International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) Careers

Specific Duties:

• Execute CIMMYT’s breeding pipeline, ensuring efficient development, advancement, and dissemination of germplasm and products.
• Foster collaborations across areas of germplasm development, molecular breeding, rust phenotyping, and seed systems to co-implement impactful regional improvement network(s).
• Contribute to experimental design, trial, and nursery data interpretation and analyses.
• Contribute to increasing genetic gains in CIMMYT's and improvement network’s breeding pipelines, including the formulation, testing, and identification of impactful seed varieties.
• Contribute to capacity-building efforts of CIMMYT, CGIAR, and the seed's improvement network(s).
• Manage the program’s regional data, implementing the Enterprise Breeding System (EBS) for streamlined data management.
• Facilitate with the senior breeder the convening of seeds product advancement meetings, with active engagement of internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with regional improvement teams to optimize trial locations and align them with product pipeline testing requirements.
• Lead a team of research technicians, fostering a culture of ownership and accountability.
• Assist the technical stations staff in implementing best practices.
• Enhance the visibility of CIMMYT's research, partnerships, and impacts through the publication of high-quality journal articles.
• Perform additional duties assigned by the supervisor and Program Director to support program objectives.

Requirements

• PhD in breeding or a closely related field with demonstrated expertise in seed breeding.
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience.
• Expertise in one, with familiarity in the other areas of biometrics and statistics, quantitative genetics, and applied molecular breeding.
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Desire and ability to work respectfully and inclusively in a diverse, multicultural, multidisciplinary work environment.
• The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Problem-Solving, Decision making, Achievement Orientation, Communication, and Teamwork

Catalyze Research and Innovation Through Visionary Leadership:

• Drive Strategic Excellence: As a member of CIMMYT's leadership team, you will translate CIMMYT's 2030 Strategy into reality through the Global Maize Program (GMP), integrating core research strengths with innovative program development.
• Lead Transformative Initiatives: Spearhead strategic initiatives, leveraging CIMMYT's unique capabilities to elevate the quality and global impact of our maize research.
• Ensure Scientific Rigor: Provide technical oversight and quality assurance for the GMP, fostering an environment where innovative science and operational excellence converge.

Elevate and Advocate CIMMYT’s Maize Research Agenda Globally:

• Stay at the Forefront: Keep abreast of global advancements in agricultural research, utilizing these insights to strengthen CIMMYT's maize policies and drive actionable outcomes.
• Champion Global Influence: Represent CIMMYT in international forums and meetings as a Leadership Team member and Director of one of its key programs, advocating for and advancing our research agenda with key stakeholders.
• Drive Strategic Collaboration: Actively engage in governance, strategic decision-making, and resource allocation, ensuring the GMP's alignment with CIMMYT's broader institutional priorities.

Champion Strategic Resource Mobilization:

• Forge Funding Pathways: Lead efforts to secure financial support by overseeing grants, projects, and intellectual property management, working closely with scientists and operational staff.
• Optimize Resource Allocation: Manage the GMP's research budget effectively, ensuring robust funding streams that align with CIMMYT's strategic objectives.
• Empower and Inspire: Collaborate with other Program Directors and HR to align staffing with research needs, motivating and leading scientific teams to uphold CIMMYT's high standards.

Requirements

• Possess a Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, Genetics, or a closely related agricultural science field, with a significant publication record and demonstrable project leadership. The ideal candidate will have an excellent understanding of the characteristics, processes, and indicators essential for managing a world-class, science-based breeding program.
• A minimum of 10-15 years in senior management positions within renowned nonprofit organizations, foundations, corporate sectors, or government agencies, with a commanding track record in scientific leadership and executive oversight.
• A global perspective grounded in international and developing country experience, driven by a deep commitment to elevating living standards in emerging economies.
• A history of achieving exceptional outcomes, earning esteem for a cooperative and inclusive approach, and contributing to a culture of excellence.
• Versatility in managing a multitude of tasks and priorities within a dynamic, fast-paced environment, exemplifying agility, and strategic multitasking.
• Proven expertise in forging and nurturing relationships with a broad spectrum of individuals, across diverse backgrounds and disciplines.
• An innate ability to navigate the intricacies of international diplomacy with finesse, employing tact and discretion as fundamental tools of engagement.
• Strong communication skills, with fluency in English required and additional language proficiency desirable.
• You exhibit the following competencies: Strategic Impact, Operational Efficiency, People Management, Networking and Communication, and Individual Impact.

