Cacao of Excellence, Thematic Leader of the Programme

Cacao of Excellence, Thematic Leader of the Programme

The Organization

Cacao of Excellence is a unique global platform discovering, convening, promoting and rewarding cacao producers of excellence from all producing origins for superior cacao quality and flavour diversity.

Since 2009, Cacao of Excellence has been the entry point for cacao producers to participate in the Cacao of Excellence Awards, the most prestigious global cacao competition that recognises the work of cacao farmers and celebrates the quality and flavour diversity of cacao produced around the world. Held every two years, the Cacao of Excellence Awards bring together leading sensory evaluation experts and the chocolate industry to reward producers of excellence.

Cacao of Excellence is led by the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) and organized in partnership with several public and private sector partners.

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 people's 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 in a climate crisis.

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

https://www.cacaoofexcellence.org / www.alliancebioversityciat.org / www.cgiar.org

About the position

Based in Rome, Italy, and under the direct supervision of the Director for Food Environment and Consumer Behavior, the Thematic Leader of the Cacao of Excellence Programme will provide leadership and manage a team to implement the programme's goals, secure its future and plan the successful delivery of the outputs and products. Importantly, this position will provide the incumbent with the opportunity to grow the programme into a new organizational setup and with the possibility of being its leader.

Responsibilities

Programme Management and Strategic Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership to secure the global relevance of the Cacao of Excellence Programme and lead the implementation of the new Cacao of Excellence strategy, business plan, structure and organizational setup.
  
• Lead on the refinement of strategies, policies, and practices with clear feedback mechanisms, introduce innovations, and ensure they continue to reflect the desired organizational culture and business goals.
  
• Ensure daily programme management and that the organisation stays on schedule and on specifications.
  
• Ensure oversight of all projects and coordinate their interdependencies within the context of the Programme.
  
• Monitor, evaluate and report on progress towards the achievement of key performance indicators.
  

  Partnerships and communications
  

  • Build and maintain strategic partnerships internally and externally, with relevant cacao sector stakeholders, funders and investors, technical partners, and policy makers, towards achieving the objectives of Cacao of Excellence.
    
  • Manage stakeholders' communication and ensure effective communication towards promoting the programme, its achievements and objectives as well as supporting fundraising and investments.
    
  • Develop communications strategies to raise the profile of Cacao of Excellence in international development agendas.
    
    

    Fundraising and investment
    

    • Lead the development of the business model for sustainable financing of Cacao of Excellence and identify investment opportunities towards a new organizational setup.
      
    • Oversee the development of research proposals that advance Cacao of Excellence, working closely with the team and the Alliance's Partnership & Communication Unit.
      
      

      Human and Financial planning and oversight
      

      • Lead and motivate a team of scientists and technical staff to ensure the delivery of outputs and outcomes contributing to the implementation of the 2022-2027 Cacao of Excellence Strategy.
        
      • Facilitate the team to strategically plan and implement activities, including agendas for new research and outreach priorities, in an environment where teamwork is valued, and professional excellence encouraged.
        
      • Lead the development of annual work plans, including major risks and mitigating actions.
        
      • Manage and report on the financial resources of Cacao of Excellence working with the Project Financial Analysis and Support (PLANS) Unit of the Alliance.
        
        

        Requirements

        Essential requirements