Special Advisor to the Deputy Executive Managing Director

Location: Montpellier, France

Grade: CG11/12

Date Published: 25th April 2024

Closing Date for Applications: 24th May 2024 at 09:00 CEST

CGIAR is a global research partnership for a food-secure future. CGIAR science is dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources and ecosystem services. Its research is conducted closely with hundreds of partners, including national and regional research institutes, civil society organizations, academia, development organizations, and the private sector. 

One CGIAR provides an opportunity for a fresh strategy to shape a stronger, more relevant science agenda for today’s dynamic world. One CGIAR is the integration of CGIAR’s capabilities, knowledge, assets, people, and global presence for a new era of interconnected and partnership-driven research towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). One CGIAR enables us to operate as a cohesive organization with a single mission, seamlessly leveraging all of our capabilities and assets to deliver real benefits to people and our planet. Through integrated systems research, One CGIAR and country partners are striving for impact to create sustainable and resilient food, land, and water systems, and meet SDG targets.

CGIAR has an ambitious agenda to deliver science and innovation and advance the transformation of food, land, and water systems to deliver diverse, healthy, safe, sufficient, and affordable diets, and ensure improved livelihoods and greater social equality.

CGIAR operates as a matrix with each Center having its own governance and leadership structure operating alongside the integrated governance and leadership arrangements of CGIAR as a whole.

The Deputy Executive Managing Director (DEMD) works closely with the Executive Managing Director (EMD) to refine and implement CGIAR’s 2030 strategy, deliver the vision for One CGIAR, and lay a clear roadmap ahead for CGIAR’s future. The DEMD leads on strategic fundraising, financial stability, and organizational effectiveness, including the implementation of the Integration Framework Agreement (IFA) and the integrated matrix structure, and represents the organization internally and externally in key forums, partnerships and initiatives.

The Office of the DEMD provides the strategic, operational and administrative support which is needed to support this success. The Special Advisor to the DEMD provides strategic advice to the DEMD and oversees the operations of the Office of the DEMD, ensuring that the DEMD receives the support needed to be effective in the role.

The Special Advisor to the DEMD works closely with the heads and staff of the departments and units directly reporting to the DEMD to ensure key institutional strategy, planning, People and Culture, Communications & Outreach, Innovative Finance & Resource Mobilization, Business Operations and Finance, Legal, Risk, Governance and other processes and functions are cohesive and aligned with relevant CGIAR-wide goals and objectives.

The Special Advisor to the DEMD acts as focal point for interface with Special Leaders and staff across the system and CGIAR Centers on behalf of the DEMD, builds collaborative and effective working relationships with stakeholders, and leads or participates in special projects or task forces as may be determined by the DEMD.

The Special Advisor to the DEMD coordinates tightly with their counterpart in the Office of the EMD, contributes to smooth alignment between the two Offices, and proactively acts to facilitate the effective and efficient working relationship between the EMD and DEMD.

• Provide high-level advice to inform strategic decision making by the DEMD and the broader Office of the DEMD.
• Perform complex benchmarking and strategic and data analysis to inform strategic decision making by the DEMD and the broader Office.
• Coordinate and analyze input across the organization and prepare briefing notes and proposals for DEMD’s consideration, as well as presentations and other papers and documents on a broad range of topics.
• Keep the DEMD informed of critical issues requiring attention and decision.
• Ensure that the DEMD is equipped with the right information, tools and advice to successfully support the delivery of CGIAR's mission.
• Lead or actively contribute to taskforces, working groups and meetings on behalf of the DEMD.
• Represent the DEMD in internal discussions; influence and negotiate on DEMD’s behalf on internal priorities and agendas and ensure follow up on agreed actions.
• Manage DEMD communication and build and sustain relationships to ensure successful execution of strategic communication plans on behalf of DEMD.
• Support DEMD’s participation in key international events and plan or oversee coordination of internal events involving the DEMD.
• Ensure effective coordination with the Office of the EMD and the front office of other Special leaders in the organization.
• Ensure effective collaboration and coordination with the teams reporting to the DEMD, including on strategy, program of work, timely completion of workplans and key deliverables, results, risks, and performance tracking; conduct regular meetings with staff for purposes of facilitation, coordination, and communication.
• Proactively engage with internal and external stakeholders to build and nurture effective working relationships.
• Represent the DEMD in meetings as needed.

Other

• Design, implement, and/or monitor strategies and plans under the responsibility of the DEMD.
• Design and implement processes and tools for effective cross-functional collaboration, in support of the DEMD goals and objectives.
• Lead special projects on behalf of the DEMD, ensuring they are well planned and executed within approved budget and timelines.
• Review and ensure high-quality standards of outputs and communications from the DEMD.
• Drive continuous improvements in alignment with CGIAR-wide goals and objectives.
• Lead the development of work plans and budget for the Office of the DEMD, in coordination with broader organizational budget processes.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the DEMD.

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Advanced university qualification (master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, economics, international development, or related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience of providing strategic advice to Special leadership in a complex organization.
• Demonstrated experience in overseeing the implementation of projects and programs across an international organization, preferably with a focus on organizational efficiency and effectiveness, finance and/or strategic fundraising.
• Experience in implementing change in international organization and an understanding of change management principles and concepts.
• Experience working in the international development sector is an advantage.

Key Competences

• Demonstrated ability to rapidly understand information needs of stakeholders and to tailor responses appropriate to these needs.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to plan and move forward with concrete and pragmatic actions.
• Proven ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities to accomplish key goals and complete projects.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to synthesize data and information and to positively influence others.
• Ability to lead and motivate others.
• Demonstrated capacity to exercise a high level of discretion, confidentiality, and political sensitivity in liaising with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills and ability to work collaboratively with people at all levels in a decentralized, respectful, multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary organization.

Languages

• Fluency in English and French is essential to communicate in writing and speaking.
• Knowledge of another language is desirable

Benefits

The successful candidate will be employed in Montpellier, France by the CGIAR System Organization.

The CGIAR System Organization is an equal opportunity employer and offers competitive compensation with favorable taxation arrangements in France and, subject to eligibility, comprehensive employee benefits comprising extensive insurance coverage, a retirement plan, an education grant, and relocation support at the start of the appointment and upon conclusion of appointment for staff members and eligible dependents. All benefits are denominated and paid in Euros. 

System Organization appointments are typically for a fixed term of three years, with a possibility of renewal subject to effective performance, operational needs, and funding. 

All applications must be submitted online. If you require assistance or face challenges in submitting your application, please email recruitment@cgiar.org with the position title in the subject line. Please note we will not accept applications through this email. 

Please ensure that your resume and cover letter are in English and do not contain your marital status, age, or photograph. Documents provided in a language other than English will not be considered. 

CGIAR is committed to fair, safe, and inclusive workplaces. We believe that diversity powers our innovation contributes to our excellence, and is critical for our mission. We offer a multi-cultural, multi-color, multi-generational, and multi-disciplinary, collegial working environment, with a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and flexible working arrangements. We consciously create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character and commitment to gender equity. We, therefore, encourage applicants from all cultures, races, ethnicities, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

All received applications will be acknowledged; however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. 

We look forward to hearing from you.