Program Manager – WHEAT

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WHEAT - Global Alliance for Improving Food Security and the Livelihoods of the Resource-poor in the Developing World

Program Manager – WHEAT

Recurrent food crises undercut and threaten the livelihoods of millions of poor people. Accounting for a fifth of humanity’s food, wheat is an especially critical ―staff of life‖ for the approximately 1.2 billion wheat-dependent poor—men, women and children who live on less than USD 2 per day—and approximately 30 million poor wheat producers and their families. Demand for wheat is projected to increase 70% in the developing world by 2050, while climate-change-induced temperature increases are likely to reduce wheat production in these countries by 20–30%. This will lead to significant future hardships and increasing social unrest for those who will no longer be able to afford this preferred staple food.

To address these challenges through the implementation of a global alliance/CGIAR Research Program (“WHEAT”), the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) is looking for a highly motivated and experienced Program Manager. Under the auspices of the CGIAR ( www.cgiar.org ), this unique, worldwide program encompasses the efforts of CIMMYT ( www.cimmyt.org ), ICARDA ( www.icarda.org ), and more than 200 partner organizations to dramatically and sustainably increase wheat food security while contributing to poverty reduction in the developing world. More detailed information can be found on http://wheat.cimmyt.org .

Responsibilities
 Ensure the successful implementation of WHEAT under the guidance of the WHEAT Management Committee and in coordination with partner institutions.
 Contribute actively to developing effective research and development teams from diverse partner institutions.
 Coordinate the development of impact-oriented, realistic work plans among project members and partners, and support their effective implementation, aligned with available resources and priorities.
 Develop communication, M&E, and knowledge management strategies. Facilitate their implementation in collaboration with other personnel.
 Coordinate partners’ assessment of research priorities to support resource allocation decisions and the development of effective research teams.
 Compile annual reports and other documents required by the CGIAR Consortium and FUND Council.
 Coordinate annual project, management, and oversight committee meetings.
 Execute agreements (subcontracts, collaboration agreements) with major R&D partners and investors.

Requirements
 M.Sc. or Ph.D. in International Development and Project Management, or closely related fields.
 Successful track record in managing major donor projects, ideally in international agricultural research, with a minimum of 10 years of professional experience.
 Excellent facilitation skills to manage interdisciplinary, multicultural, and inter-institutional teams of scientists using a pragmatic and team-based approach, and project management know-how.
 Good communication and negotiation skills.
 Excellent knowledge of English, knowledge of other major languages of advantage.
 Familiarity with world food security situation and the role of wheat research and development to effectively contribute to increasing food security, reducing poverty, and enhancing the environmental sustainability.

The position will be based at CIMMYT’s Headquarters in Mexico and requires extensive international travel. WHEAT has an annual operational budget of approximately US$ 50 million that is expected to increase substantially over the coming years. The position is for an initial fixed-term contract of 3 years, after which further employment is subject to performance. CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package paid in US dollars, with a range of benefits including housing allowance, life and health insurance, education allowance (to Grade 12), home leave, retirement fund, and relocation shipping assistance.

CIMMYT is an equal-opportunity employer and strives for staff diversity in gender and nationality.

Apply online no later than September 20th, 2011.

At www.cimmyt.org , click on “About us – Job Opportunities- 2011/16 Position” Please complete the online application, including your cover letter, competencies and experience for the position, and a detailed CV/resume.

For further information, contact Dr. Marianne Banziger, Deputy Director General, Research and Partnership, m.banziger@cgiar.org or the Human Resources Office, jobs-cimmyt@cgiar.org . Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.