CIAT - Program Officer

Program Officer

CIAT aims to achieve a more eco-efficient agriculture at the service of the poor of the tropical world. The strategy proposed is based on three pillars: improved crops for the poor, improved soil fertility management, and research alliances with Latin America and the Caribbean. CIAT is seeking an energetic professional to serve as liaison between the Director Generals office and the Centers research areas.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and support the development of strategic research directions with particular focus on integrating research across regions and program areas.
Preparation of medium-term plans, business plans, corporate plans, and strategic plans.
Coordination, planning, and preparations for external reviews; including monitoring overall follow up on the implementation of agreed recommendations.
Manage follow-ups of meetings of Research Area Directors, Program Leaders, and Regional Coordinators where research strategies are discussed as input to ongoing research planning processes.
Development of the agenda and follow up to several research related committees.
Represent CIAT at national, regional, and international technical meetings.
Support the activities of the Program Committee of the Board of Trustees.
Take minutes and manage follow-ups to Management Team meetings.
Support the Resource Mobilization Officer in the preparation of proposals for funding.
Desired experience

Advanced university degree (PhD preferred) in agricultural sciences (biophysical or social) related to CIAT and the CGIAR mission.
Relevant work experience (related to national, regional, or international agricultural research) of more than 5 years.
Excellent written and spoken English and Spanish.
Terms of employment

The position is internationally recruited, will be based at CIAT headquarters (Cali, Colombia) under the Manager Category and report to the Director General. The contract will initially be for a 2-year period, renewable depending on performance. CIAT offers internationally competitive salary packages, is an equal opportunity employer, and strives for staff diversity in gender and nationality. Women and candidates from Latin America, Africa, and Asia are particularly encouraged to apply.

Applications

Screening of CVs for this position will begin immediately. Please send via e-mail your letter of application no later than 15 July 2009 including cover letter indicating your reasons for applying and strengths for the position, a curriculum vitae (full contact information), names and contact details of three professional references including telephone and e-mail address to Ana Lucía Restrepo ().

We invite you to learn more about CIAT by accessing the website: www.ciat.cgiar.org