Partnership Management Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center) is a pioneering non-profit organization established to address the challenges of agricultural production, particularly in the Global South. Founded in 1966, CIMMYT focuses on enhancing the quantity, quality, and reliability of production systems for staple crops such as maize, wheat, and other cereals. The organization operates in numerous countries, working closely with resource-poor farmers to improve their livelihoods and resilience through innovative agricultural practices and strong partnerships. CIMMYT is committed to fostering a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system while adhering to planetary boundaries, making it a leader in agricultural research and development.

Job Overview:
This position is part of CIMMYT’s Talent Roster, aimed at identifying and assessing qualified candidates for future consultancy opportunities. The role involves supporting the Office of the Chief Transformation Officer in enhancing institutional partnership management across CIMMYT’s research programs. Consultants will engage in home-based, part-time work, with occasional missions to CIMMYT's headquarters in Texcoco, Mexico. The focus will be on developing frameworks and tools for effective partnership management, ensuring that CIMMYT can efficiently select, contract, monitor, and manage its partners throughout the partnership lifecycle. Inclusion in the roster does not guarantee employment but allows candidates to be considered for future roles that align with their expertise and CIMMYT’s needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for conducting diagnostics of existing partnership management systems, which includes stakeholder interviews, process mapping, and systems landscape reviews. They will translate diagnostic findings into prioritized design requirements and recommendations, develop institutional partnership management frameworks, and draft operational procedures for the partnership lifecycle. Additionally, the consultant will design practical tools for staff, define functional and data requirements for embedding procedures into management systems, and prepare implementation and change management roadmaps. Coordination with various departments such as Finance, Grants, and IT will be essential, along with providing regular updates to senior management and preparing handover packages for knowledge transfer to CIMMYT staff.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have a minimum of 10 years of experience in partnership, grants, or program management within international organizations, research institutions, or NGOs. They should demonstrate experience in designing or strengthening financial controls and partnership management systems, particularly in response to audits or risk assessments. A proven ability to produce high-quality institutional policies and frameworks under tight deadlines is essential, along with strong financial acumen to interpret budgets and financial reports. Familiarity with grant and contract management systems, as well as experience in conducting organizational diagnostics, is also required. Excellent written English skills and document design capabilities are necessary, and experience with CGIAR or agricultural research organizations is advantageous.

Educational Background:
While specific educational qualifications are not explicitly stated, candidates are generally expected to possess a relevant degree in fields such as international development, agricultural sciences, business administration, or a related discipline. Advanced degrees may be preferred, particularly for roles that require extensive expertise in partnership management and organizational development.

Experience:
The position requires a substantial level of experience, specifically a minimum of 10 years in relevant fields such as partnership management, grants management, or program management. Candidates should have a strong background in working with international organizations or NGOs, particularly in donor-funded environments, and should be adept at managing complex, multi-program projects.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, particularly in written communication, as the role involves producing high-quality documents for various stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages may be beneficial but is not specified as a requirement.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is part-time, typically around half-time, and engagements are home-based with short missions to CIMMYT headquarters. As an individual consultancy, it does not include staff benefits but offers competitive fees based on experience and assignment scope. The role provides an opportunity to influence how CIMMYT collaborates with partners in the Global South, contributing to the organization's mission of improving agricultural practices and outcomes.