Bioversity International is a research-for-development organization working with partners worldwide to use and conserve agricultural and tree biodiversity for improved livelihoods, nutrition, sustainability and productive and resilient ecosystems. Bioversity International is a member of the CGIAR Consortium, a global research partnership for a food secure future. Bioversity International has more than 300 staff and scientists’ worldwide working with almost 700 partners.

For further information on Bioversity
International, consult the Web page at http://www.bioversityinternational.org

Purpose of Role

The Senior Advisor to the Director General will support, advise,and represent the Director General in external relations with key partners and stakeholders, and play an active role in strategically positioning Bioversity International in the external environment. He or she will monitor, analyze and advise the Director General on substantive developments in the area of
agricultural research for development that impact on the agenda of Bioversity International.

Main responsibilities

Reporting to the Director General and working in close collaboration with the Communications and Resource Mobilization Heads, the Senior Advisor to the Director General will have the following key responsibilities:

• Provide high-level assistance to the Director General to ensure a strategic approach to the management of external relations and partnerships;
• Plan and co-ordinate the Director General’s executive communication agenda to position Bioversity International and to seek out new funding opportunities in close collaboration with the Heads of Communications and Resource Mobilization;
• Forecast and calendar strategic opportunities for the Director General to engage with key stakeholders, and prepare briefing material for the Director General in collaboration with relevant unit heads;
• Monitor, analyze and synthesize information, emerging and future trends, and advise the Director General on issues relevant to the agenda of Bioversity International, including in the areas of agricultural biodiversity, intellectual property relating to genetic resources, agricultural research innovation and technology, development issues, and
  policies;
• Represent the DG in external relations with key partners and stakeholders;
• Assist the Director General in his/her support to the Board of Trustees and other leadership and ambassadorial boards.

Qualifications and competencies

Essential qualifications & competencies:

• A Masters degree in a scientific discipline relevant to Bioversity, e.g. agricultural development, rural development,
  agricultural economics, biodiversity and conservation.
• At least 10 years progressively responsible
  professional experience in the field of international agricultural development
  or related field.
• _{Substantive knowledge of the issues related to Bioversity’s mission such as agricultural development, research for development, food security, and sustainable agriculture.}
• _{·Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills, with the ability to communicate with a variety of stakeholders and audiences at different levels.}
• _{Outstanding English Language skills, both written and verbal.}
• _{Issues management and crisis communications experience.}
• Strong organizational skills and keen attention to detail.
• Outstanding skills of negotiation, networking, advocacy and lobbying.
• High political awareness and understanding, good judgment to handle sensitive and confidential issues.
• Excellent priority setting, planning and organization skills.

Desirable qualifications and competencies:

• Knowledge of other major languages, e.g. French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese.

Personal qualities:

• Collaborative and open-minded.
• Strategic thinker.
• Ability to effectively work under tight deadlines and with a high degree of autonomy.
• Highly articulate and presentable.
• A personable and supportive team-orientedcandidate. 
• An upbeat and enthusiastic attitude.
• Strong work ethics and integrity.
• Commitment to Bioversity International’s
  vision and aims.

Terms and conditions: This is an internationally recruited position. 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.

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. The closing date for the vacancy is 12 May 2013, but we will continue accepting applications until the position is
filled. 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. The
status of the selection process can be monitored in the “Job Opportunities”
section of our web site.

Bioversity is
an equal opportunity employer and strives for staff diversity.

Women and
candidates from developing countries are encouraged to apply.