Director of Research and Innovation

The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) is seeking a highly qualified Director of Research and Innovation (DRI) who will be based at AfricaRice M'bé -Bouaké/ Côte d'Ivoire. S/He will work under the supervision of the Director General.

About AfricaRice The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) is a leading pan-African rice research organization committed to improving livelihoods in Africa through strong science and effective partnerships. AfricaRice is a CGIAR Research Center. It is also an intergovernmental association of 28 African member countries, with headquarters in Côte d'Ivoire.

Ihre Aufgaben

The Director of Research and Innovation will proactively support a range of programmatic and administrative duties to ensure that all research and innovation for development program activities are in alignment with the 2030 Rice Research and Innovation Strategy for Africa as well as the 2030 Research and Innovation Strategy of the One CGIAR. To achieve this, the DRI will work closely with continental and global stakeholders including NARS leaders and their teams on the continent, One CGIAR Global Science Directors and their teams, the scientific personnel of AfricaRice including Outstation Representatives, Program Leaders, the Project Portfolio Coordinator, and Project Coordinators. The DRI will also coordinate very closely with the Head of the Grants and Conventions Unit of AfricaRice and also provide the appropriate coordination support to ensure the smooth operation of all research stations/offices of AfricaRice established in member countries.

Position responsibilities

The DRI is a member of the Executive management Committee (EMC) and may therefore be asked to act in an interim capacity for the DG of the Center as and when required. The incumbent will be called upon to travel frequently to the offices of AfricaRice in Abidjan and Out Stations. The DRI will have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Coordinate strategic scientific thinking, priority setting, planning, and coordination at the Center so that they are aligned with the Center's vision and mission as well as those of the One CGIAR 2030 research and innovation strategy and the National Rice Development Strategies (NRDS) of its member countries;

• Ensure continuous review and adjustment of research and innovation priorities in close consultation with AfricaRice's multiple partners and the One CGIAR Global science teams in line with the Center's vision and mission as well as One CGIAR 2030 research and innovation strategy and the NRDS of its member countries;

• Supervise, monitor, and review research and innovation activities of scientists of AfricaRice across multiple disciplines and programs and a large range of partners from the public and private sector in a highly result-oriented setup;

• Ensure the timely implementation of projects and sub-agreements with partners, quality of technical reports and burn rates with respect to the project cycle, workplans and contractual obligations with donors;

• Ensure that the scientific personnel of AfricaRice follow scientific leadership guidelines provided by One CGIAR Global Science teams and relevant One CGIAR system components and that resources mobilized are used in the most effective and efficient manner;

• Commission periodic reviews of AfricaRice research programs in consultation with the Director General, National Agricultural Research Systems of member countries and Global science Teams;

• Coordinate efforts of AfricaRice scientists to deliver on the engagement framework of One CGIAR in relationship with Research and Innovation institutions including National Agricultural Research Institutions, advanced research institutes, regional and continental research fora, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations in and out of Africa;

• Develop and promote strategies to continuously improve the Center's strong publication record of research results in high impact journals;

• Coordinate capacity strengthening and mentoring of scientists especially on the conceptualization of projects and critical thinking on and analysis of research for development matters;

• Engage in fund-raising efforts from traditional and non-traditional sources interested in research and innovation activities carried out by AfricaRice;

• Provide oversight and monitor research and innovation activities as well as representation to stakeholders of AfricaRice and One CGIAR in the research stations/offices of AfricaRice that are established in member countries;

• Ensure the enforcement of the risk management policy of the Center in the areas of responsibility;

• Interface with Senior Management on strategic and operational issues to ensure the efficient and effective management and to achieve the objectives, mission, and vision of AfricaRice;

• Carry out any other duties as may be required by the Director General.

Ihr Profil

Education: A Doctorate degree in an agricultural science discipline with an admirable record of achievements.

Work experience and key competencies required:

• At least 10 years of senior management and leadership experience with an agricultural research organization, especially providing leadership to programs and projects with an international dimension;

• Demonstrated work experience in Africa, especially with regards to the implementation of agricultural research projects involving multiple partners and different categories of stakeholders;

• Demonstrated experience in successful fund raising;

• Demonstrated experience in knowledge of the challenges and opportunities for agricultural research and rural development, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa;

• Ability to promote the vision, mission, and strategic goals of AfricaRice and One CGIAR and demonstrate integrity by adhering to the Centre's and One CGIAR's core values and ethical standards;

• Ability to think strategically, holistically, and to effectively communicate messages on complex issues;

• Ability to encourage and facilitate innovation and teamwork in a multicultural environment including sensitivity to gender, diversity, and inclusion;

• Ability to communicate fluently (orally and in writing) in English or in French, with a very good working knowledge of the other language;

• Show strong motivation and leadership skills to bring out the best from individuals and teams;

• Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills;

  Languages The candidate should be able to communicate fluently (orally and in writing) in English or French and have a good working knowledge of the other language. A working knowledge of local languages spoken will be an asset.

Wir bieten Ihnen

• AfricaRice provides an attractive salary and benefits package and a collegial and gender sensitive work environment.

• The initial appointment is for three (3) years with the possibility for renewal based on performance.

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