The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center, is seeking a dynamic leader with exceptional management aptitude and a deep understanding of water, land and agricultural development challenges and opportunities in Sri Lanka.
The Country Manager - Sri Lanka (CM-SL) is responsible for overseeing researchers stationed in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The incumbent also supports and facilitates coordination with IWMI Strategic Programs and other IWMI offices, which are necessary for effective research management. The Country Manager maintains strong connections with the CGIAR Regional Director for South Asia, other CGIAR units, and national and international partners. The primary responsibilities of the CM-SL are:
- Manage researchers whose duty post is Colombo, Sri Lanka.
- Coordinate business development in Sri Lanka to sustain and grow a viable funding pipeline including with other CGIAR units.
- In coordination with the IWMI Director General and senior research staff, develop and strengthen relationships with government agencies, national research organizations, and implementing partners to expand and promote the uptake of research outputs.
- Participate in research projects and programs aligned with personal expertise.
The CGIAR is a global partnership of research for development international organizations that aims to strengthen delivery of research and innovation, in order to tackle the complex and interconnected challenges to food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis. The current CGIAR Research Centers and Alliances are the foundation of the One CGIAR and are in the process of adopting an integrated approach to how they operate in the implementation of the CGIAR Strategy and Results Framework.
It is expected that the CM-SL will spend 40% of their time on managing people and operations, and the remaining time on project-specific research activities.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Lead country program development and implementation
- Develop the strategic direction of IWMI\u2019s research-for-development portfolio in Sri Lanka, ensuring consistency with IWMI\u2019s and the CGIAR\u2019s Research and Innovation Strategy, strong alignment to Sri Lanka\u2019s development priorities and research needs, and complementarity with the roles of partner organizations.
IWMI representation
Support the DG in managing IWMI\u2019s relationship with the Government of Sri Lanka in accordance with the host-country agreement. Proactively contribute to CGIAR/IWMI\u2019s fundraising efforts by identifying relevant initiatives, developing a close network with donors, coordinating the preparation of proposals, and providing strong intellectual inputs in coordination with relevant strategic program directors (SPDs), research group leaders (RGLs), Resource Mobilization and Partnerships Unit and CGIAR global and regional groups. Strengthen existing and develop new working relationships within the CGIAR and other research and development partners, national and regional authorities, and different stakeholders, to raise the profile and visibility of IWMI and CGIAR\u2019s water systems science. Promote the uptake of CGIAR/IWMI research outputs in coordination with the SPDs and research groups. Lead country-level communications/outreach activities in coordination with the communications and resource mobilization and partnership teams.Office management and administration
Oversee the management of projects based in Sri Lanka, ensuring that research teams have the appropriate human, financial, and material resources to deliver their results. Manage research team dynamics and well-being. Complete performance management for direct reports, provide coaching, and strategically tailor individual development plans. Contribute to staffing plans and recruitment processes. Working with the Corporate Services division, support the management of security and mitigate security risks for researchers and to ensure a safe work and living environment through implementation of safety and security protocols and staff care and well-being best practices. Manage issues related to research in the country in consultation with relevant functional units within CGIAR/IWMI (finance, human resources, information technology [ICT], resource mobilization, partnerships and communications).Research development and implementation
Develop and implement projects within personal expertise and experience. Work with staff and partners of IWMI/CGIAR Water Systems unit and with the One CGIAR Regional Director to ensure that the research portfolio for water systems in the country (i) reflects national priorities, (ii) is aligned with CGIAR\u2019s and IWMI\u2019s strategies, and (iii) is well implemented with the aim of producing high-quality scientific outputs, including peer-reviewed scientific papers, as well as development impacts. Coordinate with appropriate staff and One CGIAR units to ensure that research activities undertaken by IWMI or other CGIAR programs and initiatives are well integrated into the country-level strategy.Requirements
EDUCATION, SKILLS, ABILITIES & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
