Director, Research for Development
(REF: RD6 04/06)
Background: / The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), with headquarters in Ibadan, Nigeria, invites applications for a Director, Research for Development.
IITA is non-profit organization with over 130 internationally recruited scientists. The Institute has programs in many countries of sub-Saharan Africa. IITA scientists from about 35 countries work in partnership with national agricultural agencies to increase food production in tropical Africa, and ultimately to raise the productivity and income of small-scale farmers in an ecologically sustainable way.
Responsibilities: / This position is responsible for overseeing and directing the overall research, fundraising and collaboration of IITA’s Western and Central African Region programs in partnership with the other regional Director. Develops, articulates, and implements a creative vision for IITA’s research and development strategies contributing to the global reach of science throughout Africa.
Duty Station: / IITA Ibadan, Nigeria.
Educational requirements: / The candidate must have a PhD in agriculture, biology, social, or related sciences.
Minimum
Qualifications: / · Minimum of 10 years of senior research management experience with a multi-disciplinary, international research organization. Must be able to apply strong leadership skills resulting in collaboration between departments, field stations, organizational partners, and other constituents associated with IITA.
· Minimum of 5 years of international donor relations experience including presentation of concept notes, proposal writing and oversight of compliance matters.
· Minimum of 5 years negotiating and collaborating with governmental and inter-governmental agencies.
· Minimum of 10 years reviewing, assessing, and building multi-research projects. Must be able to identify strengths and weaknesses of scientific proposals relative to the compatibility of organizational, donor and governmental goals.
· Ability to present scientific material in a professional and effective manner.
· Good interpersonal skills, including ability to interact effectively with donors, board members, colleagues, research institutions and partners. Ability to work effectively as part of a team and flexibility in adjusting to changing requirements as directed by the needs of the Organization.
· Strong ability to train and evaluate staff, while engendering team building.
· Excellent command of written and verbal English. Strong scientific writing skills. Competencies with French language.
· Ability to work effectively under pressure, meets deadlines, and maintains a high degree of judgment especially when confronted with obstacles or difficult work environments.
· High level of organization and planning skills.
· Ability to analyze and solve problems. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions presented in written, oral, and diagram or schedule form.
General information: / Initial appointment is for three years. IITA offers a competitive remuneration package paid in US dollars.
Applications: / Applications including curriculum vitae, lists of publications, and names and addresses of three referees should be sent to Human Resources Manager at IITA c/o Lambourn (UK) Ltd., Carolyn House, 26 Dingwall Road, Croydon CR9 3EE, UK or by email to:
Application deadline: / The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found
IITA is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from women candidates