Associate Program Director - Discovery Research

About the role

CIMMYT, a non-profit international organization focused on improving cereal production and the livelihoods of resource-poor farmers, is recruiting an Associate Program Director for its SAS Discovery Research portfolio. The role drives implementation of science projects and contributes to scientific leadership and strategic direction, setting a research vision aligned with CIMMYT's Excellence in Science and Innovation objectives. It is a fixed-term position of three years, based at a CIMMYT office in Latin America, Asia or Africa.

Key responsibilities

• Define and oversee the SAS Discovery research strategy, using country, farmer, market and policy priorities to guide portfolio choices.
• Lead research integrating agronomy, soil and environmental science, climate, economics, social science and nutrition, together with maize, wheat, dryland crops and genetic innovation programs.
• Integrate advances in technology, data science, gender and inclusion research and real-time feedback monitoring into research design.
• Ensure farmers, national agricultural research systems, universities and the private sector help shape research questions, trials and tools.
• Drive scientific quality, compliance with standards, peer review, research ethics, data integrity and responsible open science.
• Lead competitive proposals, oversee project execution, donor reporting and fiscal management, and monitor portfolio commitments and budget performance.
• Contribute to recruitment, mentoring and succession planning of transdisciplinary teams.
• Build partnerships with research systems, universities and the private sector, represent CIMMYT at international forums and co-manage the handover of validated innovations to the Systems Development and Scaling APD.

Required profile

• PhD in crop science, agronomy, soil science, agroecology, environmental or climate science, agricultural or development economics, sustainable development or a related field.
• At least 10 years of research leadership in an international research organization, academia or industry, including leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven interdisciplinary science leadership and a strong record of peer-reviewed publications.
• Demonstrated success in securing funding and managing large research budgets and multi-partner projects.
• Strong international and developing-country experience and expertise in research under international legal frameworks and intellectual property agreements.

What we offer

• Internationally competitive salary and benefits.
• Housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children's education, paid vacation and annual home travel airfare.
• Contribution to a retirement plan and generous assistance with relocation shipment.

Applications are made online with a CV, contact details and reference confirmations, and a cover letter; only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The position remains open until filled.