Partnership Excellence Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center) is a non-profit, international organization established to address global agricultural challenges. It focuses on improving the quantity, quality, and reliability of production systems for staple crops like maize and wheat, particularly in the Global South. CIMMYT aims to enhance the livelihoods of resource-poor farmers and contribute to a more productive and resilient agrifood system. The organization operates in multiple countries and is dedicated to fostering strong partnerships to achieve its mission. For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

Job Overview:
The Partnership Excellence Specialist position at CIMMYT is designed for a proactive and results-driven professional who will enhance the effectiveness of partnerships within the organization. This role is crucial as partnerships are integral to CIMMYT's operations, influencing scientific research, innovation delivery, resource mobilization, and overall impact. The specialist will report to the Chief Transformation Officer and will be responsible for creating and implementing a risk-based partnership management framework. This framework aims to improve how CIMMYT identifies, selects, manages, and monitors partnerships, thereby reducing fragmentation and enhancing the organization's capacity to maintain high-quality partnerships at scale. The role involves co-developing tools and processes in collaboration with various departments, including Finance, Programs, Legal, Grants Management, and IT. A key focus will be on translating internal audit findings into actionable improvements in financial oversight and compliance monitoring throughout the partnership lifecycle. Over time, the role will shift from framework development to ongoing improvement and stewardship of the partnership management function, requiring strong financial acumen and the ability to convert financial data into practical organizational tools and insights.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Partnership Lifecycle Framework: Design and implement standardized processes for the entire partnership lifecycle, including identification, due diligence, contracting, management, and renewal. Develop workflows, templates, and documentation standards to ensure consistent practices across programs. Capture lessons learned and best practices to inform continuous improvement initiatives.
• Technical and Financial Performance Frameworks: Support the creation of a partnership tracking system that monitors contractual agreements, deliverables, financial performance metrics, and project progress. Ensure consistency and transparency in partner financial reporting and develop tools to track reporting timelines and actions.
• Partner Selection & Due Diligence: Design structured tools and criteria for transparent partner selection and enhance the risk-based due diligence approach. Improve tracking for due diligence status and identify opportunities to streamline processes.
• Systems, Data & Analytics: Improve the structure and accessibility of partnership-related data and develop analytical tools to provide visibility into partner activities and risks. Collaborate with IT teams to enhance system capabilities.
• Risk & Lifecycle Visibility: Implement tools for consistent risk identification and tracking throughout the partnership lifecycle, ensuring alignment with risk management frameworks.
• Implementation & Stakeholder Collaboration: Co-design solutions with various stakeholders and deliver training on partnership management practices. Apply change management approaches to minimize disruption and translate complex concepts into practical guidance for users.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as business management, finance, agriculture, or international development. A minimum of 5 years of experience in partnership management systems, financial management, or consulting roles within complex organizations is required. Strong financial acumen is essential, along with experience in financial controls, audit remediation, and risk management. Proven ability to design and implement frameworks and tools for financial monitoring and due diligence is necessary. Candidates should also have hands-on experience in developing analytical tools and dashboards, as well as the ability to work collaboratively across departments.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in business management, finance, agriculture, international development, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree in a relevant field is desirable and may provide an advantage in the selection process.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of relevant experience in overseeing partnership management systems, financial management, or transformational roles in NGOs, international organizations, or research institutions. Experience in designing and implementing frameworks and tools for financial monitoring and risk management is crucial, as is the ability to work in cross-functional environments.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of Spanish or other languages may be considered an advantage, especially given the organization's focus on the Global South and its operational context.

Additional Notes:
The position is initially fixed-term for three years, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. CIMMYT offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including housing allowance, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children’s education, paid vacation, annual home travel airfare, retirement plan contributions, and relocation assistance. Applications must include a CV and a cover letter, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and encourages women to apply.