Senior Program Officer, Agriculture Systems Innovation

Job Posting Organization:
The Foundation is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting poverty, disease, and inequity globally. Established with the mission that all individuals, regardless of their identity or circumstances, should have the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives, the Foundation emphasizes the importance of diversity within its workforce to reflect the populations it serves. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage without premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions, regional holidays, and opportunities for employees to engage in various community initiatives. The Foundation is committed to fostering a workplace environment that supports both personal and professional growth.

Job Overview:
In the role of Senior Program Officer for agriculture-systems" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Agriculture Systems Innovation, you will be tasked with the development, monitoring, evaluation, and management of a portfolio of investments, including grants and contracts, that align with the Foundation's Agriculture Development program strategies in China. This position requires close collaboration with both internal stakeholders and external partners, which may include research centers, government agencies, private sector entities, and development organizations such as AGRA and CGIAR. The successful candidate will need to leverage their deep technical expertise in agricultural sciences and technology development, as well as their understanding of China-Africa development cooperation, to address challenges faced by small-scale producers in Africa. The position is based in Beijing and reports directly to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director of Development at the China office.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Program Officer will be responsible for several key functions, including: 1) Supporting the Deputy Director in shaping and implementing the development strategy for the China Country Office (CCO) through collaboration with various partners. This may involve leading research projects that connect Chinese, African, and international organizations to develop improved crop varieties. 2) Developing engagement models with relevant Chinese ministries to support the modernization of the National Agricultural Research Extension System (NARES) in Africa. 3) Designing investment plans that involve public and private entities aimed at modernizing value chains, particularly for commodity baskets in Africa. 4) Monitoring trends in Chinese scientific and agricultural engagement with Africa, including the innovation landscape and changes in development aid mechanisms. 5) Representing the CCO in the AgDev team, participating in meetings, and engaging in grantee visits as appropriate. 6) Cultivating relationships with public and private sector partners to strengthen cooperation, mobilize resources, and facilitate technology transfer. 7) Managing a portfolio of grants and contracts, ensuring alignment with the evolving strategy, and proactively assessing progress and potential risks. 8) Providing clear and insightful written analyses and recommendations for investments and strategies, including producing briefings, reports, and updates for Foundation leadership.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) or equivalent work experience in a relevant field. A minimum of 8-10 years of relevant experience is required, including at least 4-5 years in crop research and development (R&D) with a focus on collaboration with research institutions and private sector partners. Demonstrated experience in engaging private-sector partners and facilitating investment or commercialization partnerships is essential, along with a strong understanding of market strategies and technology introduction in emerging markets. Experience working with sub-Saharan African institutions or markets is highly desirable, as is a solid understanding of value chain dynamics that meet the needs of small-scale producers.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced degree, such as a Master’s or Ph.D., in a relevant field related to agricultural sciences, development studies, or a similar discipline. Equivalent work experience may also be considered in lieu of formal education, particularly if it demonstrates the necessary skills and knowledge for the role.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 8-10 years of relevant experience, with at least 4-5 years specifically in crop research and development (R&D). This experience should include collaboration with research institutions, private sector partners, and other organizations, demonstrating a strong understanding of agricultural systems and the dynamics of value chains in sub-Saharan Africa.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Chinese, both written and spoken, is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the regions of focus for the Foundation's work.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Beijing, China, and requires the candidate to be legally eligible to work in the country without visa sponsorship. The role may involve travel up to 30% domestically and internationally. The application deadline for this position is set for January 31, 202

• The Foundation is committed to diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices, ensuring equal opportunity for all applicants regardless of their background.