A Masters Degree or PhD in one of the following disciplines: water resources management, climate change adaptation or mitigation, international development, environmental science, geography, development economics, or sociology, with at least 10 years of relevant work experience holding positions of increasing responsibility. A deep understanding of water, land and agricultural development challenges and opportunities in Sri Lanka. Demonstrated experience of promoting and enhancing gender, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and in research-for-development programs Demonstrated knowledge and research experience relevant to IWMI\u2019s overall mission of water management in developing countries, as well as knowledge of the functioning of the CGIAR system. Demonstrated experience in engaging with regional networks and building strong partnerships with different categories of stakeholders. Experience working with and influencing stakeholders, especially senior decision makers at national and regional levels, and liaising with donor agencies. Demonstrated skills in managing programs and personnel, including experience of forming, operating in and leading interdisciplinary teams that have delivered high-quality outputs on time and according to budget. Fluent in English \u2013 both written and verbal. Experience producing high quality written proposals, reports and academic papers. Proven ability to communicate research results to stakeholders at different management levels in multiple countries. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, managers and other stakeholders in a multicultural setting, with sensitivity and respect for diversity.TRAVEL OBLIGATIONS:
Frequent travel in the region of posting and beyond.REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:
Country Manager Sri Lanka should demonstrate high levels of the following competencies:
Strategic Leadership
Shows drive and commitment to CGIAR\u2019s/IWMI\u2019s vision and mission; helps others understand how their efforts contribute to IWMI\u2019s work. Demonstrates and sets expectations for integrity and honesty in relation to professional ethics and practice. Treats everyone fairly, consistently, and with respect.Managing People
Builds diverse teams; appraises their ability and potential; gives candid and timely performance feedback; rewards desirable behavior and coaches staff to help them perform effectively. Elicits the creative ideas of others and supports them to succeed acknowledging their contributions; delegates effectively, and assigns responsibilities based on skills, performance objectives and development opportunities.Communication
Demonstrates effective oral and written communications skills. Shares information with others, adapting messages to diverse audiences. Communicates and responds promptly to meet the needs of internal and external stakeholders.Stakeholder Focus & Impact Orientation
Develops realistic plans with available resources; establishes high standards of performance and demonstrates a commitment to quality and excellence; empowers staff; focuses on results and delivers on time and within budget. Drives for results by being proactive and setting high standards for self and others; takes ownership and responsibility for maintaining a strong focus on both internal and external stakeholder needs and expectations.Research and Implementation
Designs and executes systems for the acquisition of knowledge, critically analyzing and evaluating findings whilst effectively utilizing appropriate resources and equipment. Constructs coherent findings and articulates ideas clearly to a range of audiences, formally and informally, through a variety of techniques to promote maximum impact. Contributes to promoting the wider understanding of research.Collaboration & Teamwork
Promotes collaboration; shares knowledge and information; builds partnerships and creates an environment for learning and continuous innovation. Creates an environment conducive to inter-disciplinary teamwork across organizational boundaries; builds alliances and promotes open communication and collaboration to achieve joint objectives.Influencing & Resolving Differences
Gains support and commitment from others; resolves differences by determining needs and forging solutions that benefit all parties. Displays flexibility and respect for differences of opinion; demonstrates transparency and objectivity when negotiating with others.Promoting Diversity & Inclusion
Builds diverse teams and manages differences to achieve results. Demonstrates commitment to diversity and inclusion through staffing decisions (recruitment, recognition, development, etc.). Respects and values differences, listens with an open mind and enables all staff to actively and visibly contribute. Challenges preferences in self and others that may affect workplace decisions. Models behaviors that promote an inclusive organizational culture.Benefits
What we are offering:
This is an internationally recruited position with a competitive salary, an attractive retirement plan, comprehensive international health insurance, life insurance accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, and long-term disability coverage. Internationally recruited staff who are employed at a duty station outside of their home base/country of nationality will also receive relocation assistance, a housing allowance, home-leave plane tickets for self and eligible dependents and education assistance for eligible dependents. The duration of the contract will initially be for a period of three years.
HOW TO APPLY: Apply for the position by following the application instructions at www.iwmi.org/jobs. We will be accepting applications through 24:00 (IST) on September 15, 2023 (applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis). Your application must include a CV, cover letter, and three (3) references, which may be contacted if you are shortlisted. Receipt of all applications will be acknowledged, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
IWMI believes that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical for our mission. We offer a multi-cultural, multi-color, multi-generational and multi-disciplinary working environment. We are consciously creating an inclusive organization that reflects our global character and our commitment to gender equity. We, therefore, encourage applicants from all cultures, races, ethnicities, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, and gender identities.