Director of Information Technology and Digital Transformation (ITDT)

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, is a non-profit, international organization that focuses on improving agricultural production systems, particularly for basic cereals like maize and wheat. Established to address security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and poverty reduction, CIMMYT operates in the Global South and collaborates with various partners to enhance the livelihoods of resource-poor farmers. The organization is a core member of the CGIAR Research Center, which is dedicated to achieving a food-secure future through research and innovation in agriculture. CIMMYT's mission is to foster improved agricultural practices and resilience among farmers, ensuring sustainable food systems within planetary boundaries. The organization has a global presence and employs a diverse workforce committed to agricultural research and development.

Job Overview:
The Director of Information Technology and Digital Transformation (ITDT) at CIMMYT is a strategic leadership role that focuses on leveraging digital capabilities and enterprise systems to enhance the organization's research excellence and operational efficiency. This position requires a business-oriented executive who can bridge the gap between technology and organizational strategy. The ITDT Director is responsible for CIMMYT's digital and enterprise systems strategy, overseeing areas such as Knowledge Management, Information Technology, cybersecurity, and the implementation of ERP solutions. The role is critical in ensuring that digital platforms and knowledge assets are utilized effectively to support CIMMYT's mission and long-term sustainability. The Director will work closely with the Leadership Team and report to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), holding accountability for the IT and Knowledge Management budget and initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Director of ITDT will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Leading the development and execution of CIMMYT's IT and Digital Transformation strategy aligned with the organization's Strategy 203
• Acting as the Executive Sponsor for the ERP project, ensuring its successful implementation and adoption across all functions.
• Overseeing the management of IT operations, infrastructure, and cybersecurity to ensure reliable and secure services.
• Establishing governance frameworks for enterprise systems and ensuring compliance with financial governance.
• Building strategic partnerships with external stakeholders and representing CIMMYT in international forums.
• Managing the KM&IT budget and contributing to resource mobilization efforts.
• Leading a diverse team and fostering a culture of accountability and innovation.
• Monitoring performance metrics and providing regular reports to senior management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Information Technology, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field. Formal IT service or governance certifications such as ITIL or ISO are desirable but not mandatory. A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in IT, digital transformation, or enterprise systems leadership is required, with proven experience at a senior leadership level managing complex organizations or multi-country operations. Candidates should demonstrate leadership in large-scale ERP implementations and have a strong understanding of enterprise business processes, ideally through direct functional exposure. Experience with Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) frameworks and cybersecurity risk management is also essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as Information Technology, Information Systems, Engineering, or related disciplines. Additional certifications in IT service management or governance are advantageous but not strictly necessary. Candidates should have a solid foundation in both technical and business aspects of IT management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in IT, digital transformation, or enterprise systems leadership. Candidates should have a proven track record at the Director or equivalent senior leadership level, managing complex organizations with significant staff and budget responsibilities. Experience overseeing enterprise infrastructure and cloud platforms in high-availability environments is crucial, as is familiarity with donor-funded or grant-driven operating environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, given the international nature of CIMMYT's work. A working knowledge of Spanish or French is highly desirable, as it aligns with CIMMYT's global operations and partnerships.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an internationally competitive salary and benefits package, which includes a housing allowance, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children's education, paid vacation, annual home travel airfare, contributions to a retirement plan, and generous relocation assistance. The role is full-time and involves leading a diverse, globally distributed team. CIMMYT is committed to fostering a multicultural work environment that values diversity and gender equality. The position will remain open until filled, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.