Deputy Director General - Research
ICARDA, Egypt

About ICARDA

ICARDA mission is to reduce poverty, enhance food, water and nutritional security, as well as environmental health in the face of global challenges including climate change. We provide innovative science-based solutions to improve the livelihoods and resilience of resource-poor in the non-tropical dry areas. We do this through innovative science, strategic partnerships, linking research to development and capacity development that take into account gender equality and the role of youth in transforming the dry areas.

Purpose of the position

ICARDA is in the process of implementing an exciting program of organizational change in the context of One CGIAR where its research teams and country/regional programs will play a renewed role in Research for Development in the Drylands of Africa and Asia. In this context, ICARDA is looking for a dynamic and inspiring research leader who will play a critical contribution in the new course of organizational growth. She or he will have exceptional capacity to motivate, manage and lead teams of different disciplines and multiple cultures in order to deliver high-quality research outputs and development outcomes. Guided by ICARDA’s 2017 2026 strategy and CGIAR R4D strategy, the Deputy Director-General for Research (DDG-R) will provide scientific and managerial leadership in setting priorities, planning, implementing, and monitoring a cohesive research agenda aligned with the organization’s strategic direction and results framework.

Main responsibilities

• Provide scientific and management leadership in planning, implementing, and monitoring a cohesive research for development agenda aligned with the organization’s strategic direction and results framework.
• Establish research priorities and ensure coordination and maximum synergies across ICARDA’s research teams and country programs, in collaboration with CGIAR Science Groups and Initiatives.
• Ensure Excellence in Science, develop relevant performance indicators and report on related progress and achievements.
• Develop and manage ICARDA’s overall research-for-development budget in collaboration with research team leaders, research platform leaders, country managers and the Director of Finance.
• Effectively engage with the CGIAR Science Groups and Initiatives leaders to build complementarity and synergistic approaches with the portfolio of bilateral projects of ICARDA.
• Advocate and advance ICARDA’s and the CGIAR research agenda and overall positioning with key stakeholders, donor partners, and in international meetings and fora.
• Develop processes and tools to stimulate innovative scientific thinking amongst scientists and to ensure excellence in science, and build the capacity to develop and submit high-quality research proposals.
• Identify opportunities for new research initiatives and play a key role in resource mobilization efforts, in collaboration with the Partnerships and Grants team leader, from traditional and non-traditional sources, including the development of strong partnerships with NGOs and the private sector.
• Lead, in collaboration with the MEL team leader, the further development of an effective monitoring and evaluation system to ensure that ICARDA meets its research for development targets and, ultimately, impact.
• Lead, in collaboration, with the Capacity Development team leader, the strategy of ICARDA in terms of training and capacity development in the countries and organizations its serves.
• Lead, in collaboration with the Communications team leader, the strategy of ICARDA in terms of communication.
• Nurture a culture of teamwork, empowerment, collaboration, and performance for results.
• As a member of the Senior Management Team, the DDG-R will assist the Director General with the effective management of the Center.

Requirements

• PhD in a discipline of agricultural, natural or social sciences relevant for ICARDA’s research portfolio.
• At least 15 years’ experience in research

Job Rewards and Benefits