Independent Science for Development Council Member

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in France, +4 more states.

📋 Description

• Deliver thorough and independent strategic guidance to the CGIAR Council and the CGIAR System.

• Offer strategic oversight and unbiased evaluations of the CGIAR Strategy, including research structures and processes, funding applications, and research proposals.

• Spearhead foresight initiatives to shape CGIAR’s long-term research strategy.

• Perform horizon scanning and assess emerging trends and developments relevant to CGIAR’s initiatives.

• Participate in priority-setting exercises that incorporate both ex-post and ex-ante analyses.

• Attend a minimum of two in-person meetings each year and travel internationally to execute activities aligned with the ISDC Terms of Reference.

• Join virtual monthly meetings.

• Compose, review, and provide feedback on materials, often with tight deadlines.

• Volunteer to lead workstreams and alternate leadership and management responsibilities with secretariat support.

• Collaborate effectively, appreciate diverse scientific perspectives, and foster consensus.

⛳️ Requirements

• Strong academic credentials in at least one pertinent scientific discipline: plant breeding and genetics; crop science; agronomy (including agriculture, forestry, and fisheries); water resources and irrigation science; soil science; or animal science (including health and sustainability of animal-based systems).

• Specialized knowledge in plant breeding, genetics and genomics, or animal science and livestock systems is particularly encouraged.

• Background, experience, and/or typical work environment aligned with CGIAR focus regions: South Asia; Southeast Asia & the Pacific; Central & West Asia & North Africa; East & Southern Africa; or West & Central Africa.

• Experience and/or expertise spanning scientific, programmatic, innovation, and development sectors.

• Internationally acknowledged accomplishments and prominence in the relevant field.

• Ability to work across disciplines and synthesize knowledge from various domains to tackle complex global challenges.

• Capacity to understand how science and research produce development and innovation outcomes that correspond with CGIAR’s mandate.

• Ability to provide strategic advice shaped by diverse cultural, organizational, educational, training, and geographic contexts.

• Strong leadership and governance capabilities, with experience in steering organizations and initiatives towards strategic goals.

• Effective communication skills.

• Proficiency in English is required; knowledge of additional languages is advantageous.

• Willingness to work collaboratively in a team setting and build consensus.

• Must adhere to IAES conflict-of-interest policy provisions.

• Should not be a current CGIAR employee or material consultant, nor have been employed by or served as a material consultant to CGIAR in the last two years, actively serve on a CGIAR Board or committee, or work directly in a Funder agency represented on the System Council.

• Applications must include a one-page cover letter, a comprehensive curriculum vitae, names and current contacts of three referees, and a declaration of past/current CGIAR involvement and any potential conflicts.

• Nominees must confirm their interest and availability.

🏝️ Benefits

• Supported by an honorarium.

• Entitled to up to 25 days per calendar year, as determined by the ISDC Chair.