In 2004, its first year of existence, the SAS-HR established four main intercenter initiatives in collaboration with a lead center for each initiative. In addition, SAS-HR worked individually with the five client centers-CIAT, CIMMYT, IPGRI, IWMI, and WorldFish-on specific issues of interest.

Intercenter Initiatives

• First Level Leadership Development Program. Under the lead of SAS-HR and IWMI, a needs assessment study was undertaken to examine management development and leadership training needs for the five participating centers. The study results served as key data for the development of a First Level Leadership Development Program (FLDP) for the CGIAR. The development of FLDP training modules has been completed, and piloting began in the last quarter of 2004. The first two courses were held at WorldFish ( Malaysia) and IWMI ( Sri Lanka).
• Strategic staffing. In collaboration with CIMMYT, an intercenter initiative on strategic staffing was launched. A concept note and a case study for strategic staffing have set the vision for this project and have helped facilitate the development of a consistent and common approach to strategic staffing that is tailored to the needs of the CGIAR and its research centers.
• Performance management. The collaborating lead center for the Performance Management Initiative is WorldFish. A concept note, Promoting Excellence in Performance Management, defines the underlying values, vision, and framework for effective performance management systems and associated processes. SAS-HR facilitated two workshops, one at WorldFish and one at IWMI, to help establish an improved framework for performance management at the two centers
• People Power database. In collaboration with CIAT, the SAS-HR established "PeoplePower," a shared online human resources database and workspace for CGIAR human resources practitioners.

SAS-HR worked with the five client centers on specific areas of concern to them. This work included SAS-HR advisory input on business reengineering processes at CIAT and CIMMYT, strategy development for change management at CIMMYT and IPGRI, development of a OneStaff approach at IWMI and CIMMYT, and a culture and value audit in the context of an organizational transformation project at WorldFish.

Collaboration with Other SO Units

• SAS-HR collaborated closely with the G&D Program in the development of a gender and diversity module for the FDLP training program. Moreover the SAS-HR director participated in the G&D Strategy Workshop held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in May 2004.
• SAS-HR and the CGIAR Secretariat worked together in commissioning a study that evaluated common leadership development needs at the five client centers. The study provided input into the CGIAR Senior Leadership Development Program organized by the CGIAR Secretariat.