The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center is looking for an ambitious professional to join our team in Egypt as a National Researcher - Innovation Scaling and Partnership.
Innovation scaling research and its application in the agriculture and water sectors has been an emerging area within the CGIAR, gaining vast interest from donors, International Financing Institutions, and other investors. Over the past seven years, IWMI, throughout its portfolio, has been developing suitable approaches and processes to accelerate the scaling of water innovations across the agricultural-energy, and environmental sectors. These projects use action research approaches and mixed and inter-disciplinary methods while strengthening scaling partnerships, enhancing public and private institutional and individual capacity, and fostering multi-stakeholder dialogue and learning.
The National Researcher - Innovation Scaling and Partnership will be accountable for implementing action research on the systemic, adaptive scaling of water solutions across the food, energy, environment, and climate sectors, mobilizing public and private sector investments and interventions to support food, land, and water transformation in the MENA region.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Implementation of Innovation Scaling Research,
Lead action research on scaling water innovations within agriculture, environmental, and climate space. Design conceptual frameworks for the co-creation, implementation, and monitoring of innovation scaling processes with public and private stakeholders, including cooperative groups. Develop innovative methods to identify and enhance incentives for public and private sector actors to collaboratively scale water-related innovations. Lead, coordinate, and implement research projects, components, and activities across the MENA region. Use innovative methods to collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative datasets relevant to systems science and innovation scaling research. Prepare high-quality scientific publications, policy briefs, technical reports, and knowledge products that communicate research findings effectively. Contribute to expanding IWMI\u2019s innovation research portfolio by developing project proposals, engaging and sharing the research insights with broad stakeholders, and collaborating with other research teams to bring the innovation scaling across disciplines.Facilitation of Scaling and Acceleration Partnerships,
Explore and facilitate scaling and acceleration partnerships for public, private, and cooperative group investments and interventions in scalable innovations. Develop and manage sub-agreements with partners and work closely with IWMI\u2019s HR, Finance, and Project Management units as necessary.Stakeholder Engagement and Communication,
Build and maintain innovation scaling platforms and dialogues with national and regional stakeholders, research collaborators, and the private sector. Coordinate stakeholder engagement activities relevant to the innovation scaling agenda. Monitor and evaluate scaling pathways to ensure sustainability and equity in partnerships and outcomes. Support the development of outreach materials such as blogs, policy briefs, and technical notes, and coordinate related communications events and campaigns.Requirements
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:
Essential,
A PhD is preferred; however, candidates with an MSc or equivalent degree in human geography, political science, sociology, development economics, environmental sciences, or other closely related fields relevant to water resources management, agricultural development, or agricultural innovation systems and scaling will also be considered. For candidates from business or business administration disciplines, a master\u2019s degree is acceptable. Similarly, candidates with a master\u2019s degree in the social or physical sciences may be considered if they demonstrate a scientific and professional track record equivalent to a PhD. At least 03 years of relevant work experience with a PhD, or 08 years of relevant work experience with a master\u2019s degree, preferably in scaling agricultural innovations, value chain development, financial ecosystems, or agricultural market systems. Proven experience in effectively combining qualitative and quantitative methods to design and conduct research in a range of areas, such as: agricultural value chain analysis and market studies innovation scaling partnerships, pathways, and processes gender, equity, and social inclusion in value chains and innovation scaling business models and financial modalities enabling environments Experience advising and engaging with the private sector, governments, and individuals on agricultural development or water management interventions, innovations, and businesses. Demonstrated ability to transform research into knowledge products for outreach and impact, influencing development policy and practice. Proven track record of producing high-quality written proposals, reports, and peer-reviewed publications for both scientific and non-scientific audiences.Desirable,
Prior knowledge and experience working with nature-based solutions, water management, agriculture, climate change, and/or Islamic finance instruments is desirable. Experience working with private sector actors and financial investors in the agricultural or water sectors. Proven experience managing research-for-development projects involving multiple partners in complex political and social contexts. Strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and emerging economies, particularly regarding water, land, and agricultural development, and innovation scaling for transforming food and water systems. Experience in qualitative data analysis using tools such as NVivo or Atlas. Experience in fundraising and engaging with international partners and the donor community.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
Essential,
Ability to apply technical, economic, institutional, and innovation system theories to develop and utilize analytical frameworks for data analysis and systemic, critical design of innovation scaling. Skilled in facilitating and maintaining strong multi-stakeholder partnerships, dialogues, and platforms in agricultural water management, agri-business, and finance. Proven ability to establish priorities and to plan, organize, implement, and monitor work activities with minimal supervision. Strong collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively with both academic and non-academic stakeholders; demonstrates sound interpersonal skills to manage multiple tasks in a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional, and multicultural environment. Highly motivated with a proactive, results-driven approach; demonstrates personal ownership, accountability, and the ability to meet deadlines. Effective listener with excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, and the ability to explain complex issues with clarity.Desirable,
Awareness and understanding of social and gender norms within the MENA region. Familiarity with social media platforms and their use for promoting internal communications and information sharing. Fluent written and verbal communication skills in Arabic are an asset.Benefits
This is a nationally recruited position and only Egyptian nationals will be considered. IWMI offers a competitive salary and benefits package, inclusive of health insurance, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, and long-term disability coverage. The duration of the contract will initially be for a period of two years with the possibility of extension.
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 May 09, 2025 (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.