Specific duties

Collaboration and Coordination:

• Collaborate with CGIAR breeding teams, Genetic Innovation (GI) Initiatives, and their Work Packages.
• Indirectly report to and oversee select labs, Service Managers, and regional Service Coordinators.
• Liaise and coordinate with members of the Breeding Research Services (BRS) Management Team.

Leadership and Development:

• Lead the development of a business model to operationalize genotyping and analytical shared services, ensuring long-term sustainability.
• Lead regional service labs and staff members to coordinate and operationalize lab shared services.
• Develop and operationalize a transition plan for selecting regional labs and capacities in alignment with the new BRS operating model under GI.
• Lead lab service demand forecasting activities to ensure optimal usage, cost, and service requirements are met.

Management and Oversight:

• Oversee budget management for the annual lab services team across Centers and regions.
• Manage BRS – Global Shared Services (GSS) lab service activities, including:
• Establishing and managing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Establishing a framework and leading the CGIAR/NARES molecular breeding capacity assessment.
• Working closely with the BRS leadership team to design services and negotiate contracts with internal and external providers, ensuring up-to-date lab service offerings.
• Foster stakeholder engagement with Breeding Leads, Initiative Leads, and Center leadership to ensure smooth operation and coordination of lab services. 

Capacity Building and Fundraising:

• Develop and oversee a capacity development and staffing plan for lab services.
• Manage budget and fundraising efforts to support the enhancement of lab services.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in life sciences or related fields, or an MBA with comparable experience in managing Research & Development (R&D) services for product development. MSc. in life science related fields candidates will also be considered.
• Hands-on experience (10 years) in applied breeding and applications of molecular and analytical tools.
• Business acumen and experience in managing global or regional services for R&D.
• Budget management and resource mobilization experience in multi-national or international organization.
• Leadership experience in complex or multi-stakeholder organization.
• Skills in multi-disciplinary team building.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Public and private partnership experience.
• Private sector or seed industry experience.
• International work experience.
• The selected requires the following competencies: Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, Teamwork, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Decision Making.

• The Quantitative Genetics Specialist will support CGIAR-NARES breeding teams to achieve higher rates of genetic gain and extract maximum value from new and proven technologies, tools, and services. The successful candidate will have a strong background and experience in quantitative genetics and biometrics with a deep understanding of how to manipulate plant breeding schemes by using the latest technologies. The successful candidate will work within the ABI Quantitative Genetics team, across CGIAR centers – in a wide range of regions and crops – to optimize breeding schemes according to elements of the breeder’s equation to achieve the highest possible rate of genetic gain per dollar invested and per unit of time using simulation technologies, optimization and applied quantitative genetics experience, among other means.
• By providing one-on-one consultation, workshops and online communication via the platform’s purpose built ‘toolbox,’ the successful candidate will contribute to raising standards of breeding methods and operations at CGIAR and NARES breeding programs in line with targets set by ABI.
• The position will be based at CIMMYT-Nairobi Campus in Kenya, involve significant international travel, and will report to the ABI Breeding Optimization Lead.

