Research Business Development and Resource Mobilization Officer

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Research Business Development andResource Mobilization Officer
Ref: IRS/APS/DR4D/2025/41

The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) is seeking a highly qualified Research Business Development and Resource Mobilization Officer who will be based at AfricaRice Research Station M’be, Bouake – Côte d’Ivoire. She/He will work under the supervision of the Deputy Director general and Director of Research and Innovation.

About AfricaRice
The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) contributes to reducing poverty, achieving food and nutrition security andimproving livelihoods of farmers and other value-chain actors in Africa by increasing the productivity,profitability and inclusiveness of rice-based agri-food systems, while ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources. AfricaRice, a CGIAR center and an intergovernmental association of 28 African member countries created in 1970, drives research and innovation through formal partnerships with national agricultural systems, academic institutions, public and private sector organizations, policy makers and development partners. Its strength lies in producing technological innovations along the entire rice value chain from breeding, agronomy, value addition, to marketing and policy recommendations and in strengthening locally tailored rice research-for-development capacity to reach impact at scale.

Position purpose
The African continent faces dire challenges in the rice sector. Africa imports 40% of the rice it consumes ata cost of about US$6 billion annually, while the continent has ample potential to close this gap that is estimated at around US$10 billion. The demand for capabilities of AfricaRice to support African governments and local NARES is on the rise and requires coordinated management and effective development of additional businesses to attain the institution’s high ambitions. AfricaRice therefore seeks an Officer responsible for Research Business Development and Resource Mobilization.

Position responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Deputy Director general and Director of Research and Innovation, the Research Business Development and Resource Mobilization Officer will undertake activities with specific tasks that include, but are not limited to:
• Developing a comprehensive strategy and operational guidance for identifying and monitoring business opportunities from both public and private sources.
• Lead AfricaRice’s Resource Mobilization Efforts.
• Developing and maintaining current long-term relationships with existing donors and expanding the relationship with new ones.
• Pursuing new business opportunities through market research, networking, and communication outreach.
• Oversee and maintain a searchable inventory of donor communications and partners and contacts database.
• Interacting with research teams and service units of AfricaRice and CGIAR sister organizations to target client needs based on institutional science and capabilities.
• Monitoring and sharing market trends, competitor activities, and customer feedback with research programs.
• Develop strategy to generate revenue from AfricaRice technologies and innovations.
• Update the Center intellectual property Rights policies to allow for the generation of resources fromCenter-developed technologies, innovations and assets.
• Set (with supervisor) and achieve annual targets of business development and report on
performance.
• Provide strategic analysis and coordination to the proposal development and pipeline management process.
• Ensure that due diligence on partners, both technical and fiduciary, is undertaken prior to proposal submission and revisited during contracting processes.
• Provide options to ensure risk management and minimization of financial fluctuations from acquired funding.

Qualifications/Selection Criteria
Education:
• MSc in International Development, Political Science or MBA in business development
• Relevant professional certification
• Agricultural orientation will be an asset, if not required.

Work experience and key competencies required:

Required professional experience:
• At least 5 years of experience in business development and/or resource mobilization, preferably in the agricultural sector.
• Proven track record of initiatives that have generated businesses and relationships with
conventional and non-conventional donors.
• Strong networks in developed nations as well as in developing nations, particularly in Africa.
• Knowledge of African agricultural production systems and of African cultures will be an important asset.

Required competences:
• Pleasant and effective communication and interpersonal skills with excellent presentation abilities.
• Analytical abilities and strategic problem-solving capabilities.
• Fluency in English and preferably in French as well as strong writing skills in English.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a scientific team.
• Acquaintance with and ability to operate in a multi-cultural environment.
• Conversant with supervision and training of colleagues.
• Strong time management and organizational skills, and ability to deliver under severe time constraints.
• Proactive in his/her undertakings.
• Knowledge of another European or African language will be an asset.
Terms and Conditions
• Competitive salary and additional benefits, including health insurance, pension plan and housing allowance.
• Dynamic and collaborative work environment with highly dedicated staff.
• Opportunities for career growth and professional development.
• The duration of the contract is 3 years, with a probation period of 3 months, renewable annually upon performance evaluation.

How to apply
1. To apply, click on the following link: https://jobs.africarice.org/
2. Create an account if you are a new user, if not log on with your credentials to access active vacancies
3. Select “Research Business Development and Resource Mobilization Officer”
4. Follow the step-by-step application procedure.

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 20 August 2025