Coordinator of the CGIAR Systemwide Program on Participatory Research and Gender Analysis Deadline for applications: May 31, 2008

The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) Systemwide Program on Participatory Research and Gender Analysis for Technology Development and Institutional Innovation (PRGA Program) traces its origin to an international seminar and planning workshop in 1996 with stakeholders from more than 50 institutions. The International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) was designated as the Convening Center and the proposal from the planning workshop was co— sponsored by International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), International Center for Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA) and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). The Program began to implement its work plan in April 1997.

Throughout its existence, the PRGA Program has been guided by its programmatic goal "to improve the ability of the CGIAR System and other collaborating institutions to develop technology which alleviates poverty, improves food security, and protects the environment with greater equity" and its programmatic purpose "to assess and develop methodologies and organizational innovations for gender-sensitive participatory research, and operationalize their use in plant breeding, crop and natural-resource management."

The PRGA Program is now seeking applications for a Senior Research Fellow/Senior Scientist position to lead and coordinate the Program. The PRGA Program's hosting center, CIAT, offers internationally competitive salary packages, is an equal opportunity employer, and believes that the diversity of its staff contributes to excellence. CIAT is interested in increasing this diversity of its staff and particularly encourages applications from both women and developing country professionals.

Terms of Reference

The person recruited will:

  • Lead, coordinate and implement PRGA Program's intellectual vision

      - Provide overall Program vision and strategy
      - Actively promote and engage in collaborative research within and outside the          CGIAR system
      - Identify strategic opportunities and constraints in external environment and         design appropriate strategies to ensure that the Program is proactive

  • Provide guidance and oversight to ensure that a stream of science, academic and     popular publications result from the Program activities and collaborative efforts

  • Manage donor and external relations

      - Establish and maintain relationship with a wide range of donors (current and
        new donors)
      - Initiate and engage in proposal development
      - Prepare presentations for key events

  • Network with partners and senior management level

      - Nurture relationship with host center, CGIAR centers, systemwide programs,         challenge programs, science council, alliance board and international, CGIAR         gender and diversity program, regional and national stakeholders

  • Interact with internal governing body (Program Advisory Committee)

  • Provide Programwide oversight to budget planning and allocations

  • Supervise Program administrative staff and consultants

Terms of Employment

The position will be based in the PRGA Coordination Office at the CIAT headquarters in Cali, Colombia. There will be occasional travel to other countries. The initial period of contract will be one year but with the full expectation of contract renewal, given satisfactory performance and availability of donor funding.

Preferred Requirements

The person recruited will have:

  • A relevant postgraduate degree, preferably a Ph.D. in Agricultural/Biological     Sciences or Social Sciences, Development Studies, or other related areas

  • Significant postgraduate work experience

  • Preferably at least 3 years of project management and leadership experience

  • Strong capabilities in the use of gender-sensitive participatory research     approaches and of quantitative and qualitative analysis

  • Good knowledge of gender mainstreaming, participatory plant breeding and natural     resource management research

  • Credibility in the field/discipline relevant to the position with a good     reporting/publication record

  • Experience and skills in training and mentoring

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills

  • Demonstrated success in fundraising and donor relations

  • Demonstrated ability to work in an interdisciplinary and multicultural team-oriented     environment with colleagues, partner organizations, and other stakeholders

  • Willingness to travel

  • Fluency in English is essential, and knowledge of other languages is an advantage

Inquiries and applications, including an application letter, a curriculum vitae, and the names and contact details of three professional referees (including telephone, fax number, and e-mail address), should be sent to Ms. Claudia Garcia, Assistant Coordinator of the PRGA Program (c.x.garcia@cgiar.org).

Screening of applications for this position will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Closing date for applications: May 31, 2008 or until a suitable candidate is identified.

We invite you to learn more about the PRGA Program by accessing the Web site: www.prgaprogram.org