Executive Secretary Global Forum on Agricultural Research and Innovation GFAiR Secretariat
Executive Secretary Global Forum on Agricultural Research and Innovation GFAiR Secretariat
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Job Description
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 researchbased solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve peoples 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 foodsecure 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.
The Alliance is part of CGIAR a global research partnership for a foodsecure future.
https://alliancebioversityciat/
Background
GFAiR mobilizes dialogue and Collective Actions between the many partners who make up the Forum and who share GFAiRs common vision of making agrifood research and innovation more effective responsive and equitable towards achieving Sustainable Development outcomes. The GFAiR Secretariat helps trigger these Collective Actions among GFAiR partner institutions who are themselves the agents of change. GFAiR helps inspire and enable the transformation and strengthening of agrifood research and innovation for development systems and processes to become more inclusive and equitable more effective and impactful and catalyzes changes fostering dialogue and new forms of multi stakeholder collaboration at different levels through its extensive networks South South North South and between constituencies.
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.
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 GFAiRs 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 Secretariats 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 agrifood 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 nondigital communication to promote change in national agrifood 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 MediumTerm 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. Build further value from the relationship between GFAiR and its facilitating agencies.
Requirements
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 wellestablished 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 highlevel partnerships facilitating interinstitutional collaboration and advocating for agrifood 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 problemsolving 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 note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Closing date for applications: 25 April 2025
We invite you to learn more about us at:
https://alliancebioversityciat/careers
Required Experience:
Exec
Employment Type
Full-Time
