Bioversity International is a global research-for-development organization. Our vision is that agricultural biodiversity nourishes people and sustains the planet.

We deliver scientific evidence, management practices and policy options to use and safeguard agricultural biodiversity to attain sustainable global food and nutrition security. We work with partners in low-income countries in different regions where agricultural biodiversity can contribute to improved nutrition, resilience, productivity and climate change adaptation.

Bioversity International is a member of the CGIAR Consortium – a global research partnership for a food secure future.

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

The context

The importance of nutrition, climate change adaptation, resilience and sustainability have risen on the global agenda as demonstrated by new movements and initiatives such as the Scaling Up Nutrition movement, Climate-Smart Agriculture and the Rio+20 Declaration on “The Future  We Want”. Sustainable agricultural systems and biodiversity also figure prominently in the emerging UN Sustainable Development Goals.

In order to respond to these new trends and developments, Bioversity International has conducted a thorough review of its strategy (Bioversity International's Strategy 2014-2024). As part of this enhanced strategy, we will be able to deepen our impact, as well as capitalize on the growing global momentum surrounding these issues. Going forward, our research investment decisions – what, where, how and with whom – will be guided by our strategy. We will align our human resources and partnerships to ensure that our research reaches our target groups and contributes to global public goods.

In realigning its internal structure with the enhanced strategy, Bioversity International has organized its research portfolio into three Bioversity Initiatives (BVIs), which will contribute to the achievement of the four strategic objectives. Each BVI embeds two to three research Components managed by a Component Leader. The first BVI focuses on healthy diets and sustainable food systems; the second one on sustainable production and landscapes; and the third one on monitoring, safeguarding and use of genetic resources.

Bioversity International is now looking for three highly motivated and dynamic persons to be appointed as the Managers of the three newly-created BVIs.

The role

Reporting to the Deputy Director General-Research the Bioversity Initiative Manager’s role is to continuously develop and ensure the outcome-oriented implementation of the research work conducted under the BVI. Guided by Bioversity Result Framework, the BVI Manager is accountable for ensuring the delivering of BVI outcomes that contribute to the achievement of Bioversity strategic objectives.

Specific Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities include:

• Lead and motivate a team of scientists and directly supervise Component Leaders and associated BVI support staff towards achieving the deliverables and outcomes of the BVI;

• Ensure the BVI delivers the outcomes that contribute to the achievement of Bioversity strategic objectives;

• Working closely with the Component Team Leaders and External Engagement, guide and oversee the development of research proposals that advance the BVI;

• Work in close collaboration with the Development Impact Unit on impact, gender, and  on communications that support the uptake of the research outputs with partners and users of research;

• Work in close collaboration with other BVI Managers and Component Team Leaders to identify synergies and develop joint initiatives that advance the research-for-development agenda of Bioversity;

• Develop with Component Team Leaders and recommend annual work plans (including major risks and mitigating actions) and budgets for the BVI;

• Provide key input to the development of Bioversity annual plans and budgets;

• Manage and report on the financial resources of the BVI to implement the plans and achieve maximum impact;

• Monitor, evaluate and report on progress towards the achievement of the BVI performance indicators based on Bioversity Results Framework and metrics, and implement corrective measures as needed;

• With External Engagement, coordinate efforts to develop strategic partnerships, including donors partnerships, that support  the research agenda of the BVI and Bioversity’s strategic objectives work more broadly, and develop communications strategies that advocate and promote the agenda of the BVI;

• Model and nurture Bioversity core values and contribute to creating a positive and open work environment where the diversity of the workforce and team-work are valued, and professional excellence encouraged.

Qualifications and competencies

Essential qualifications & competencies

• Professional (e.g. MBA, MPP, MSc) or academic Master’s degree in International Development or other disciplines relevant to the research-for-development agenda of Bioversity;

• Very good understanding of the issues related to agriculture or rural development, world food security, poverty reduction, environmental sustainability; and an understanding of the role of research in addressing these;

• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible management experience and a successful track record in developing, planning, executing and monitoring the implementation of major projects or programmes, including in international agriculture or rural development;

• Demonstrated competency in effectively working with or in motivating multidisciplinary teams, preferably in an international 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 and maintain, positive, cooperative and effective relationships with colleagues and external partners, including research, development and donor partners;

• Drive and entrepreneurship to envision and pursue new opportunities;

• Excellent English, both verbal and written.

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Desirable qualifications and competencies

• Work experience in an international agricultural research for development environment;

• Knowledge of developing impact pathways, theories of change, and partnerships within a managing-for-results framework;

• Worked or lived in developing countries;

• Knowledge of a second language.  

Terms and conditions: This is a locally recruited professional position, based in Maccarese, near Rome, Italy, at Bioversity International’s Headquarters, open only to European Union nationals or residents.All benefits are denominated and paid in EURO. The position is level 8, in a scale of eight levels, with level 8 being the highest. The salary range starts from Euro 58,598 per annum. Bioversity’s remuneration package includes a competitive salary, leave provisions, medical and life insurance, and non-contributory retirement plan. As this is a locally recruited position, relocation costs are not covered. The contract will be for three years, and it will be subject to a probationary period of twelve months.

Applications: Please apply online through Bioversity Job Opportunities web page (http://www.bioversityinternational.org/jobs/) by clicking the “Apply” button, completing the online application and attaching the required information, no later than 31 May, 2015. 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.

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