Bioversity International (“Bioversity” for short) is the world’s largest organization undertaking research on agricultural biodiversity, dedicated to addressing global issues related to food security, poverty, climate change and environmental degradation. We are a non profit organization, active in over 100 countries worldwide, with more than 350 staff working from some 16 country offices. We are one of 15 centres of the Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centres (CGIAR). This is an exciting time to join Bioversity International. We have recently developed new and ambitious goals, clear objectives and performance indicators for the next ten years. Two strategic priorities have been set - to improve the use of biodiversity by smallholder farmers and the conservation of plant diversity.
Purpose of Role
With international attention now focused on the need to increase investment in agriculture, Bioversity is seeking a highly motivated and dynamic person to lead the Conservation and Availability of Genetic Resources Programme as well as contribute to research in the area of In Situ Conservation of Crop Wild Relatives. As the leader a global research team, the incumbent will provide scientific leadership, coordination and facilitation of ongoing and new research and global partnerships to lead to the development of a global programme on in situ conservation, i.e. in natural and managed habitats, of priority populations of useful wild plant species, with particular attention to crop wild relatives. As Program Leader, the incumbent will also provide oversight to a team of genetic resources policy and informatics specialists. The position will be based in Bioversity’s Headquarters in Maccarese, near Rome, Italy.
Key responsibilities
He/She will have the following main responsibilities:
• Manage and coordinate the research of scientists within the Conservation and Availability of Genetic Resources Programme, be responsible for its strategic coherence and scientific output, and foster the necessary partnerships to achieve research outcomes;
• Be responsible for the Programme’s participation in relevant CGIAR Research Programmes (CRPs) in line with Bioversity’s policies;
• Lead and contribute to research on the in situ conservation of crop wild relatives; and to the design of practices, guidelines, impact pathways and processes towards achieving conservation outcomes on the ground in countries around the world;
• Collaborate with other scientists working on the conservation of priority plant populations in the wild, on farm and ex situ, both within Bioversity and in other CGIAR Centres and organizations;
• Produce scientific publications and other impact-oriented products from high quality research on the conservation in situ of the genepools of priority plant resources, notably the wild relatives of crops;
• Lead our engagement with other key stakeholders and establish and maintain strategic partnerships at national and international levels;
• Lead or contribute to the development of fundraising proposals to support such research, the associated capacity building of partners and the achievement of conservation outcomes.
• Contribute to the communication effort of Bioversity on the research being conducted within the Programme;
• Identify and lead opportunities to advance Bioversity’s research agenda.
Essential qualifications & competencies
• A PhD in Conservation Biology or other relevant disciplines.
• At least 10 years of experience working on or issues relevant to the management and conservation of plant populations in the wild.
• At least 5 years experience carrying out research with partners and relevant field experience in developing countries.
• Good understanding of genetic resources and policy issues related to the conservation and availability of PGR.
• Demonstrated competency in the management of scientific staff and other resources at a senior level, preferably in an international research or academic environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to effectively interact with people at all levels and build consensus in a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with donors and generate funds for research and delivery of outcomes.
• A substantial and sustained record of achievement and innovation through project development, implementation and delivery of results, and demonstrated publication record.
• Drive and entrepreneurship to pursue and develop new research opportunities.
• Excellent English, both verbal and written
.Desirable qualifications and competencies
• Experience with methodologies and tools for the capturing and monitoring of status and trends of plant genetic resources.
• Familiarity with ex situ conservation and how it can complement in situ methods.
• Familiarity with the CGIAR system.
• Working knowledge of Spanish, French or other major global languages.
Terms and conditions: This is an internationally recruited position at Level 2 of Bioversity’s Internationally Recruited Scale, in a scale of 5 levels, with level 1 being the highest. Bioversity International offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary, non-contributory retirement plan, medical insurance, housing allowance and leave provisions. All benefits are denominated and paid in US Dollars. The initial contract will be for a period of three years subject to a probationary period of one year.
For more info, contact:
Applications: Please apply online through Bioversity Job Opportunities web page (http://www.bioversityinternational.org/about_us/job_opportunities.html) by clicking the “Apply” button, completing the online application and attaching the required information, no later than 31 March 2012. Please note that in the application you are required to provide the contact details (address, telephone number and e-mail address) of at least three referees, which Bioversity will contact for short listed applicants.