CGIAR – Project Manager / One CGIAR Transition

We are looking for a highly skilled and experienced Project Manager to join the CGIAR System Organization. This is a mid to senior-level position reporting to the Senior Advisor, CGIAR Executive Management Team, that work closely with various stakeholders to support the One CGIAR transition process.

This is an exciting time to be joining the System Organization as CGIAR undertakes a transformation into a more integrated “One CGIAR” that will allow us to achieve greater impact with our research. One CGIAR is a dynamic reformulation of CGIAR’s partnerships, knowledge, assets, and global presence in key areas where innovation is needed to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. It is centered around collaborating more closely in a way that enables us to deploy scientific innovations faster, on a larger scale, and at a reduced cost so that they can have a greater impact where they are needed the most. The transition to One CGIAR will have profound implications on the way CGIAR and its constituent parts are structured and operate: with unified governance, an integrated structure, a new research modality, and more pooled funding, One CGIAR will be better positioned to achieve its mission. Joining CGIAR offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to a world free of poverty, hunger, and environmental degradation.

THIS IS AN INTERNAL VACANCY OPEN TO CURRENT EMPLOYEES/PERSONNEL OF CGIAR CENTERS/ALLIANCES AND ENTITIES ONLY.

Job Summary:

In November 2019, the CGIAR System Council endorsed the recommendations of the CGIAR System Reference Group (SRG) for a bold reconfiguration of CGIAR’s mission, governance, operational structure, partnerships, as well as research and funding modalities as a unified and integrated ‘One CGIAR’.

As a key step towards the implementation of those recommendations, the CGIAR System Management Board appointed a CGIAR Executive Management Team (EMT), with effect from 1 September 2020, to provide coordinated leadership of next steps in the transition to One CGIAR.

The Project Manager supports the EMT in delivering a timely, effective, and inclusive transition to ‘One CGIAR’ across multiple, interconnected workstreams. A key component of this position is to work with colleagues across multiple functions and workstreams to coordinate the transition on a day-to-day basis, including planning, budgeting, monitoring and reporting, and risk management.

This position requires a highly effective and dynamic project manager with experience in project management and organizational change processes, and an ability to navigate complex multi-stakeholder environments. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills and an ability to deliver under pressure are essential for this role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Working closely with colleagues across transition workstreams, periodically review and ensure that the One CGIAR transition plan, including key milestones, activities, dependencies, and resource requirements remains fit-for-purpose, and propose adjustments as needed.
• Develop, strengthen, and implement strategies, processes, practices, and tools to ensure regular and transparent communication on the transition plan and its implementation against agreed milestones.
• Working closely with the System Organization’s finance and resource mobilization functions, develop and monitor transition budgets, and support Funder engagement initiatives related to the One CGIAR transition.
• Working closely with the focal points for each transition workstream; develop, strengthen, and implement processes, practices, and tools to monitor and report on transition progress and outcomes against the transition plan.
• In consultation with risk management experts across CGIAR, develop, strengthen, and implement processes, practices, and tools to ensure that transition risks and implementation of mitigating measures are effectively and efficiently tracked, monitored, and communicated as appropriate.
• Foster and contribute to highly collaborative teamwork and communication within the unit, the System Management Office, and across the CGIAR System as a whole; proactively participating in knowledge and capacity building initiatives to support the delivery of the Organization’s business and work plans.

Requirements

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

• Advanced degree in business administration, international development, or a related field.
• At least 8—10 years’ experience in project management and organizational change.
• Experience in international development/ agricultural or environmental research is an advantage.
• Excellent project management skills, with demonstrated proficiency in relevant project management methodologies, tools, and techniques; professional certification in project management is an advantage.
• Knowledge of change management theories and practices is an advantage.
• Excellent written and oral communication, editing, and reporting skills in English. Working knowledge of French, Spanish, Arabic, or another major language that enhances effective collaboration across CGIAR is an advantage.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office software packages, with skills in relevant project management software being an advantage.

Personal Traits

• Excellent interpersonal skills – a team player with excellent communication, diplomatic, and influencing skills, and the ability to establish and foster effective working relationships in a multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary, and complex environment.
• A problem-solver who can think outside the box.
• Able to adapt to change, navigate ambiguity, and take initiative.
• Highest work ethics and integrity; inspires trust and credibility; respects diversity and difference i.e. ability and willingness to work in and promote diverse multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environments.

Benefits

The selected candidate will be employed by the CGIAR System Organization if based in Montpellier, France; or will be hosted or seconded by another CGIAR Center/Alliance if based elsewhere. The modalities for engagement will be determined in consultation with the successful candidate and the relevant Center/Alliance as necessary.

The CGIAR System Organization is an equal opportunity employer and offers competitive compensation with favorable taxation arrangements (as applicable in the location) and, subject to eligibility, comprehensive employee benefits comprising extensive insurance coverage, a retirement plan, an education grant, and relocation support at the start of the appointment and upon conclusion of appointment for staff members and eligible dependents. All benefits are denominated and paid in Euros if based in France or mapped to the employing CGIAR Center/Alliance compensation package if based elsewhere.

System Organization appointments are typically for a fixed term of 3 years, with a possibility of renewal subject to the System Organization’s needs and funding.

Submitting Your Application

All applications should be submitted online to be assessed through our automated recruitment and selection system. If you require assistance or face challenges in submitting your application, please send an email to SMO-HR@cgiar.org with the position title in the subject line. Please note, we will not accept applications through this email.

Please ensure that your resume and cover letter do not contain your marital status, age, or photograph, and are in English. Documents provided in a language other than English will not be considered.

Candidates are required to provide at least 3 referees we can contact (name, organization and position, relationship to you, telephone number, and email). At least 2 of the provided referees must be a former or a current direct supervisor. Referees will only be contacted with the prior consent of the candidate and all reference checks are treated as strictly confidential.

CGIAR is committed to fair, safe, and inclusive workplaces. We believe that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical for our mission. We offer a multi-cultural, multi-color, multi-generational and multi-disciplinary, collegial working environment, with a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and flexible working arrangements. We are consciously creating an inclusive organization that reflects our global character and our commitment to gender equity. We, therefore, encourage applicants from all cultures, races, ethnicities, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, and gender identities. If you require accommodation due to a disability, please email your request to SMO-HR@cgiar.org and include “Diversity and Inclusion Accommodation” in the subject line.

All received applications will be acknowledged; however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Closing Date for Applications: 22 December 2020.