Head of Urban Food Systems (Ref: G-24-05)

CGIAR System Organization; Montpellier; Sur place; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading research organization is seeking a Head of Urban Food Systems to lead impactful research in urban agriculture. The ideal candidate will develop equitable partnerships, ensure research excellence, and build a diverse team. This position emphasizes innovative collaboration and aims to establish a strong research agenda aligned with global priorities. Competitive compensation is offered.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in research and/or development organizations.
• Significant leadership experience in research environments.
• Hands-on experience in fostering equitable partnerships.
• Strong track record in Urban Food Systems research.
• Experience in resource mobilization for research projects.

Responsabilités

• Lead research in Urban Food Systems.
• Develop equitable partnerships.
• Ensure research excellence.
• Manage resource mobilization plans.
• Build and mentor a diverse research team.

Connaissances

Partnership building

Team leadership

Research design

Budget management

Communication skills

Formation

PhD degree in a relevant social or bio-physical science

Description du poste

Head of Urban Food Systems (Ref: G-24-05)

The International Potato Center (CIP)is looking for an experienced Head of Urban Food Systems to oversight thedevelopment and implementation of an innovative and impactful program ofresearch in support of the ‘Urban Food Systems’ Science Goal of the CIP2030Strategy.

The position: The Head ofUrban Food System will lead the development and implementation of an innovativeand impactful program of research in support of the ‘Urban Food Systems’Science Goal of the CIP2030 Strategy. The purpose of the position is toestablish urban food systems as an impactful science and innovation area in CIPand CGIAR driven by a future-facing research agenda, designed and delivered jointlywith our partners in the Global South. The selected candidate will championequitable partnerships, ensures excellence of science, leads mobilization ofresources, and builds a strong research team that promotes young and diversetalent across all of CIP’s regions.Thisposition will be based in Nairobi, Kenya and will report to the Deputy DirectorGeneral, Science & Innovation.

Key Responsibilities:

Agenda setting through equitable partnerships:

• Workclosely with key stakeholder groups and research partners, ‘co-develop’ andarticulate a compelling science and innovation agenda for Urban Food Systemsthat responds to local and national priorities in participating countries whileaddressing strategic research questions of global or regional importance.
  
• ApplyEquitable Partnership principles throughout the agenda setting and researchimplementation process to strengthen ownership, accountability, and prospectsfor impact.
  
• Ensurethat the roles of CIP and partners are appropriately defined and can evolve tosupport long-term capacity sharing objectives, investment in comparativeadvantage, and CIP2030 strategic goals.
  

Excellence in Science and Innovation:

• Through hands-on intellectual leadership andappropriate mechanisms of quality control, ensure that all research activities,projects, and collaborations are designed and implemented at recognized,up-to-date international standards of excellence.
  
• Initiate and manage new science collaborations withleading universities and research institutes to pursue innovative researchstrategies and increase the visibility of CIP research.
  
• Working closely with innovation experts within andoutside CIP, effectively link Urban Food System science with existinginnovation programs in universities, private sector, and other partners.
  
• Develop and implement publication plans to ensurethat all research is published in high quality journals and through additionalchannels, providing equitable opportunities for CIP scientists and partners .
  
  
• Develop andimplement a resource mobilization plan for Urban Food Systems, building onexisting funding windows and significantly expanding this support through newand innovative partnerships with funders.
  
• This mayinclude funders from both agriculture and food constituencies as well as fromurban development, youth employment, and other social, economic, andenvironmental sectors.
  
• Workingclosely with our partners and with CIP Regional and Science Leaders and the CIPResource Mobilization team, identify and create new opportunities and followthrough with high quality funding proposals.
  

Team leadership:

• Build astrong research team of scientists and professionals from relevant disciplinesand regions.
  
• Select andmentor young and diverse talent and guide their professional growth using CIP’sPerformance Management system and working with CIP’s People & Culture team.
  
• ChampionCIP’s values leading by example and ensure ethics and business conductstandards and compliance with CIP policies.
  

Requirements

• PhD degree in a relevantsocial or bio-physical science discipline.
  
• At least 10 years ofprogressive international experience in similar research and/or developmentorganizations.
  
• Significant leadership experience in an equivalent position in aresearch organization, university or other relevant entity.
  
• Strong and hands-on experience of fostering new and equitablepartnerships with science and innovation partners and their constituencies inthe Global South.
  
• Strong track record of research design and implementation on UrbanFood Systems or any main constituent components, including production, informalmarkets, circular economy, nutrition, or others.
  
• Direct successful experience of resource mobilization in supportof research programs or projects in areas relevant to Urban Food Systems.
  
• Strong experience of teamleadership, mentoring young and diverse talent, and achieving significantresults through teamwork.
  
• Budget management and ITliterate (Microsoft and ERP software).
  

o Focus on big picture and strategic vision.

o Building and maintaining partnerships and relationships.

o Planning and managing staff to achieved quality results.

o Influencing and resolving differences across boundaries.

• Excellent written and oralcommunication skills in English. Proficiency in one other UN language, preferably Spanish or French.
  
• Competitivecompensation package commensurate with experience.