DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

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JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
Ref: IRS/EPS/DGO/2023/30

The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) is seeking a highly qualified Director of Research and Innovation
(DRI) who will be based at AfricaRice M’bé -Bouaké/ Côte d’Ivoire. S/He will work under the supervision of the Director General.

About AfricaRice
The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) is a leading pan-African rice research organization committed to
improving livelihoods in Africa through strong science and effective partnerships. AfricaRice is a
CGIAR Research Center. It is also an intergovernmental association of 28 African member countries,
with headquarters in Côte d’Ivoire.

Position purpose
The Director of Research and Innovation will proactively support a range of programmatic and
administrative duties to ensure that all research and innovation for development program activities
are in alignment with the 2030 Rice Research and Innovation Strategy for Africa as well as the 2030
Research and Innovation Strategy of the One CGIAR. To achieve this, the DRI will work closely with
continental and global stakeholders including NARS leaders and their teams on the continent, One
CGIAR Global Science Directors and their teams, the scientific personnel of AfricaRice including
Outstation Representatives, Program Leaders, the Project Portfolio Coordinator, and Project
Coordinators. The DRI will also coordinate very closely with the Head of the Grants and Conventions
Unit of AfricaRice and also provide the appropriate coordination support to ensure the smooth
operation of all research stations/offices of AfricaRice established in member countries.

Position responsibilities

The DRI is a member of the Executive management Committee (EMC) and may therefore be asked
to act in an interim capacity for the DG of the Center as and when required. The incumbent will be
called upon to travel frequently to the offices of AfricaRice in Abidjan and Out Stations. The DRI
will have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Coordinate strategic scientific thinking, priority setting, planning, and coordination at the
Center so that they are aligned with the Center’s vision and mission as well as those of the
One CGIAR 2030 research and innovation strategy and the National Rice Development
Strategies (NRDS) of its member countries;
• Ensure continuous review and adjustment of research and innovation priorities in close
consultation with AfricaRice’s multiple partners and the One CGIAR Global science teams in
line with the Center’s vision and mission as well as One CGIAR 2030 research and innovation
strategy and the NRDS of its member countries;
• Supervise, monitor, and review research and innovation activities of scientists of AfricaRice
across multiple disciplines and programs and a large range of partners from the public and
private sector in a highly result-oriented setup;
• Ensure the timely implementation of projects and sub-agreements with partners, quality of
technical reports and burn rates with respect to the project cycle, workplans and contractual
obligations with donors;
• Ensure that the scientific personnel of AfricaRice follow scientific leadership guidelines
provided by One CGIAR Global Science teams and relevant One CGIAR system components
and that resources mobilized are used in the most effective and efficient manner;
• Commission periodic reviews of AfricaRice research programs in consultation with the
Director General, National Agricultural Research Systems of member countries and Global
science Teams;
• Coordinate efforts of AfricaRice scientists to deliver on the engagement framework of One
CGIAR in relationship with Research and Innovation institutions including National
Agricultural Research Institutions, advanced research institutes, regional and continental
research fora, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations in and out of Africa;
• Develop and promote strategies to continuously improve the Center’s strong publication
record of research results in high impact journals;
• Coordinate capacity strengthening and mentoring of scientists especially on the
conceptualization of projects and critical thinking on and analysis of research for
development matters;
• Engage in fund-raising efforts from traditional and non-traditional sources interested in
research and innovation activities carried out by AfricaRice;
• Provide oversight and monitor research and innovation activities as well as representation to
stakeholders of AfricaRice and One CGIAR in the research stations/offices of AfricaRice that
are established in member countries;
• Ensure the enforcement of the risk management policy of the Center in the areas of
responsibility;

• Interface with Senior Management on strategic and operational issues to ensure the efficient
and effective management and to achieve the objectives, mission, and vision of AfricaRice;
• Carry out any other duties as may be required by the Director General.
Qualifications/Selection Criteria
Education: A Doctorate degree in an agricultural science discipline with an admirable record of
achievements.

Work experience and key competencies required:
• At least 10 years of senior management and leadership experience with an agricultural research organization, especially providing leadership to programs and projects with an international dimension;
• Demonstrated work experience in Africa, especially with regards to the implementation of
agricultural research projects involving multiple partners and different categories of
stakeholders;
• Demonstrated experience in successful fund raising;
• Demonstrated experience in knowledge of the challenges and opportunities for agricultural
research and rural development, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa;
• Ability to promote the vision, mission, and strategic goals of AfricaRice and One CGIAR and
demonstrate integrity by adhering to the Centre’s and One CGIAR’s core values and ethical
standards;
• Ability to think strategically, holistically, and to effectively communicate messages on
complex issues;
• Ability to encourage and facilitate innovation and teamwork in a multicultural environment
including sensitivity to gender, diversity, and inclusion;
• Ability to communicate fluently (orally and in writing) in English or in French, with a very good
working knowledge of the other language;
• Show strong motivation and leadership skills to bring out the best from individuals and teams;
• Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills;

Languages
The candidate should be able to communicate fluently (orally and in writing) in English or French and
have a good working knowledge of the other language. A working knowledge of local languages
spoken will be an asset.

Terms and Conditions
• This is an international recruited position.
• AfricaRice provides an attractive salary and benefits package and a collegial and gender sensitive work environment.
• The initial appointment is for three (3) years with the possibility for renewal based on
performance.

How to apply
1. To apply, click on the following link: http://jobs.africarice.org
2. Select the job title “Director of Research and Innovation”
3. Follow the step by step application procedure.
Our recruitment platform has been updated. In order to stay informed of vacancies, we
invite you to create your account on this new platform.
Only online applications will be considered (If you encounter any technical issue on the
career site during your application, or you are prevented to proceed with your application
until its final completion: Please kindly revert to us along with the screenshot of the issue
through this email: africariceHR@cgiar.org ). Applications are not allowed through this
email.
Not later than 25th AUGUST 2023

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