability to exercise tact and diplomacy in organizational settings • Transparent, direct, with substance • Self-starter, self-disciplined • Spark, imagination, creativity • Remains focused in the face of pressure, delivers against timelines, not intimidated by tasks/time limitations
Conditions: Employment contract will be for a three-year term (with a four month probation period) with possibility of renewal. Salary will be internationally competitive, paid in US dollars, and commensurate with experience. CIP provides additional benefits, including employer-paid medical, life and disability insurance and retirement benefits. Allowances towards relocation, housing, home leave travel, dependents’ education and annual leave are also provided. CIP prides itself on its collegial and supportive working environment, which allows space for personal and professional growth.
How to apply:
Applications: Applicants should apply by email, sending a letter of motivation, a full C.V., and the names and contact information of three referees knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to CIP-recruitment@cgiar.org, The reference name of the position should be clearly marked on the subject line of the email message. Screening of applications will begin on 28 February 2013 and will continue until the post is filled. All applications will be acknowledged; only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at http://www.cipotato.org
CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply
