Sustainable Agri-Food System (SAS) Director

Position description

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for systems science, co-creation, design thinking and scaling to drive innovation in global agriculture? Do you have the strategic foresight, scientific expertise, and leadership acumen to shape the future of sustainable food systems? If so, CIMMYT invites you to lead its Sustainable Agrifood System (SAS) as its next Program Director.

In this role, you will lead a globally recognized program dedicated to systems research and scaling to deliver science and innovation for a food and nutrition secure world. Working with a dynamic scientific leadership team you will drive innovation, strengthen agricultural resilience and productivity while addressing both technical and organizational challenges. This position requires a dynamic leader with the expertise to advance systems science, convene global conversations, foster equitable partnerships, drive transdisciplinarity and cultivate talent. The position reports to the Chief Science and Innovation Officer.

Based at our headquarters in Texcoco, Mexico, you will:

Catalyze Research and Innovation Through Visionary Leadership:

• Set a Bold Scientific Vision: Define and execute a forward-thinking strategy for the Sustainable Agrifood System Program, ensuring alignment with CIMMYT’s Excellence in Science and Innovation objectives;
• Advance Systems Research: Lead and support leadership in cutting-edge research in systems and scaling science, and promote and foster transdisciplinarity, enhancing agricultural resilience and productivity;
• Integrate New Science and Emerging Technologies: Harness and drive new advances in systems and scaling science, leverage and integrate advances in data science, gender and inclusion, and real time feedback monitoring as a global leader in sustainable agrifood systems.

Build Strategic Partnerships and Global Influence:

• Strengthen CIMMYT’s Global Presence: Advocate for CIMMYT’s research agenda in international forums, influencing policies and collaborations at the highest levels;
• Expand Collaborative Networks: Develop partnerships with National Agricultural Research Systems, universities, private sector players and CGIAR centers, to drive collective impact;
• Enhance Research Visibility: Engage with key stakeholders to promote CIMMYT’s scientific outputs, securing its role as a leader in sustainable agrifood system development.

Ensure Sustainable Growth and Talent Development:

• Secure Funding and Resources: Lead fundraising efforts, securing sustainable financial support through grants, institutional partnerships, and donor engagement;
• Inspire and Develop Talent: Mentor and lead a multi and transdisciplinary teams, fostering a high-performance culture that supports scientific excellence and professional growth;
• Drive Scientific Operational Excellence: Oversee budgeting, resource allocation, and compliance with policies and procedures, ensuring responsible research and long-term sustainability.

Qualifications

• 10–15+ years of distinguished leadership experience in senior scientific or executive roles within international research organizations, academia, or industry;
• PhD in Crop Science, Agronomy, Soil Science, Agroecology, Environmental Science, Climate science, Agricultural or Development Economics, Sustainable Development or a related field, with expertise in genetics, plant breeding, or conservation biology;
• The ideal candidate will bring a proven track record of interdisciplinary science leadership bridging biological, environmental, economic, policy, and systems perspectives on food and agriculture;
• Experience working with diverse cross disciplinary teams reflecting the cross-sectoral nature of agrifood systems transformation;
• Proven track record of leading and managing complex, multidisciplinary research programs with international scope;
• Demonstrated success in securing funding and managing large-scale research budgets;
• Strong international and developing country experience, with a commitment to enhancing food security through systems approaches;
• Expertise in managing research within international legal frameworks and intellectual property agreements;
• Exceptional relationship management skills, with the ability to build and sustain strategic partnerships across academia, government, and industry;
• Outstanding communication and advocacy skills, with experience representing research at international meetings and forums;
• A results-driven, agile, collaborative and humble leadership style, fostering teamwork, innovation, and high scientific standards.

Application instructions

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