Regional Director - IRRI Africa at International Rice Research Institute

Roles and Responsibilities

• To position IRRI-Africa and its reputation as a major contributor to critical issues in Africa
• To significantly grow IRRI-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-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