Regional Leader for South, West and Central Asia

The International Potato Centern (CIP) has sent us a position advertisement seeking for a Regional Leader for South, West and Central Asia. This position must be an accomplished scientist as Regional Leader to use agricultural science and technology for poverty alleviation to serve leader of the region. Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are particularly urged to apply.

Screening of applications will begin on 1 May 2007 and will continue until the post is filled. The appointment will begin in January 2008. Applicants should apply by email.

We would appreciate your helping us in disseminating it or bringing it to the attention to those who might be interested or whom you feel qualified for the position.

International Potato Center (http://www.cipotato.org ) POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT Ref: RL/SWCA/03/07 Regional Leader for South, West and Central Asia

The International Potato Center (CIP) seeks a scientific leader committed to using agricultural science and technology for poverty alleviation to serve leader of our South, West and Central Asia Region. Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are particularly urged to apply.

The Center: CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research organization with a global mandate to conduct research on potatoes and sweet potatoes, sustainable management of natural resources and urban agriculture. CIP’s vision is to contribute from its areas of expertise to the fulfillment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), in particular those goals that relate to poverty, hunger, child and maternal mortality, and sustainable development in rural and urban systems. CIP has its headquarters in Lima, Peru with staff and activities in locations across Africa, Asia and Latin America. CIP is a member of the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research, a network of 15 research centers mostly located in the developing world and supported by more than 60 donor members.

The Region: From its headquarters in Lima, Peru, CIP operates a highly decentralized, output oriented research program anchored by four regions with regional offices in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The South, West and Central Asia Region encompasses the countries of South Asia extending west through Afghanistan and the eight countries of Central Asia and the Caucuses. The SWCA region is home to the world’s largest concentrations of poverty, hunger and malnourishment. Potato occupies an important role for reduction of these conditions throughout the region. Sweetpotato is also important in the South Asian countries. CIP will actively expand its program in this region during the medium term.

The position: CIP seeks an accomplished scientist as Regional Leader to head research and outreach efforts in SWCA. As leader and manager of the SWCA regional office and team, the Leader will have primary responsibility for providing scientific leadership for CIP in the region. This includes developing the goals and strategies of the region, leading resource mobilization, leading the scientific team and its partners to ensure that research outputs contribute to poverty and hunger reduction and nutrition improvement. The leader will work closely with research networks active in the region and national agricultural research programs in planning and coordinating CIP’s research. The leader will also manage the resources (human and financial resources and offices and equipment) used to support the regions research activities. He/She will be a member of CIP’s research and management team, contributing to the strategies and direction of CIP’s research, and representing the center in a variety of research, investor and partner forums. The position reports to the Deputy Director General-Research and will be based at CIPs regional office in New Delhi, India with frequent international travel.

The successful candidate will:

• be an accomplished and innovative researcher who has strong research management experience;


• have a PhD in natural, agricultural or social science or a related field and 10 years experience;


• have demonstrated success in managing multi-disciplinary teams and partnerships and attracting substantial research funding.

We are looking for an individual who can articulate a vision for CIP’s activities in the region, can liaise with CIP’s other science leaders at headquarters and in other regions, who posses excellent management skills, is committed to working in a multi-partner, multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural environment and is able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Considerable experience in root and tuber cropping systems in South, West and Central Asia is desirable. Fluency in English is required; ability in regional language is desirable.

Conditions: The employment contract will be for an initial three-year term with the possibility of renewal. Salary is internationally competitive and paid in US dollars. CIP provides excellent benefits including employer-paid medical, life and disability insurance and retirement benefits. Generous allowances toward relocation, housing, home leave travel, dependents’ education and annual leave are also provided. CIP prides itself on its collegial and supportive working environment, which allows space for personal and professional growth.

Applications: Applicants should apply by email, sending a cover letter summarizing their relevance to this position, a full C.V. and the names and contact information of three referees knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to Lilia Salinas at cip-ddg-research@cgiar.org. The reference name of the position should be clearly marked on the subject line of the email message. Screening of applications will begin on 1 May 2007 and will continue until the post is filled. The appointment will begin in January 2008.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply