Head of Genebank (G-25-27)

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a dynamic and accomplished scientist to head our Genebank in Lima, Peru, the world’s largest collection of genetic resources of potato, sweetpotato and Andean root and tuber crops.  Governed by the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, the CIP Genebank serves public and private sector stakeholders in more than 100 countries and provides a global foundation for science and innovation to safeguard and improve the use of crop genetic diversity. The Head of Genebank also leads the Biodiversity Science Goal within CIP and contributes to the genebanks program across the CGIAR Integrated Partnership.  CIP’s integrated approach to genetic diversity conservation, combining advanced technologies such as cryopreservation and in situ conservation by farming communities, has enabled new partnerships amongst owners and users of crop genetic diversity and is expected to expand globally from its origin in Latin America. The position will be responsible for driving the growth and continued innovation of CIP’s Genebank and linked science programs with the aim to conserve, expand, characterize, distribute and use the world’s largest collection of root and tuber crops for the benefit of humankind.

About CIP: CIP is part of the CGIAR Integrated Partnership, the world’s largest agricultural research partnership committed to transforming food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis. CIP’s mission is to develop and share science-based innovations in potato, sweetpotato, and other root and tuber crops. Headquartered in Lima, Peru since its inception in 1971, CIP undertakes research and capacity strengthening with public and private sector partners in over 20 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to generate lasting economic, social, nutritional, and environmental benefits for all. .  For more information, please visit https://cipotato.org/about/.

The position: The position will report to the Deputy Director General for Science and Innovation and will be based at CIP’s Headquarters in Lima, Peru.

Key responsibilities:

• Scientific Leadership to provide strategic direction for continued innovation at the CIP Genebank while ensuring the effective curation and use of collections by adhering to world-class technical standards.
  
• Lead the development and oversee the implementation of science and capacity sharing programs under the CIP Biodiversity Science Goal integrating Genebank-based and in situ approaches and utilizing the broad range of CIP’s science capabilities and partnerships.
  
• Effectively manage performance of the Genebank team and Biodiversity science teams in Lima and other locations and build a strong team commitment to institutional goals.
  
• Collaborate closely with other CIP Science Leaders, Regional Directors and operations units for concerted Resource Mobilization in support of the Genebank and biodiversity research and capacity sharing.  
  
• Maintain and further strengthen productive relationships with key stakeholders, including national Genebanks, Global Crop Diversity Trust, Treaty Secretariat, funders, and other technical and policy institutions.
  
• Explore new and innovative collaboration with the private sector and further develop CIP’s approach to benefit sharing through use of global mechanisms and equitable partnerships with local communities.
  
• Work closely with the CIP Health Quarantine Unit and the Germplasm Acquisition and Distribution Unit to ensure world-class phytosanitary standards and harmonization with the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.
  
• Actively contributes to the priority setting and implementation of the ‘CGIAR Genebank Accelerator’, working closely with the Director of the Accelerator and Heads of Genebanks at other CGIAR Centers.
  
• Represent CIP in relevant research, policy, investor, and partner forums. Increase the visibility and reputation of the CIP Genebank. Position the CIP Genebank as a world-class, innovative institution that serves as a role model to other Genebanks worldwide.
  

Requirements

What are we looking for?

Expertise and Specialization:

·       PhD degree in Plant Sciences, Genetics, or related field.

·       Minimum of 10 years of international experience in management of Genebank operations with clonally propagated crops and/or seed crops and understanding of strengths and weaknesses of different conservation methodologies.

·       Capacity to strategically define a long-term vision for CIP’s Genebank and turn that into medium- and short-term objectives according to CIP2030 strategy.

·       Capacity to manage technical aspects associated with Genebank operations  and  also its financial and economic aspects.

·       Commitment to work in a multi-partner, multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural environment.

·       Excellent knowledge of and experience with quality management systems.

·       Experience in database management and understanding of molecular tools for the characterization of genetic resources.

·       Experience in potato and sweet potato genetic resources conservation, cryopreservation, and utilization is a plus.

·       Demonstrated success in managing multi-disciplinary teams and partnerships and attracting funding.

·       Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

·       Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Fluency in English is required, and knowledge of Spanish is an asset.

Leadership competencies:

·       Empowering & Coaching

·       Navigating & Driving change

·       Wellbeing & Inclusion

·       Vision & Strategic Thinking

Personal characteristics:

·       A passionate, energetic, and results-oriented Scientific Leader.

·       Commitment to working in a multi-partner and multi-cultural environment.

Benefits

What are we offering?

• Great career opportunity in an international organization.
  
• Competitive compensation package commensurate with experience.
  
• 3-year term contract with the possibility of renewal.
  
• Work in an equal and diverse workplace.