(RFP301111) Internal Call Program Development Strategy Officer (Senior Officer) Associate Director General Office

Internal Call

Program Development Strategy Officer (Senior Officer)

Associate Director General Office

The Organization

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

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.

The Alliance is part of CGIAR a global research partnership for a food-secure future.

About the position

The Associate Director Generals Office is seeking a Program Development Strategy Officer (Senior Officer BG10) to support strategic leadership in the design coordination and adaptation of institutional programs and cross-portfolio initiatives under the guidance of the Associate Director General for Research Strategy and Innovation (ADG).The Program Development Strategy Officer will apply scientific knowledge and experience in the implementation of science to impact portfolios to support activities of the ADG office that will drive innovation within the organizations research portfolio.

The role integrates scientific excellence with innovation supporting the identification design and implementation of new approaches and strengthening the relevance and impact of the thematic research area through collaboration partnerships innovation and strategy alignment.

The position will be based in the operations center of the Americas located in the Campus of Palmira Colombia.

• Coordinate and support the design adaptation and implementation of research and innovation initiatives under the ADGs leadership and in support to the Alliances Research Areas ensuring they align with the organizations scientific priorities emerging evidence and Research Areas needs while considering stakeholder operational and technological perspectives.
  
• Explore and connect emerging scientific and technological innovations with the organizations research agenda advising leadership and program teams on new opportunities and helping translate these trends into practical strategies and program directions aligned with the thematic area.
  
• Support the implementation of mechanisms to incentivize innovation processes working alongside teams as a trusted partner to support the development testing and refinement of innovative solutions.
  
• Collaborate closely with Research Area Directors the Head of PISA OPD and other senior leaders to strengthen institutional coordination required to implement strategic initiatives ensuring that the ADGs strategic priorities are consistently interpreted aligned and advanced across functions programs and regions.
  
• Represent the ADGs Office in engagements with external stakeholders including CGIAR Centers the System Office donors and strategic partners ensuring clear communication effective follow-up and fulfillment of institutional commitments.
  
• Develop and strengthen networks and alliances with research institutions innovation actors and strategic partners identifying opportunities for collaboration that enhance the relevance and positioning of Alliances thematic areas.
  
• Lead the preparation of high-quality scientific and analytical outputs including strategic briefs reports and presentations that support engagement with other stakeholders that are key for advancing Alliance research portfolios.
  

• PhD in a relevant field (e.g. agricultural sciences environmental sciences data science biology social sciences innovation or related disciplines).
  
• Significant experience in applied scientific research and program or portfolio management.
  
• Proven track record of contributing to leading research and innovation initiatives.
  
• Experience working in complex interdisciplinary or international environments.
  
• Demonstrated ability to integrate science innovation and strategic directions.
  
• Experience engaging with multiple stakeholders (research teams leadership partners donors).
  
• Demonstrated capacity to apply scientific knowledge to real-world challenges.
  
• Ability to synthesize and translate scientific evidence into actionable insights.
  
• Strong experience coordinating cross-functional and cross-regional initiatives.
  
• Ability to act as a strategic partner to teams and programs.
  
• Experience in facilitating collaboration and mobilizing stakeholders without direct authority.
  
• Experience building and managing strategic partnerships and networks.
  
• Ability to engage with external stakeholders including research institutions partners and donors
  
• Experience contributing to proposal development and funding opportunities.
  
• Excellent ability to produce high-quality scientific and analytical outputs (reports briefs publications).
  
• Strong skills in data analysis synthesis and evidence-based reasoning.
  
• Ability to communicate complex scientific ideas to diverse audiences (technical and non-technical).
  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Spanish (oral and written).
  
  

Soft Skills and Organizational Competences

• Curiosity and Continuous Learning: Actively seeks learning challenges assumptions and uses evidence to improve decisions.
  
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Drives innovation takes initiative and identifies opportunities for impact.
  
• Collaboration and Inclusion: Builds trust works across teams and integrates diverse perspectives.
  
• Accountability and Empowerment: Takes ownership acts with integrity and delivers results.
  
• Leadership Competencies
  
• Strategic Leadership: Aligns decisions with mission and uses evidence to drive impact.
  
• People-Centered Leadership: Fosters inclusive environments and supports team performance and development.
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  

Terms Of Employment

The position level is BG10 on a scale of 14 levels with level 14 being the highest. The salary range will be established in accordance with the regional/country standards. The contract will be for a period of one (1) year subject to a probationary period and is renewable subject to performance project needs and availability of funds.

Closing date of the call: July 7th 2026.

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