Specific duties:

• Lead CGIAR-NARES breeding teams to create awareness and support the adoption of new tools and approaches for optimizing breeding pipelines.
• Work with other quantitative genetics specialists to design and evaluate new and current breeding schemes through simulation, retrospective analysis, and pilot testing.
• Develop strategy in collaboration with CGIAR-NARES breeding teams and other stakeholders and support the development of plans to optimize the use of new breeding tools and methodologies.
• Support CGIAR-NARES breeding teams to ensure that target product profiles drive breeding activities and that breeding efforts are aligned to these breeding targets.
• Support the CGIAR-NARES breeding teams to set up disciplined processes to select parental germplasm in a targeted manner, as well as identify and implement ways to overcome resource, logistical, and biological constraints to shorten the breeding cycle time and increase the accuracy of data prior to selection of parents.
• Contribute to the development of a training strategy and content to mentor and consult with CGIAR-NARES breeding teams.
• Lead and contribute to both virtual and hands-on training and mentorship activities targeted at CGIAR-NARES breeding teams in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
• Providing support to internal and external reviews and evaluations.
• Contributing to publications derived from the breeding optimization project.

Requirements

• PhD in plant breeding, quantitative genetics, biometrics, or related fields.
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in private industry and/or an advanced modern breeding program is a plus.
• In-depth understanding of practical breeding applications and logistical constraints that will be relevant to breeding programs targeting the developing world (i.e., CGIAR centers, national systems, and private sector organizations).
• Expertise in statistical analysis software (R, mixed modeling, perhaps machine learning, etc.) and a creative and innovative mindset.
• A good understanding of quantitative genetics and underlying mathematical theory.
• Good reporting and communication skills in English.
• The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Problem-Solving, Client Orientation, Good Communication, Multicultural Awareness and Collaboration.

• As our new HR Director, you will utilize your extensive experience in HR management to oversee and optimize our human resources operations. Reporting directly to the Chief Operations Officer, you will play a crucial role in shaping our organizational culture and ensuring the effective functioning of our programs both at headquarters and internationally.

Based at our headquarters in Texcoco, Mexico, you will:
Lead Our Strategic Human Resource Management:

• Devise and implement cutting-edge human resource and administrative policies and procedures that bolster CIMMYT's mission, ensuring they are effective, efficient, transparent, and promote equal opportunities in line with CIMMYT's 2030 Strategy
• Work closely with HR officers across global offices to review and support updates to human resources procedures including terms of employment, organizational structures, and compensation packages to attract and retain top talent
• Manage the recruitment process of national and international staff efficiently, keeping track of all developments and enhancing procedures to reduce turnover and personnel issues
• Coordinate comprehensive performance and talent management strategies, address employee disputes and grievances, fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment
• Assist in driving strategic HR initiatives that support cultural change and effective change management, enhancing CIMMYT's standing within CGIAR and among international peers
• Engage with senior leadership to ensure HR strategies are robust and support the overarching goals of CIMMYT, emphasizing compliance and strategic alignment in all HR practices

Enhance Operational Management and Compliance:

• Monitor and regularly update personnel records, ensuring all data are current and accessible. Create efficient processes that enhance overall HR functionality
• Work closely with relevant internal stakeholders to align HR development needs with operational plans and budgets, ensuring all departments are synchronized and informed of HR objectives and updates
• Ensure that the organization's financial and human resources plans are integrated, overseeing payroll structures and payment procedures for both national and international staff
• Collaborate with the Security Officer to brief personnel on security protocols and health safety measures, maintaining a safe and secure working environment across all CIMMYT locations

Stimulate Team Leadership:

• Guide a diverse and multi-functional team in HR and administrative services, instilling a culture of innovation, quality, and collaboration across CIMMYT. Ensure all HR initiatives support CIMMYT's strategic goals and reflect the organization's core values
• Actively participate in strategic planning sessions with the Director General, Chief Operations Officer, and other leadership team members to ensure comprehensive HR support for all CIMMYT programs and projects
• Develop and implement performance metrics tailored to HR team needs, fostering an environment that rewards innovation and acknowledges individual and team achievements
• Offer ongoing advice and guidance on talent retention and staff well-being, positioning CIMMYT as a leader in HR practices within the agricultural research community
• Facilitate cross-organizational working and communication, enhancing synergy and alignment among various departments within CIMMYT
• Regularly report to the COO and leadership team about HR progress and challenges, advocating for strategies that mitigate risks and leverage opportunities. Keep the leadership informed of the latest developments in HR and ensure alignment with global best practices

