Chief of Staff to the Executive Managing Director

Organization Unit: Office of the Executive Managing Director

Reports to: Executive Managing Director

Location: Montpellier, France.

Grade: CG12 (SO Grade 7)

Date Published: 18 June 2024

Closing Date for Applications: 03 July 2024 at 09:00 CEST

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 Executive Managing Director (EMD) leads the unified structure to successfully deliver CGIAR’s mission.

The Chief of Staff has three key areas of responsibilities: (1) providing high-level strategic advice, insights and guidance to the EMD; (2) acting as the focal point for the EMD Office to facilitate effective interactions, communications, and information flow between the Office of the EMD and  key internal and  external stakeholders; (3)overseeing  the effective and efficient management of the EMD Office, ensuring  that the EMD receives the support needed to successfully lead CGIAR and achieve its objectives.

The Chief of Staff provides line management to support staff within the EMD Office, and leads or acts as active contributor to taskforces, working groups and meetings related in support and on behalf of the EMD, and ensure follow up on agreed actions.

• Provide high-level sound strategic and operational advice, insights and guidance to the Executive Managing Director (EMD).
• Keep the EMD informed of critical issues, opportunities and risks requiring attention and/or decision, and recommend course of action.
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the EMD Office to ensure effective and efficient support to the EMD.
• In coordination with the Communications function as needed, prepare presentations, briefing material, talking points, speeches, and reports to ensure EMD’s participation in events and meetings and missions is effectively supported.
• In coordination with the Offices of the Deputy, EMD and Chief Science Officer, monitor the execution of strategic business  initiatives, including key institutional strategy, planning, budgeting and reporting processes as assigned by the EMD.
• Serve as liaison for senior leaders on strategic and planning issues.
• Manage the flow of information between the EMD Office and key stakeholders, within and outside CGIAR, ensuring seamless and coordinated information flow; review and ensure high-quality standards of outputs and communications emanating from the EMD Office.
• Act as the focal point for the EMD Office to facilitate effective interactions, respond to requests and facilitate resolution of issues.
• Build and nurture effective relationships and communication with key stakeholders, including donors, partners, board members, and government officials, and ensure that external EMD’s engagements are effectively prioritized.
• Represent CGIAR in internal and international meetings on behalf of the EMD as needed.
• Monitor that EMD’s decisions correctly implemented and in accordance with timelines.
• In close collaboration with the DEMD and CSO Offices, ensure alignment between science programs, funding, and organizational effectiveness, in line with the Integration Framework Agreement.
• Facilitate the development of processes that enhance consultations and decision making across CGIAR.
• Lead the development of workplans and budget for the Executive Managing Director Office.
• In close collaboration with the DEMD Office, support the development and monitor the implementation of CGIAR’s plans to operationalize the IFA and the UGR’s recommendations.

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Advanced university qualification (master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, economics, international development, public policy or similarly related discipline.
• A proven track record operating at senior level, including in providing strategic advice to senior leadership in a complex organization.
• Demonstrated experience in overseeing the implementation of complex projects and programs across an international organization.
• Experience working in the international development sector; experience in agricultural development and research is an advantage.
  

Key Competences

• Demonstrated ability to rapidly understand information needs of stakeholders and to tailor responses appropriate to these needs.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and persuade others.
• Proven ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities to accomplish key goals and complete projects.
• Exceptional spoken and written communication skills, and the ability to effectively synthesize and analyze information and data.
• 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.
• Upholds the highest ethical standards by inspiring trust and treat all people with respect and personal integrity.

Languages

• Excellent spoken and written English is essential.
• Knowledge of a second 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 by clicking the 'Apply' button below. 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. 

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. If you require accommodation due to a disability, please email your request to recruitment@cgiar.org and include “Diversity and Inclusion Accommodation” in the subject line. 

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