Executive Assistant, System Office (N-26-04)

The International Potato Center (CIP) is looking for an Administrative Assistant to support the CGIAR Programs and Accelerators Directors and Leaders based in the Latin America and the Caribbean region.

About CIP: CIP is part of the CGIAR global research partnership committed to transforming food land and water systems in a climate crisis. CIPs mission is to develop and share science-based innovations in potato sweetpotato and other root and tuber crops. CIP partners with organizations in over 20 countries in Africa Asia and Latin America to strengthen agri-food systems and provide economic social and nutritional benefits especially for women and youth. We integrate social and biophysical sciences to address complex challenges in food and agriculture. For more information please visit

About the position: The Administrative Assistant will play a pivotal role in ensuring the effectiveness of CGIARs science and innovation leadership and Portfolio. The role involves handling comprehensive travel arrangements providing on-site coordination and organizing events and meetings from scheduling to execution. As a primary support resource the individual will manage multiple priorities and maintain strong communication across teams to facilitate strategic and operational activities.

Key responsibilities:

Plan and organize travel logistics and administration including coordinating itineraries arranging transportation and accommodation managing travel approvals and ensuring smooth and timely support for all travelers.

Plan and organize events such as workshops seminars training courses committees and special functions.

This includes sending invitations confirming attendance selecting venues preparing budgets coordinating onsite logistics and assessing event outcomes to ensure high-quality delivery.

Examine organize and execute operational processes related to travel expenses procurement by

preparing correspondence processing requests and contracts organizing logistics and preparing agreements to support efficient project execution.

Oversee and handle transport services including vehicle dispatch maintenance and administration of vehicle logs to ensure efficient transport operations.

Main engagement collaboration and communication responsibilities:

o Engage with other teams to exchange information and process service requests to avoid unnecessary delays.

o Engage and liaise with partners and service providers and align services for the smooth execution of activities.

Main responsibilities in the delivery of timely and quality services:

o Plan and process travel arrangements including preparing Travel Requests Purchase Orders and Visas to enable timely and smooth travel for the team.

o Identify and escalate potential issues affecting the timely delivery of operational support services including meetings and implement corrective actions to maintain adherence to timelines.

o Identify the need for and create shared folders filing systems and databases gathering and analyzing information to maintain organized and up-to-date records for easy access.

o Inspect and track the quality of operational support services ensuring alignment with established (reporting) standards agreements and compliance requirements.

Comply with national and international health and safety laws regulations and standards.

Requirements

What are we looking for

Education: Bachelors degree in business administration or other relevant field.

5 Years of Experience in office administration including liaising with partners overseeing travel plans scheduling and organizing meetings and preparing reports.

Experience liaising with service providers facilitating workshops and special events and ensuring seamless coordination across teams.

Experience working in an international not-for-profit organization is an advantage.

Technical Competencies:

o Analytical critical and systems thinking.

o Data analysis management and visualization.

o Strong planning organizing and problem-solving skills.

Languages: Fluency in English is essential to communicate in writing and speaking (mandatory).

Benefits

Why should you consider this opportunity

CIP is a global and reputable international organization that has a strong state-of-the-art R&D background.

CIP is dedicated to achieving food security improving nutrition and well-being and gender equity for poor people in roots tubers farming and food systems in the developing world.

CIP is a member of the CGIAR a global partnership that unites international organizations engaged in research about food security.

What are we offering

1-year contract with the possibility of renewal based on performance.

Compensation package commensurate with experience.

Excellent working environment.

Work in an equal and diverse workplace.

How to apply

Please visit the following link: to submit your cover letter and a full C.V. along with your references (preferable recent supervisors). Internal candidates are welcome and encouraged to apply. Nevertheless we highly encourage all interested candidates to participate in this process. The deadline for the receipt of applications is February 27 2026.

This position WILL NOT have contact with children or vulnerable adults.

We look forward to receiving applications from individuals with disabilities who are willing to contribute their talents and skills to our team. If you require specific accommodations for the selection process due to a disability please do not hesitate to inform us.

Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at

CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply.