Regional Director - IRRI in Africa

Job Purpose

IRRI has given a high priority to growing our work and impact in Africa. The Regional Director will be responsible for providing strategic and practical insights and follow-through to position and grow IRRI in Africa. The Director will ensure a strong reputation for IRRI in relation to our capability to bring big solutions to issues critical for Africa like rural poverty, resilience and sustainability, nutrition/health and national economic advancements. 

The Director will lead the development and implementation of an overall Africa strategy as well as country strategies for IRRI's research needs, outreach, capacity strengthening, partnerships and resource mobilization. This will include identification and development of project opportunities, focusing on key contributions IRRI can make to develop the agriculture and food system in target countries in the region.

The Director will represent IRRI's interests before governments in Africa and liaise closely with relevant government offices and agencies. Act as one of the chief spokespersons for IRRI in Africa and interact with a wide range of national and international partners and donors to seek new opportunities for research and partnerships, including fundraising, private and public-private sector partnerships.

The Director will also advise IRRI management and scientists on regional and national developments, emerging issues for research, new opportunities for funding, and appropriate policies and procedures for working and traveling in the region. Manage IRRI's relations with CGIAR centers, other international organizations and development agencies operating in the region.

This position will be based at the IRRI Regional Office in Nairobi, Kenya and is open for international applications.

Roles and Responsibilities

• To position IRRI and its reputation as a major contributor to critical issues in Africa
• To significantly grow IRRI in Africa to better achieve our mission to impact on rural poverty, climate resilience, the environmental sustainability and nutrition/health
• Lead the development and implementation of an overall Africa strategy as well as country strategies for IRRI's research needs, outreach, capacity strengthening, partnerships and resource mobilization. This will include identification and development of project opportunities, focusing on key contributions IRRI can make to develop the agriculture and food system in target countries in the region
• Provide strategic leadership and enable effective governance and management of IRRI's major research and development programs in Africa by ensuring coherence and synergy between various research programs, projects and activities. This includes oversight of robust financial administrative and human resource systems
• Represent IRRI's interests before high government entities in Africa and liaise closely with relevant government offices and agencies, and local and regional research and education institutions
• Act as the chief spokesperson for IRRI in the region and at international forums with interest in research and development in Africa
• Interact with national and international partners and donors to seek new opportunities for research and partnerships, including fundraising, coordination and engagement with both public and private sector
• Build and maintain a strong and healthy working relation for IRRI with other CGIAR centers, international organizations and development agencies operating in the region
• Create and sustain positive relationships with traditional and non-traditional donors, local missions and development agencies to ensure continued support of IRRI's research and outreach activities in the region
• Coordinate regional and national projects in a manner aligned with IRRI's strategic plan and embedded in IRRI's research areas to ensure synergy and coherence
• Identify and prioritize opportunities to develop IRRI’s programs and activities in Africa
• Provide necessary advice for IRRI management and scientists on regional and national developments, emerging issues for research, new opportunities for funding and appropriate policies and procedures necessary for current and future strategic work in Africa
• Coordinate efforts and resources to build the funding and partnership base to grow IRRI in Africa
• In coordination with the HQ, oversee the management of IRRI offices, finances and human resources in the region

Qualifications

• PhD in agricultural sciences, rural sociology, development economics or related field
• Over 15 years of relevant experience in research, leadership and outreach activities

Skills Required

• Experience in developing large research for development projects
• Demonstrated ability to work in multicultural and multidisciplinary team
• Track record of managing multi-country research for development programs
• Record of high-quality publications
• Prior experience of leadership, partnerships, mentoring and team building

Applications

Applicants are invited to send a cover letter illustrating their suitability for the above position against the qualifications, competencies, skills together with a detailed curriculum vitae, including names and addresses of three referees knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience. All correspondence should be addressed to the Human Resources and Organizational Development Office, Ms. Anna Junsay with a subject: Application – Regional Director, IRRI in Africa - your full name.

The position is urgent and will be filled as soon as suitable candidate is found. Only qualified applicants with relevant skills and experience will be contacted. We recommend applying as soon as possible and not later than 4 December 2024.