Director of the CIP South Asia Regional Center (CSARC) (G-25-32)
Lead the strategic direction of the CIP South Asia Regional Center in Agra, India.
Overview
Lead the strategic direction of the CIP South Asia Regional Center in Agra, India.
You have:
- Provide overall leadership and strategic direction to CSARC and CIP’s country engagements across South Asia in alignment with CIP’s global mission and strategic goals.
- Lead a continuous and diversified resource mobilization drive for CSARC and CIP programs throughout South Asia.
- Represent CIP in high-level science and policy forums.
- Guide the development, implementation, and periodic review of CSARC’s science and innovation agenda.
- Ensure the timely and effective establishment, management, and utilization of new CSARC facilities.
The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a dynamic and visionary Director of the newly established CIP South Asia Regional Center (CSARC) to lead the strategic direction of CIP’s work in India and the wider South Asia region. The position offers a unique leadership opportunity for ambitious scientists and development professionals to guide the future of science and innovation in potato, sweetpotato, and other root and tuber crops at a time of unprecedented growth in South Asia. The Director will develop and lead partnerships with research organizations, Governments and private industry to promote latest science approaches, strengthen national and regional capacities, and attract increased investments in technology innovation for long-term sustainable agricultural growth. The position also serves as CIP’s Regional Director for South Asia and is based at the CSARC Headquarters in Agra, India in the heart of the world’s largest potato production belt.
Requirements
Key Responsibilities:
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Strategic Leadership & Institutional Growth
- Provide overall leadership and strategic direction to CSARC and CIP’s country engagements across South Asia in alignment with CIP’s global mission and strategic goals.
- Lead a continuous and diversified resource mobilization drive for CSARC and CIP programs throughout South Asia to ensure sustained financing of priority science and innovation objectives.
- Represent CIP in high-level science and policy forums and develop influential institutional relationships with public and private sector stakeholders to contribute to improving policy and investment frameworks for potato and other root and tuber crops in South Asia.
- Serve as the Convener of the regional CSARC Coordination Committee and as primary liaison with Government of India, ensuring alignment with national and regional policies and priorities.
Program Development & Scientific Oversight
- Guide the development, implementation, and periodic review of CSARC’s science and innovation agenda, capacity-building activities, and institutional partnerships.
- Oversee the work of the CSARC Science Director and science leaders to ensure integration with CIP’s global strategy for effective scientific and operational support.
- Foster productive partnerships with research institutions and universities in India, South Asia and internationally to drive scientific collaboration and promote strategic science exchanges.
- Oversee the establishment and operations of the CSARC Innovation Hub to accelerate entrepreneurial engagement with private sector companies and investors.
Operational Oversight & Resource Management
- Lead the CSARC team and provide institutional oversight for all CIP offices in South Asia, fostering a high-performance, diverse, and inclusive work culture focused on innovation, accountability, and impact.
- Supervise senior staff in financial management, budgeting, and reporting for CSARC and CIP operations across South Asia in compliance with CIP and funder requirements.
- Ensure the timely and effective establishment, management, and utilization of new CSARC facilities, including laboratories, offices, training centers, and field research sites, and the effective delivery of CSARC advanced technical services to public and private sector stakeholders in India and South Asia.
Benefits
• Exciting career opportunity in an international, well renowned organization with a track record of success and accomplishments.
• 3-year contract with possibility of renewal.
• Internationally competitive salary, paid in US dollars, and commensurate with experience. Internationally competitive pension and health plans
Potential interview questions
| How do you plan to mobilize resources for CSARC amidst a diverse funding landscape? | This assesses your experience and strategy in resource mobilization. | Highlight past experiences where you've successfully raised funds and your strategic approach. |
| What innovative partnerships have you developed in your previous roles? | To understand your capability in building effective collaborative frameworks. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How would you align CIP's objectives with the policies of the Government of India? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe your experience in overseeing scientific programs. How do you ensure they align with regional needs? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What are your strategies for fostering a diverse and inclusive team culture? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you provide an example of a successful high-level policy initiative you have led? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you prioritize between scientific innovation and operational efficiency? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What is your vision for the future of potato and root crop research in South Asia? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |