Head of Urban Food Systems (Ref: G-24-05)

The International Potato Center (CIP) is looking for an experienced Head of Urban Food Systems to oversight the development and implementation of an innovative and impactful program of research in support of the ‘Urban Food Systems’ Science Goal of the CIP2030 Strategy.

The position: The Head of Urban Food System will lead the development and implementation of an innovative and impactful program of research in support of the ‘Urban Food Systems’ Science Goal of the CIP2030 Strategy. The purpose of the position is to establish urban food systems as an impactful science and innovation area in CIP and CGIAR driven by a future-facing research agenda, designed and delivered jointly with our partners in the Global South. The selected candidate will champion equitable partnerships, ensures excellence of science, leads mobilization of resources, and builds a strong research team that promotes young and diverse talent across all of CIP’s regions.  This position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya and will report to the Deputy Director General, Science & Innovation.

Key Responsibilities:

Agenda setting through equitable partnerships:

• Work closely with key stakeholder groups and research partners, ‘co-develop’ and articulate a compelling science and innovation agenda for Urban Food Systems that responds to local and national priorities in participating countries while addressing strategic research questions of global or regional importance.
  
• Apply Equitable Partnership principles throughout the agenda setting and research implementation process to strengthen ownership, accountability, and prospects for impact.
  
• Ensure that the roles of CIP and partners are appropriately defined and can evolve to support long-term capacity sharing objectives, investment in comparative advantage, and CIP2030 strategic goals.     
  

Excellence in Science and Innovation:

• Through hands-on intellectual leadership and appropriate mechanisms of quality control, ensure that all research activities, projects, and collaborations are designed and implemented at recognized, up-to-date international standards of excellence.
  
• Initiate and manage new science collaborations with leading universities and research institutes to pursue innovative research strategies and increase the visibility of CIP research.
  
• Working closely with innovation experts within and outside CIP, effectively link Urban Food System science with existing innovation programs in universities, private sector, and other partners.
  
• Develop and implement publication plans to ensure that all research is published in high quality journals and through additional channels, providing equitable opportunities for CIP scientists and partners.
  
  

Resource Mobilization:

• Develop and implement a resource mobilization plan for Urban Food Systems, building on existing funding windows and significantly expanding this support through new and innovative partnerships with funders.
  
• This may include funders from both agriculture and food constituencies as well as from urban development, youth employment, and other social, economic, and environmental sectors.
  
• Working closely with our partners and with CIP Regional and Science Leaders and the CIP Resource Mobilization team, identify and create new opportunities and follow through with high quality funding proposals.
  

 Team leadership:

• Build a strong research team of scientists and professionals from relevant disciplines and regions.
  
• Select and mentor young and diverse talent and guide their professional growth using CIP’s Performance Management system and working with CIP’s People & Culture team.
  
• Champion CIP’s values leading by example and ensure ethics and business conduct standards and compliance with CIP policies.
  

Requirements

•       PhD degree in a relevant social or bio-physical science discipline.
  
•        At least 10 years of progressive international experience in similar research and/or development organizations.
  
•        Significant leadership experience in an equivalent position in a research organization, university or other relevant entity.
  
•        Strong and hands-on experience of fostering new and equitable partnerships with science and innovation partners and their constituencies in the Global South.
  
•        Strong track record of research design and implementation on Urban Food Systems or any main constituent components, including production, informal markets, circular economy, nutrition, or others.
  
•        Direct successful experience of resource mobilization in support of research programs or projects in areas relevant to Urban Food Systems.
  
•        Strong experience of team leadership, mentoring young and diverse talent, and achieving significant results through teamwork. 
  
•        Budget management and IT literate (Microsoft and ERP software).
  
•        Leadership competencies:
  

o   Focus on big picture and strategic vision.   

o   Building and maintaining partnerships and relationships.

o   Planning and managing staff to achieved quality results.

o   Influencing and resolving differences across boundaries.

•        Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Proficiency in one other UN language, preferably Spanish or French.
  

Benefits

• Excellent working environment.
  
• Competitive compensation package commensurate with experience. 
  
• Work in an equal and diverse workplace.