Executive Secretary, Global Forum on Agricultural Research and Innovation (GFAiR) Secretariat

The Organization

The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) deliver research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people’s lives. Alliance solutions address the global crisis of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.

The Alliance works with local, national, and multinational partners across Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia, and Africa, and with the public and private sectors. The Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources and ecosystem services. With novel partnerships, the Alliance generates evidence and mainstreams innovations to transform food systems and landscapes so that they sustain the planet, drive prosperity, and nourish people in a climate crisis.

Background

The Global Forum on Agricultural Research and Innovation (GFAiR) is a voluntary multi-stakeholder network and movement for change, uniquely bringing together actors from 12 constituencies interested in the transformation of the Agri-Food System. GFAiR is made up of approx. 100 member networks and institutions, working together through collective advocacy and action, to shape the future of agriculture and food and their role in achieving sustainable development.

On behalf of GFAiR, the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) which hosts GFAiR is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as an Executive Secretary, Global Forum on Agricultural Research and Innovation (GFAiR) Secretariat.

About the position

Based in Montpellier, France, the GFAiR Executive Secretary will play a strategic leadership role in advancing the mission and objectives of the Global Forum on Agricultural Innovation and Research (GFAiR). The role reports to the GFAiR Chairperson, GFAiR Executive and Steering Committee on the implementation of the program of work and budget of the GFAiR Secretariat. The Executive Secretary provides oversight, coordination, and strategic direction to ensure GFAiR’s effective contribution to global, regional, and national agricultural research and innovation systems.

Responsibilities

• Commission studies and facilitate discussion on strategic issues, helping partners to develop national, regional and global research and innovation agendas and plans that align with existing and emerging global challenges and trends and ensure synergies with partners for the achievement of the SDGs.
• Coordinate the Secretariat's role in helping to mobilize GFAiR partners to engage in collective advocacy and actions, with particular attention to the voices and needs of family and smallholder farmers, to transform and strengthen agri-food innovation systems and processes, and share learning from their progress.
• Support communication, interaction and knowledge sharing among GFAiR partners through the GFAiR website, social media and other digital and non-digital communication to promote change in national agri-food research and innovation systems and in subregional and interregional/global processes.
• Act as Secretary (ex officio) to all GFAiR Committees and deliver the practical organization of the GFAiR Partners Assembly, Steering Committee and EXCO meetings and others. Develop a Medium-Term Plan and annual programme of work and budget, review and propose updates of GFAiR strategic documents.
• Mobilize and direct the use of GFAiR technical and financial resources to catalyze and assist development of multistakeholder collective actions among partners.
• Manage the effective administration of contract commissioning, tracking and learning from activities commissioned with GFAiR partners.
• Advocate and maintain active contact with existing and new funding sources in order to mobilize financial resources with GFAiR partners. Manage the finances of the secretariat, ensure audit compliance and prepare financial reports for approval of the Steering Committee and funders.

Requirements

• Masters in a relevant field such as agriculture, economics, social sciences, development studies, international relations, or related disciplines. A PhD is highly desirable.
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience working with National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) across multiple countries/regions in the Global South, with a well-established network in agricultural research and innovation.
• At least 8 years of proven experience in leadership, policy development, and implementation within research, agrifood, and agricultural innovation systems.
• Strong background in both functional and corporate management, with a demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams and drive initiatives in complex, geographically dispersed, and multicultural environments.
• Expertise in designing and implementing strategies, policies, and performance management systems to enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Extensive experience managing high-level partnerships, facilitating inter-institutional collaboration, and advocating for agri-food innovation systems.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including the ability to inspire and develop diverse teams, promote knowledge sharing, and foster professional growth.
• Excellent facilitation, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively across all levels and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in financial oversight, including managing budgets, ensuring audit compliance.
• Proven track record in resource mobilization and securing funding from donors and external partners.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to adapt strategies to emerging global trends and challenges.
• Proficiency in English (both written and spoken); knowledge of other languages is highly desirable.

Terms of employment

This is an internationally recruited position based or attached to the Alliance office in Montpellier France. The role is a level 12, on a scale of 14 levels, with level 14 being the highest. The Alliance offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary, and benefits. The initial contract will run until 31st January 2027 and is renewable based on performance and availability of funds.

Applications

Please apply online through the website ( https://alliancebioversityciat.org/careers ) no later than 25 April 2025, attaching a curriculum vitae, motivation letter (illustrating your suitability for the above mentioned position against the listed qualifications, competencies, skills), both in English, and contact information (e.g. names, email address) of at least three references (knowledgeable about your professional qualifications and work experience). The motivation letter should include the reference number of the position - RFP500224.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Closing date for applications: 25 April 2025