Managing Director - Africa at Bioversity International

About the position

• The Alliance seeks a Managing Director for Africa to lead and drive our regional research for development strategy through effective influence, collaboration, and partnership building. Reporting to the Alliance Director General, the Managing Director steers engagement with partners and funders to achieve impact and mobilize resources. This role involves expanding our research portfolio, growing our project pipeline, and securing funding relevant to the region. The Managing Director also acts as advocate and spokesperson in Africa, elevating our visibility and communicating our mission and accomplishments. Additionally, the Managing Director liaises with CGIAR Centers, enhancing CGIAR's regional presence.
• As the Alliance's legal representative in Africa, the Managing Director cultivates relationships with regional and host governments, ensuring legal compliance and adherence to both external regulations and internal policies.
• Working in tandem with Business Operations and Finance, TI, Human Resources, Legal and other cross-functional units, the Managing Director identifies key operational priorities, suggests improvements, and drives efficiencies to ensure sustainability and effectiveness of operations in the region.

Key duties & responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of a regional research for development strategy
• Forge and maintain strategic partnerships with research organizations, government and non- government entities, CGIAR entities and the private sector to support the delivery of our strategic objectives in the region
• Serve as a lead spokesperson in the region, showcasing our work and representing the organization in national and regional fora
• Work collaboratively with Research and Partnerships & Communications to identify and materialize resource mobilization opportunities through partnerships with governments, regional multilateral development banks to secure adequate financial resources for delivering on the Alliance strategy in the region
• Provide leadership for integration of research and various organizational functions to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and impact of our work.
• Ensure compliance with laws, host country agreements, and internal rules

Requirements

• PhD or Master’s degree in a relevant field
• Demonstrated track record of leadership in global or regional research for development organizations, with a deep knowledge of the research-for-development landscape and needs in the region, and the role of international and regionally based players
• High-level relationships in the region and excellent partnership-building skills, working within a diverse community
• Significant resource mobilization experience, including a good understanding of donor trends and investments in the development sector
• Experience in high-level advocacy and the ability to inspire and influence a wide range of stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to lead by influence through relationship-building, alignment and consensus
• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making abilities
• Demonstrated ability to navigate and lead when facing ambiguity and change
• Proven ability to integrate, inspire and develop multidisciplinary teams and manage talent, with a strong commitment to promoting diversity, knowledge sharing, and staff development.
• Uphold the highest ethical standards by inspiring trust and treat all people with respect and personal integrity.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in the English language, with the ability to communicate with all levels of the organization.
• Knowledge of other languages spoken in the region will be a plus, in particular French.