Requirements

• Academic degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, complemented by a proven track record in HR management and strategic development
• At least 5 years of progressive leadership experience within an international organization, demonstrating the ability to effectively manage human resources, implement organizational change, and influence HR policies at a strategic level
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and implementing comprehensive HR strategies and policies, with a strong ability to oversee significant organizational initiatives and adapt to evolving workforce needs
• Deep knowledge of the principles of human resources management, including talent acquisition, staff development, performance management, and employee engagement
• Robust experience in HR project management and administration, ideally within international non-profit organizations or similar complex environments
• Strong negotiation and communication skills, with fluency in English required; proficiency in additional languages is highly desirable
• Demonstrated ability to lead diverse and high-performing teams, fostering a culture of innovation and collaborative success across cultural and geographic divides
• You exhibit the following competencies: Strategic Impact, Operational Efficiency, People Management, Networking and Communication, and Individual Impact

• CIMMYT seeks an agribusiness-oriented Consultant, Product Manager to oversee the alignment of all facets of product development, from product definition, through product development, to links with distribution and marketing of products for our focus crops.

The location of this position will be Nairobi, Kenya.

Specific Deliverables:

• Develop comprehensive product strategies and roadmaps, considering market trends, customer needs, and business goals after analyzing data from trials/ demos/ OFTs and feedback.
  • Consult with market intelligence, seed systems, and value chain actors to document the drivers of variety adoption and develop the product cycle strategy from design to market.
  • Incorporate socially inclusive needs and circumstances, particularly of women and youth in rural households in target geographies and of human nutrition, in target setting and design and the go to- market strategy.
• Manage advanced testing to ensure qualitative and quantitative data from on-farm trials are available for product advancement meetings.
• Manage the product advancement process and pipeline from late-stage testing to product advancement and recommendation for release and commercialization.
• Support management in ensuring that the breeding programs deliver products that market needs, and to do this on time, and on budget.
• Work with partners to increase the impact of crop improvement by.
  • Improving our understanding of factors affecting variety replacement.
  • Developing effective practices in the germplasm advancement processes.
  • Ensure accurate seed multiplication and dissemination processes, including engagement with the seed industry.
• Contribute to CGIAR product design and management modules, annual and multi-year work plan development, execution, and reporting, and manage associated budgets.
• Capacity development to designated teams, e.g. PDT and PATs, and partners for modern product delivery. As part of capacity development, contribute to publications in referred journals, project reports, posters, and papers for presentation at local and international conferences.

Requirements

• Master’s degree or higher in crop sciences, plant breeding, seed science and technology, agronomy or similar.
• Four or more years of experience in seed product management, marketing of seed hybrids/ varieties and/or business administration is desirable.
• Hands-on agrobusiness experience in the commercial seed industry in Africa; awareness of industry trends and developments.
• Familiarity with the seed sector / seed value chains and experience with agricultural digitals tools is desirable.
• Awareness of product development principles including how to understand requirements for variety adoption and methods for marketing.
• Commitment to social inclusiveness, including awareness of the roles of women and youth in variety uptake.
• Cross-cultural, cross-function team management and leadership experience.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Results focused, persistence and pragmatic attitude skills.
• Teaching, training, and capacity development; ability to work effectively within a product-oriented perspective while engaging with organizations/stakeholders that might not share this perspective.
• The selected requires the following competencies: Team Leadership, Negotiation, Resolution, Client Orientation, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving.

