Associate Program Director - Systems Development and Scaling

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center) is a non-profit, international organization established to address global agricultural challenges. The organization focuses on improving the quantity, quality, and reliability of production systems for staple crops, particularly maize and wheat, 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 collaborates with various partners to achieve its mission, which includes fostering innovation in agricultural science and building strong partnerships to support sustainable agricultural practices.

Job Overview:
The Associate Program Director for Systems Development and Scaling will provide strategic and operational leadership for the Systems Development and Scaling portfolio within CIMMYT's Sustainable Agricultural Systems (SAS) program. This role is crucial for ensuring that tested agricultural innovations are adopted at scale, contributing to CIMMYT's 2030 strategy. The director will be responsible for defining and executing the Systems Development strategy, identifying high-impact innovations, and ensuring coherence across various projects. The position requires a strong focus on embedding innovations within public and private delivery systems, building partnerships, and advocating for CIMMYT's agenda in international forums. The director will also be tasked with mentoring multi-country teams and managing financial and reputational risks associated with the program.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Define and execute the Systems Development strategy for SAS, ensuring alignment with CIMMYT's objectives.
• Contribute to research in scaling science and align outcome delivery with monitoring and learning.
• Embed innovations in public delivery systems and promote viable delivery models.
• Build investment cases to align innovations with government programs and private capital.
• Identify opportunities to alleviate barriers to innovation adoption in collaboration with national partners.
• Build equitable partnerships with national agricultural research systems, universities, and NGOs.
• Ensure inclusion of beneficiaries in system development activities and manage legal agreements.
• Lead fundraising efforts and monitor scaling implementation and impacts.
• Mentor and lead multi-country teams, overseeing budgeting and resource allocation. 1
• Interface with Discovery Research to align research priorities with field evidence. 1
• Support the SAS Director in program-wide planning and execution.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a PhD in agricultural or development economics, sustainable development, agricultural systems, rural development, agroecology, public policy, or a related field. Alternatively, a master's degree with exceptional experience may be considered. The ideal candidate should have at least 10 years of distinguished leadership experience in agricultural development, scaling, or program delivery within an international research or development organization, academia, or industry. Proven interdisciplinary and cross-sector team leadership across multiple countries is essential, along with demonstrated experience in project design, implementation, performance management, and evaluation.

Educational Background:
A PhD in a relevant field such as agricultural or development economics, sustainable development, agricultural systems, rural development, agroecology, or public policy is required. A master's degree may be acceptable if accompanied by exceptional experience in the field.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of distinguished leadership experience in agricultural development, scaling, or program delivery. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing large-scale projects and securing funding from public, development, and private finance sources. Experience in interdisciplinary and cross-sector team leadership across multiple countries is also necessary.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international nature of the organization. Knowledge of Spanish or other languages relevant to the regions of operation may be advantageous.

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, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children's education, paid vacation, annual home travel airfare, retirement plan contributions, and relocation assistance. Candidates must apply online with a CV and cover letter, including contact details for three work-related references. Incomplete applications will not be considered, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. CIMMYT is committed to diversity and encourages women to apply.