Country Manager and Scientist

TN France; Montpellier; Sur place; EUR 60 000 - 100 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Country Manager and Scientist to lead strategic initiatives in Rwanda. This pivotal role involves developing and executing comprehensive plans to enhance agricultural research and partnerships, focusing on potato and sweet potato systems. The ideal candidate will leverage their extensive experience to foster collaboration with stakeholders and ensure project alignment with global priorities. Join a forward-thinking organization committed to transforming food systems and making a significant impact in the region, particularly for women and youth.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in agronomy or related fields, preferably in potato or sweet potato.
• 8+ years of experience in global research organizations.

Responsabilités

• Develop and implement strategic plans for the country program.
• Represent CIP with donors and partners at the country level.
• Lead and mentor the country team, ensuring compliance with standards.

Connaissances

Strategic Planning

Partnership Building

Project Management

Research Development

Leadership

Communication

Formation

PhD in Agronomy

MSc in Seed Systems

Description du poste

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Country Manager and Scientist, Montpellier

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Client:

CIP

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Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

efdb8762db12

Job Views:

1

Posted:

06.05.2025

Expiry Date:

20.06.2025

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Job Description:

The International Potato Center (CIP) is looking for an experienced Country Manager to lead the design and implementation of CIP Rwanda's country strategy. The role involves positioning CIP’s research and development agenda in Rwanda and the Great Lakes region (DRC and Burundi). The focus is on project-related research activities that strengthen CIP’s research through a holistic, systems approach, emphasizing capacity building of partners in a PPP model, aligned with CIP’s regional and global priorities.

About CIP: CIP, a member of the One CGIAR, is a global research partnership committed to transforming food, land, and water systems amidst a climate crisis. It collaborates with numerous partners worldwide to improve diets and incomes, focusing on potato and sweet potato as entry points into broader agri-food systems, aiming to generate economic, social, and nutritional benefits, especially for women and youth.

The position: The Country Manager and Scientist will report to the Regional Director Africa and will be based in Kigali, Rwanda.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead the implementation of strategic plans for the country program in collaboration with the regional team.
• Coordinate with project Principal Investigators and global science leaders to align in-country projects with the strategic plan.
• Ensure structures and systems adhere to CIP standards, supporting program delivery and management efficiency.
• Represent CIP at the country level with donors, partners, and regional networks.
• Oversee the financial health of the country program, making adjustments as needed.
• Maintain a safe and healthy work environment in compliance with regulations.
• Build and develop partnerships with key country stakeholders and act as the global partner focal point.
• Monitor operational resources and ensure compliance with policies and standards.
• Lead and mentor the country team, supporting performance and development.
• Review crop production systems and design research programs to improve crop varieties' integration into local agro-ecologies.
• Collaborate with specialists across disciplines to achieve program objectives.
• Support sustainable intensification and urbanization challenges in Africa.
• Develop and promote new research projects aligned with CIP’s food science agenda.
• Prepare technical reports and communicate effectively with team members and partners.

Requirements:

• PhD or MSc in agronomy, seed systems, or related fields, preferably in potato or sweet potato.
• Minimum 8 years of senior professional experience in a global research organization or business, across multiple countries.
• Proven ability to establish and manage strategic partnerships with funders, governments, and research communities in Rwanda.
• Experience in management practices and country implementation planning.
• Track record of leading funding initiatives and complex proposal processes.
• Leadership skills in staff management, partnership building, and relationship maintenance.
• Excellent communication skills in English; knowledge of local languages is a plus.