• As the new Chief Engagement Officer (CNO), you will harness your expertise to amplify our narrative, ensuring that the stories of change and progress reach stakeholders and donors worldwide. You will be at the vanguard, enhancing our presence on the global stage and championing the cause of food security, agrifood system transformation and sustainable development while reporting directly to the Director General. You will be part of one of the most challenging endeavors of our times: ensuring nutrition and food security amidst a climate crisis.

Lead our Strategic Communication:

• Devise and implement cutting-edge communication strategies that boost CIMMYT's global visibility and underscore its pivotal role in agricultural advancement for smallholder farmers in line with CIMMYT's 2030 Strategy.
• Harness compelling storytelling to highlight CIMMYT's contributions towards sustainable agriculture in the Global South, influencing policy, and driving change.
• Propel CIMMYT's digital communication transformation, leveraging the latest technologies to magnify reach, impact, and engage a global audience effectively.
• Forge strategic partnerships to spotlight CIMMYT's scientific advancements and their application in real-world sustainable farming practices.
• Support our cultural change and change management through exciting internal and external communication strategies.
• Elevate CIMMYT's profile as part of the CGIAR internally and externally in high-level fora, venues, and with opinion leaders.
• Support fundraising through results-oriented communication that highlights achievements and opportunities for investors, funders, and donors.

Expand our Donor Engagement:

• Strategically expand and deepen our donor network, cultivating meaningful partnerships with organizations and individuals who share CIMMYT's vision for sustainable agriculture.
• Spearhead innovative fundraising initiatives to diversify our donor portfolio, including engagement with corporates, philanthropic individuals, and scientific funding bodies.
• Foster synergies between CIMMYT's leadership and the research community to ensure fundraising strategies robustly support our strategic goals and scientific endeavors.
• Develop and maintain a gold standard of donor stewardship, establishing rigorous accountability protocols and best practices that reflect our commitment to transparency and excellence in donor relations.

Stimulate Team Leadership:

• Direct and energize a multi-faceted multicultural team of around 20 specialists in communications, donor relations, and Fundraising Support, instilling a culture of ingenuity, quality, and shared success.
• Influence and motivate multiple fundraising champions and communicators across the organization.
• Cultivate an engaging work environment that sparks innovation, rewards team achievements, and acknowledges individual excellence.
• Design and implement comprehensive performance metrics for the communications and donor relations teams, ensuring they reflect and drive CIMMYT's overarching ambitions.
• Guide and empower team members through targeted development and mentoring, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to excel in their roles amidst a changing global landscape.

Requirements

• An academic degree in communications, international relations, development, or a related field, with a proven track record in high-level strategic communication and fundraising.
• At least 10 years of progressive leadership experience, demonstrating the ability to mobilize resources, galvanize teams, and influence change within an international organization.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and executing sophisticated fundraising strategies, with a history of securing significant funding from a variety of sources, including individual and corporate donors.
• A deep understanding of the principles of strategic communication, with the ability to raise an organization's profile, articulate impact narratives, and foster stakeholder engagement at the highest levels.
• Robust experience in project management and administration, particularly within the context of international non-profit organizations or research institutions.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills, with fluency in English required; proficiency in additional languages is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to lead diverse and high-performing teams, fostering a culture of innovation and collaborative success across cultural and geographic divides.
• You exhibit the following competencies: Strategic Impact, Operational Efficiency, People Management, Networking and Communication, and Individual Impact.

