Role purpose

The selected candidate will lead the Climate Action Lever at The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, one of six research areas focused on delivering science-based innovations for sustainable food systems. The Alliance promotes collaboration among these areas to implement systems-based approaches, aiming to harness agricultural biodiversity.

The Climate Action Lever contributes to reducing climate risk by addressing food security, economic resilience, conflict, fragility, and other human insecurities through research on climate change adaptation and mitigation. Our work focus on (Climate Security and migration, Climate Services for Agriculture, achieving net zero and Climate readiness) and we generate outcomes through four key research areas: Research evidence, data science, and digital innovations; Finance and investments; Policies and institutions; Gender and social inclusion.

The Director of Climate Action will provide strategic and scientific leadership under the guidance of the Associate Director General for Research Strategy and Innovation. The selected individual will oversee the work of the research teams within this Lever, collaborate with researchers from other areas of the organization, and pursue partnerships with other scientists in the CGIAR working on climate change-related issues. The Director of Climate Action will guide related partnership and initiative development and engage in resource mobilization to maintain a vibrant and robust research-for-impact portfolio. The Director will contribute to collaborative efforts across the organization to develop a unified, well-managed, agile, and ambitious research agenda that is positioned to deliver on our mission.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Research Strategy and Implementation

• Maintain and strength a coherent portfolio of research efforts on climate action that deliver science-based outputs that support impact outcomes on climate change mitigation and adaptation.
• Support strategic evolution of the research agenda.
• Support implementation of the Climate Action research portfolio that includes topics such as net- zero development, climate security, climate services, and climate readiness.
• Guide the formulation of action plans in alignment with The Alliance’s Research and Innovation Strategy and provide input to the development of regional strategies and roadmaps.
• Ensure delivery on activities related to the portfolio of the Climate Action Lever in accordance with the plans of the projects; provide oversight of the portfolio and project pipeline; encourage experimentation and innovation; and facilitate coherence and evolution of the agenda in line with The Alliance’s Research and Innovation Strategy.
• Engage and support the development of research innovation networks within and outside the CGIAR to foster collaborative efforts for research, innovation and impact.
• Ensure report of the contributions of the Climate Action Lever team to the institutional and research strategic objectives, following the monitoring and reporting guidelines set up by the organization for this purpose.
• Cultivate leadership within the team by delegating responsibilities to its leaders, connecting them to new research initiatives, and fostering their exposure in national, regional, and international forums.

Research Partnerships

• Serve as a spokesperson/thought-leader for Climate Action, and represent in national, regional, and international fora when required.
• Identify and cultivate opportunities for strategic partnerships/collaboration, research/innovation, and funding, within the Climate Action team and with other research areas of The Alliance that contribute with relevant activities to climate change-related efforts.
• Lead and/or participate in Climate Action resource mobilization efforts, coordinating funder engagements with the ADG and Partnerships office, and the support of The Alliance’s Regional Directors, as required.

Management and Organizational Integration

Support the collaboration across teams of Climate Action and the rest of the organization working in the domain of climate action to:

• Foster synergies and complementarities.
• Promote novel research for impact ideas.
• Facilitate cross-learning.

Oversee responsible resource management of the Climate Action portfolio

• Guide the development of annual workplans and budgets and oversee their execution.
• Promote and support talent planning, development, and management.

Profile

Education and Experience

• Ph.D degree in environmental science, geography, biophysical sciences, economics, or another relevant subject.
• Proven track record as a research leader, manager, and resource mobilization in the field of climate action.

Key Competencies

• Deep knowledge of the research-for-development landscape globally and the roles of key players.
• Recognized as a lead scientist in climate change-related topics.
• Demonstrated ability to serve in a leadership role in building a unified and strong culture for innovation in a dynamic, integrated, and changing environment.
• Record of success in mobilizing resources.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills; experience of working collaboratively with people at all levels in a decentralized, respectful, multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary organization, and with external stakeholders and partners.
• Proven ability to integrate and inspire high-performing multidisciplinary teams and manage talent, with the strong commitment to promote diversity, knowledge sharing, and staff development.
• Ability to effectively build and communicate a common vision among diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent communicator and effective public speaker.
• Consistent record of upholding the highest ethical standards by inspiring trust and treat all people with respect and personal integrity.

Language(s)

• Excellent English competency, both in writing and speaking.

Terms of Appointment

It's a 2-year contract, with extensive travel comprising over 60% of the role due to its global nature.

Role Location

The position is based in Nairobi or Cali.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please ensure you complete the Application Form provided below by 18 October 2024 (23:59 hrs, GMT -5). It is essential that you submit your CV in English, specifically in Microsoft Word format (.doc/.docx), not exceeding 10MB.

Applications in other languages or formats will not be considered.

Rest assured, all information will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.

SRI Executive is exclusively retained by The Alliance to undertake this assignment.