The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) is seeking a visionary and experienced Regional Director for Africa. This high-level leadership role is responsible for overseeing regional activities, ensuring operational excellence, and driving strategic impact across the continent. The Regional Director will manage compliance, foster a positive work environment, and develop a diversified project portfolio in alignment with CIMMYT's 2030 strategy.
Key Responsibilities
Oversight & Compliance
- Oversee regional activities, ensuring application of standards, policies, processes, and regulatory requirements in alignment with Headquarters.
- Ensure compliance with organizational policies, procedures, and legal requirements.
- Maintain and promote, in coordination with the CSO, CNO, and COO, the highest standards of excellence in science, engagement, and operations.
Foster Positive Work Environment
- Promote a respectful work environment, ensuring the highest standards of conduct in line with CIMMYT's values.
- Maintain good working relationships among staff and teams within the countries and regions.
Project Portfolio Development and Promotion
- Support the development of a diversified project portfolio in coordination with the Science and Innovation Chapter and the Engagement Chapter.
- Promote the overall portfolio and projects at both country and regional levels.
- Enhance visibility of CIMMYT activities and impacts in the region.
Leadership and Strategic Planning
- Work collaboratively with Leadership Team (LT) colleagues to deliver CIMMYT’s 2030 strategy through activities in the region.
- Develop and implement regional strategies and plans in alignment with the organization's overall goals.
- Oversee the development of aligned country-level strategies and plans.
Strategic Partnership and Resource Mobilization
- Represent CIMMYT and its Director General in the region, managing relationships with government ministries and hosting organizations.
- Develop relations with regional bodies and position CIMMYT within the CGIAR regional structure.
- Lead and foster resource mobilization efforts in close collaboration with relevant Chapters.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with donors and partners to support regional initiatives.
Operational Functions and Issue Resolution
- Oversee day-to-day administrative functions of Science, Operations, and Engagement staff in the region.
- Supervise CIMMYT Country Representatives (CCRs) and provide guidance to ensure effective implementation of regional strategies.
- Facilitate the resolution and escalation of issues at the country and regional levels.
- Support the development or renewal of Host Country Agreements to optimize operations.
Monitoring and Evaluation
- Monitor and evaluate country and regional performance, providing regular reports to the Director General and other stakeholders.
Requirements
- Experience: 10-15+ distinguished years in a senior management position in a nonprofit organization, foundation, private company, or government agency.
- Scientific Leadership: Significant scientific leadership and executive management experience.
- Education: PhD in agriculture, natural resources management, development studies, or a related field.
- Leadership History: At least 15 years of progressively responsible leadership experience with a history of achieving exceptional outcomes.
- Management Scope: Experience in program, country, or regional management.
- Global Perspective: A global perspective grounded in international and developing country experience, dedicated to elevating living standards in emerging economies.
- Soft Skills: Versatility in managing a multitude of tasks, strategic multitasking, and agility in a fast-paced environment.
- Diplomacy: Innate ability to navigate international diplomacy with finesse, tact, and discretion.
- Communication: Strong communication skills with fluency in English required; proficiency in additional languages is desirable.
- Competencies: Proven impact in Strategic Impact, Operational Efficiency, People Management, and Networking.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply via the CIMMYT application portal on Workable. Visit the application link below to complete your submission: Apply for Regional Director, Africa
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