Research-Deputy Director General

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) is currently seeking a new 'Deputy Director General - Research'. The position reports to the Director General and is based at ICRISAT's headquarter in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. The successful candidate will be both an inspiring scientific leader and excellent research manager. The DDG-R will provide leadership in setting the strategic direction and priorities of ICRISAT research and for ensuring effective implementation of the Institute's research portfolio using a systems approach to ensure the delivery of outcomes and impact through effective partnerships.The successful candidate will:

• Provide scientific and management leadership for planning, implementing and monitoring a demand-driven research agenda aligned with the institutes mission and strategy. 
• Advocate and advance ICRISAT research agenda and overall positioning with key stakeholders and in international meetings and fora;
  
• As a member of the senior management team, contribute to the effective management of ICRISAT and its resource mobilization activities.ICRISAT is a non-profit, non- political organization that conducts agricultural research for development in Asia and Africa with a wide array of partners throughout the world. Covering 6.5 million square kilometers of land in 55 countries, the semi-arid or dryland tropics has over 2 billion peopleand 644 million of these are the poorest of the poor. ICRISAT and its partners help empower these disadvantaged populations to overcome poverty, hunger and a degraded environment through better agricultural production systems.Primary Responsibilities:
  A.  Research Strategy:
  • Provide scientific and management leadership for planning, implementing and monitoring an integrated research portfolio and ensure it is aligned with institute's mission and strategy; 
    
  • Develop and enhance excellent research strategy and business plans of the Institute in the context of a broader research strategy of the Centre.
    B. Representation and articulation of research agenda:
    
    • Represent and articulate the rationale, role, innovation and impact of ICRISAT's research for development of the semi-arid tropics.
    • Develop and maintain an effective and harmonious relations with IARCs, National Agricultural Research Systems in both developed and developing countries, Advanced Research Institutions, private sector, NGOs in implementing the Research Strategy of the Institute.C. Resource Mobilization and Donor Relations:
      
      • Identify research areas that have donor support and ensure development and submission of appropriate project proposals to obtain such support, including building good donor relations, encouraging new initiatives, addressing funding needs and gaps.
      • Ensure the availability of adequate people of the right quality and other resources to deliver the agreed objectives of the Institute in a cost-effective manner.
        Candidate profile:
        
        The ideal candidate will have most, if not all, of the following skills, knowledge, experience, and personal characteristics:
        
        • PhD in an area of agricultural or plant sciences  with a broad perspective on agriculture in the developing world and across the research for development agenda.
        • A distinguished record of achievement and innovation, including in scientific publications on topics relevant to ICRISAT research agenda.
          
        • Demonstrated leadership qualities and track record in leading multicultural and multi-disciplinary teams and building partnerships for collaborative and cross-cutting research.
          
        • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to build consensus and manage conflict.
          
        • At least 15 years of relevant experience, including research management experience, with at least 5 years in developing countries with scientific responsibilities at a senior level.
          
        • A solid understanding of the role of science in agricultural development, particularly in evidence-based decision-making.
        • Strong knowledge of semi-arid tropical agriculture in developing as well as developed countries, to addressing the global challenges of hunger, poverty, climate change, and environmental degradation.
        • Ability to think strategically, synthesize and disseminate messages from complex issues.
        • Strong motivation and leadership skills to bring out the best from both individuals and teams.
        • Proven ability to establish, nurture and oversee multi-cultural, gender-sensitive multidisciplinary research teams.
        • Fluent in written and spoken English; working knowledge of French is desirable.
          How to apply:
          
          If you wish to be considered for this position, please use the Application Form below on or before 31 August 2023. All information will be in the strictest confidence as we pride ourselves on our professional service.  We will revert to you as soon as feasible when we have reviewed your application.
          
          ICRISAT is an equal opportunity employer.