IWMI seeks a dynamic individual to lead its research operations in Africa.  The Africa Director will demonstrate a strong strategic approach and set an ambitious agenda to achieve IWMI’s goals in the region. In addition, the Director will be IWMI’s ambassador in Africa  and provide leadership for the regional offices. The position can be based in any one of IWMI’s Africa offices
in Pretoria, Addis Ababa, or Accra (though preferably, Accra) and reports direct to the Director General. The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) is a non-profit, scientific organization engaged in research and capacity building activities for developing countries.  Our mission is to overcome poverty through the better management of land and water resources. Working with diverse partners and supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), IWMI seeks to translate its research findings into actionable recommendations for policymakers, resource managers and poor rural communities.  IWMI is based in Colombo, Sri Lanka and has regional offices located in 12 countries in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Job Purpose:
The main purpose of the job is to spearhead, direct and oversee research and administration of IWMI offices in Africa region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
·         Maintaining knowledge of the region and political economy, representing the Director General in terms of relationship building with regional stakeholders, donors, NGOs, CSOs and regional alliances.

·         Representing the Director General and IWMI with host government agencies and institutions acting as the first point of contact in the region for a range of parties including donors and senior government Ministers and reacting to requests and questions from same

·         Representing IWMI at regional fora, meetings and conferences.

·         Working with the Business Development Director and Theme Leaders to ensure the development and maintenance of a strong pipeline of projects; seeking opportunities for funding and contributing to proposal writing and other scientific knowledge activities as appropriate.

·         Working with Theme and Project Leaders to ensure that IWMI projects have significant on-ground and regional impact in terms of IWMI and the CGIAR’s goals.

·         Working with Project Leaders and the IWMI Information and Knowledge Group team to ensure project outputs are targeted at appropriate audiences and uptake is maximized.

·         Membership of the IWMI Management Team and as such to support the Director General with planned and ad hoc reviews, submissions and other general management duties as arise.

·         Coordinate the region’s offices and provide oversight and management of regional offices and their administrative support staff.

·         Dealing with everyday issues of staff located in the region and providing guidance and mentoring as appropriate.

·         Regional Directors will be expected to spend about 70% of their time on the above duties.  The remaining time may be allocated to contributing to specific projects in the region and/or IWMI wide initiatives.

·         Ensuring mitigation of risk in IWMI’s activities within the region.

Selection Criteria:

The following outlines the attributes required and the criteria against which applications will be assessed.

Qualifications & Experience:
  

ESSENTIAL

·     A PhD or equivalent experience in an area relevant to the theme (e.g. hydrology/hydrogeology, irrigation/agricultural science, environmental science, economics)

·     Extensive experience of living and/or working in Africa

·     Extensive experience in senior management or director positions

·     Corporate management experience

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  

ESSENTIAL

·     Demonstrable intellectual leadership of key science areas of relevance to IWMI’s agenda that have had impact with respect to development challenges.

·     Extensive knowledge of agricultural concerns in most/all Africa regions.

·     Recognition at the international level as an individual who has contributed significantly to one’s area of scientific endeavor as evidence by publications and other acknowledgements.

·     Strong verbal communication skills that assist in explaining in simple terms international water management challenges and the ability to explain complex, interdisciplinary water issues.

·     Strong strategic planning skills and ability to develop and deliver strategic initiatives to advance the region.

·     Experience of managing teams of people that have delivered high quality outputs on time and budget.

·     Ability to form partnerships with other CGIAR centers, ARIs and NARES to facilitate delivery of outcomes.

·     Ability to be a strong advocate for the area of responsibility via written and oral presentations.

·     Ability to manage finances of a large team and to plan work from both scientific and financial/human resources perspectives.

·     Ability to liaise with key donor agencies.

·     Understanding of pro-poor development challenges.

Salary and Benefits:

This is an internationally recruited position with a competitive salary and benefits package.  This includes housing and vehicle allowance, retirement and health insurance package.  The position will be governed by IWMI terms of employment.  The position will be for three years and is a renewable contract.

How to Apply:

·         Complete application form http://www.iwmi.cgiar.org/About_IWMI/Vacancies/

·         Attach your résumé.

·         Attach a letter of application, which specifically addresses the selection criteria outlined above; include the names and addresses of 3 referees who may be contacted if you are shortlisted.

·         Submit online.

If you do not receive an automatic acknowledgement email within 24 hours of sending your application, then contact: The Human Resources Office, IWMI, P.O. Box 2075, Colombo, Sri Lanka; Email:
 [scholarships]
Application deadline:  15 May 2010 or until the position is filled
For further information visit IWMI - http://www.iwmi.org

Apply online here

IWMI is an equal opportunity employer and is keen to further diversify its staff in terms of both gender and nationality.

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