The Organization
The Alliance of Bioversity International and 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.
The Alliance works with local, national and multinational partners across Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and Africa, and with the public and private sectors. The Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources and ecosystem services.
Background of the position
Recently, the Alliance launched the Accelerate for Impact Platform (A4IP) to enhance the sharing,
scaling, and deployment of science-based innovations. A4IP works systematically with non-traditional partners such as mission-aligned incubators and accelerators, leading R4D laboratories, and forward-thinking investors (e.g., venture studios, venture capitalists, impact philanthropists). The aim is to integrate scientists and partners into result-oriented teams that will address challenges in agriculture and food systems while contributing to the UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.
A4IP seeks to scale transformative technologies by utilizing existing and future CGIAR research and fostering synergies with in-house scientists. The platform has been identified as a strategic priority within CGIAR, garnering significant support and attention. This is an exciting time to join the Alliance, as the successful candidate will engage in new opportunities shaping the future of this scaling innovation platform under CGIAR.
About the position
The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT is seeking a highly motivated Associate Project Team Leader who will contribute to stakeholder engagement and the implementation of core accelerator activities, specifically in the Middle East and Northern Africa. Focus on replicating the methodology and applying lessons learned from a comparable project, AgriTech4Egypt Innovation Challenge 2024 to support and accelerate science-based agri-tech innovations relevant to the local context. The incumbent will support in managing the core accelerator activities aim to provide a robust entrepreneurial framework that connects research breakthroughs to market applications, offering business training, technical assistance, networking opportunities, pilot testing for product validation, and essential resources for start-ups to thrive.
Key duties & Responsibilities
Stakeholder engagement
- Act as the project's focal point in the region for external partners and stakeholders, ensuring effective collaboration and establishing clear communication channels.
- Support in contributing to the engagement strategies to scout, develop, and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in the start-up ecosystem/innovation space and industry leaders in MENA aiming to expand A4IP's influence and project reach. This involves coordinating internal teams with cohort needs and connecting them with top advisors and mentors within our network.
- Contribute to developing and maintaining relationships with multiple corporate partners, identifying collaboration opportunities for our start-ups and facilitating partnership discussions to enhance the growth and reach of cohort companies.
- Support in identifying and securing fundraising opportunities from innovation support organizations (e.g., Venture Studios, Venture Capitalists, Venture Funds, Impact philanthropists, and Banks) in the MENA region.
Project management
- Contribute to providing direction and leadership in the day-to-day project implementation, ensuring smooth operations and alignment with its overall objectives, budget, and timeline.
- Support in developing and implementing core accelerator programs that support agri-tech start-ups from ideation to market entry. This includes designing the program curriculum and content to address the critical needs of cohorts and setting objectives to meet those needs.
- Contribute to providing strategic oversight in developing key project documentation (e.g., Terms of Reference, work plan, agenda, and reports) and external content (e.g., PowerPoint presentations, website content, social media, and blogs) in both English and Arabic.
- Facilitate meetings, workshops, and events with partners and donors.
- Contribute to managing internal resources and plan strategic events that align with our business objectives, such as talent and start-up recruitment, fostering the tech ecosystem, and assisting start-ups in securing investment rounds.
- Collaborate with the Monitoring and Evaluation team to analyse project data, identify lessons learned and pinpoint areas for improvement, ensuring that these insights are integrated into project reporting in alignment with AICS's (Italian Agency for Development Cooperation) internal standards, procedures, and documentation.
- Compile progress reports and deliver insights to project partners and stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the project lifecycle.
Research- Contribute to activities of research on emerging trends in the start-up ecosystem, innovation landscape, and key market drivers in the MENA region to identify insights and trends that may impact project outcomes or present new opportunities for growth.
- Support in synthesising research into actionable recommendations, ensuring that lessons learned are documented and used to refine future project strategies and improve overall project performance.
Requirements
- Post graduate degree in International Development, International Relations, Economics, Business administration or other relevant field.
- Demonstrated understanding of the agri-tech innovation ecosystem (e.g., key trends, actors, and market dynamics that influence the development and scaling of start-ups) and a solid network within the agri-tech and innovation space in the MENA region.
- A minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience in project management and communications within an accelerator, incubator, or similar entrepreneurial support environment, preferably in agri-tech or related sectors in Egypt or the MENA region.
- Proven track record of designing and managing complex projects implemented by AICS (Italian Agency for Development Cooperation), preferably in Egypt, with expertise in navigating internal practices, project cycle management, its intervention logic, Monitoring and Evaluation documentation and reporting, and budget management and reporting.
- Experienced in managing events and corporate relationships, aligning them with start-ups' needs.
- Experienced in designing and implementing stakeholder engagement strategies to promote collaboration and foster long-term partnerships.
- Skilled in building effective working relationships with team members through strong leadership and guidance.
- Fluency in English and Arabic, with strong verbal and written communication skills to produce clear and concise reports. Knowledge of an additional language, particularly Italian, will be an added advantage.
- Proven research skills to analyse emerging trends, synthesise findings, and translate insights into actionable recommendations for projects.
Benefits
Terms of employment
This is an internationally recruited position and will be based in Cairo, Egypt. The initial contract will be for up to two (2) years, subject to a probation period of six (6) months and is renewable depending on the performance and availability of resources.
This position is graded at BG08 level, with a minimum basic annual salary of USD 44,248 per annum on a scale of BG01 to BG14 (BG14 being the highest level according to the Alliance job classification framework policy). We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits including but not limited to insurance, retirement plan, staff training and development, paid time off and flexible working arrangements.
The Alliance Bioversity-CIAT is committed to fair, safe, and inclusive workplaces. We believe that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical for our mission. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority. We encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability statuses, sexual orientations, marital status, and gender identities. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Applications
Applicants are invited to visit https://alliancebioversityciat.org/careers to get full details of the position and to submit their applications. Applications MUST include reference number RFP300366 Associate Project Team Leader - MENA Ecosystem Engagement as the position applied for. Application and CV should be saved as one document using the candidate's last name and first name for ease of sorting.
Applications closing date: 3rd April 2025
Please note that email applications will not be considered.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
We invite you to learn more about us at:
http://alliancebioversityciat.org
- Post graduate degree in International Development, International Relations, Economics, Business administration or other relevant field.
- Contribute to activities of research on emerging trends in the start-up ecosystem, innovation landscape, and key market drivers in the MENA region to identify insights and trends that may impact project outcomes or present new opportunities for growth.
- Contribute to providing direction and leadership in the day-to-day project implementation, ensuring smooth operations and alignment with its overall objectives, budget, and timeline.