Specific duties:

• Collaborate with relevant public and private sector institutions, contribute to deploying and scaling up seeds in support of cropping systems in Sudan, including but not limited to groundnut, sorghum, sesame, and vegetable seed systems.
• Provide technical support to seed companies, NGOs, and NARS in designing and implementing seed road maps and systems analysis for seed system scaling to meet seed demand for target beneficiaries.
• Work with Gender Lead to ensure gender- and market-responsive seed systems interventions and extension approaches for enhancing livelihoods, including demonstration of new varieties to generate demand and capacity building of local institutions.
• Support sustainable intensification practices that promote soil health in climate-resilient crop production.
• Promote and manage various rural development and innovation models around extension/seed system/climate innovative technologies engaging institutions, change agents, and stakeholders.
• Lead the development of approaches for promoting seed entrepreneurship amongst women and youth.
• Engage with knowledge agencies, training institutions, and experts for stakeholder capacity building and strengthening partnership.
• Lead the collection and dissemination of high-quality seed producibility data to seed companies, NGOs, and community-based organizations.
• Document the work through high-quality technical reports that demonstrate project impacts.
• Work with and support project and program economists to implement a broader social science research agenda related to seed system strengthening, seed marketing, market intelligence, agri-business, and end-user preferences in the region.
• Contribute to the positioning of CIMMYT as a thought leader in debate related to legume and cereal seed systems development through high-level publications and presentations.
• Engage local stakeholders (seed companies, CGIAR breeding teams, NGOs) on strategies, policies, and research to address bottlenecks in legume and cereal systems in Sudan and the region.

Requirements

• Arabic speaking and proven record of working in Arabic speaking regions on seed systems.
• Ph.D. in Crop Science, Breeding, Seed Systems would be desired. Candidates with different backgrounds will also be considered.
• 5 or more years of experience in international agriculture development research, preferably working on seed systems.
• At least 5 years in research project management or a related role, including publications, donor relations, reporting and fund raising.
• Core experience:
  • Expert knowledge of Seed Systems.
  • Long-term experience working with research organizations, NGOs, private sector seed companies or related.
  • Evidence of policy support and high-level government engagement in Seed Systems development.
  • Project management and donor relations expertise.
• The selected candidate should exhibit the following competencies: Team Leadership, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, Critical Thinking, Teamwork, Problem Solving, and Communication.

Contribute to Strategic Management and Integration:

• Collaborate with our leadership team to guide the organization's strategic direction, focusing on integrating GESI throughout our research and innovation.
• Analyze global trends and their implications for GESI, advising the Director General and ensuring that CIMMYT remains a leader in this field by mainstreaming and innovating GESI throughout all our work.
• Manage and innovate GESI science and innovation protocols, methods, infrastructure, and initiatives, ensuring alignment with international best practices and standards.
• Promote CIMMYT's vision and GESI objectives, driving forward our mission with passion and commitment.

Expand Operational and Strategic Capacity:

• Stay abreast of global developments in GESI research and innovation, translating insights into action and policy upgrades.
• Establish and track objectives and key performance indicators for GESI initiatives, enhancing our impact and reach.
• Drive the GESI components of the CIMMYT 2030 Strategy, advocating for continuous improvement and high performance.
• Develop and execute strategic plans that bolster GESI in our research and innovation portfolio, ensuring effective, client-focused outcomes.

Lead and Inspire:

• Ensure that GESI principles are embedded across CIMMYT, translating strategic vision into excellence in execution.
• Oversee the development of GESI policies and research and innovation protocols, methods, and concepts, setting the bar for quality and impact, while inspiring change in our partners.
• Engage with a worldwide network, fostering unity in a diverse cultural landscape.
• Develop and lead a GESI research and innovation portfolio focused and improving GESI standards and implementation throughout research and innovation in the Global South.

Requirements

• An advanced university/academic degree in a relevant field, with a strong focus on gender equity and social inclusion.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in GESI-focused roles, demonstrating leadership and the ability to mobilize resources and people.
• Proven skills in fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building in GESI.
• A strong understanding of organizational change processes.
• Extensive knowledge of and experience with project management and administration.
• Experience working in an international environment.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Strong communication skills, with fluency in English required and additional language proficiency desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse teams and partners across cultures and geographies.
• You exhibit the following competencies: Strategic Impact, Operational Efficiency, People Management, Networking and Communication, and Individual Impact.