Senior Program Specialist (Agriculture and Food Security)

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The International Development Research Centre (IDRC), a Canadian Crown corporation, supports research in developing regions of the world to promote growth and development. The result is innovative, lasting local solutions that bring choice and change to those who need it most. We are seeking a dynamic, strategic, innovative leader to join our management team.

SENIOR PROGRAM SPECIALIST
Agriculture and Food Security
OTTAWA, CANADA

Job Overview

The Agriculture and Food Security (AFS) program supports research to increase production and incomes from small-scale farming, while contributing food to rural and urban consumers of the developing world. The Canadian International Food Security Research Fund, a collaborative program of the International Development Research Centre and the Canadian International Development Agency, is an integral component of the AFS program.

As the Senior Program Specialist, you will responsible for providing intelligence related to food production science and post-harvest technology in developing countries. In addition to reviewing, developing, managing, monitoring and evaluating research projects; you will help ensure that programming includes a sound scientific approach.

Candidate Profile

Education
• PhD and a record of publication in an area of applied research related to food/nutrition science and/or post-harvest technology in a developing region of the world.

Experience
This position requires five to eight years relevant experience, which includes:
• Conducting and managing research projects from project design to project implementation and evaluation in developing regions
• Establishing and building organizational partnerships
• Designing and delivering research and/or development capacity building activities
• Communicating research and research results to different audiences including the Canadian and the development community
• Significant work experience in developing countries particularly in Asia is required

Note: Candidates with less experience may be considered for appointment at the level of Senior Program Officer.

Language
• Bilingual position (English/French) at an intermediate level

Knowledge
Strong knowledge of agriculture and food security issues in developing countries, with particular expertise in one or more of the following areas:
• Knowledge of procedures used by international funders
• Knowledge of organizations and institutions working on related topics
• Understanding of research methods and approaches, including strategies for effectively communicating research results and linking research to policy
• Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation strategies and methods

Competencies
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills
• Strong planning, organization, problem-solving, coordination and negotiation skills
• Ability to work as a member of a virtual, multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team and under pressure
• Ability to establish, manage, guide and monitor relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Ability to provide specialized advice and guidance to external contacts
• Ability to work from a people centered perspective
• Awareness of and sensitivity to individual, gender and cultural differences

Additional Information

This position involves travel of 60 - 90 days per year in regions of the developing world.

If you are interested in a career with a lasting impact, we invite you to join our team of talented and motivated professionals operating in a stimulating, multicultural, learning environment.

For more information about this opportunity and how to apply, visit www.idrc.ca/careers 

Application Deadline: November 7, 2010

IDRC encourages applications from qualified women, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities.

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