IRS24149 Director of Knowledge Management and Information Technology (KMIT)

CIMMYT is a cutting edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow's problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries.

For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

CIMMYT is seeking an outstanding, self-motivated, and results-oriented professional for the position of Knowledge Management and Information Technology Director. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership in managing CIMMYT's knowledge resources and IT infrastructure, playing a crucial role in fostering innovation, enhancing research capabilities, and leveraging technology to support CIMMYT’s mission in advancing agrifood systems research and impact. This leadership role will oversee organization-wide digital transformation initiatives and drive efforts leading to significant organizational change.

This position will be based at CIMMYT HQ’s in Texcoco, Mexico.

Specific duties:

Technical Oversight:

• Provide technical leadership to enhance operational efficiency and transform corporate systems through robust IT infrastructure, security, and system management.
• Integrate KM and IT functions to promote collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Oversee KM resources and practices to improve research quality.
• Manage IT infrastructure, ensuring it supports high-performance computing and collaborative research.
• Maintain adequate access management levels and security frameworks to mitigate cybersecurity risks and to ensure business continuity.
• Support Research Programs with IT and KM services, including big data strategies and advanced technologies.
• Oversee organizational-wide license management.
• Pre-and post IT project review and IT program sponsorship. 

Strategic Leadership and Mentorship:

• Establishes ambitious goals for the department, aligning with CIMMYT's strategic objectives, particularly the "Excellence in Science and Innovation" component of the 2030 Strategy.
• Digital strategy formulation and review: Alignment IT Strategy to Business Strategy: Develops and oversees comprehensive strategic plans, ensuring the department’s technological priorities evolve with industry standards and organizational needs.
• Leads by example and mentors a culturally diverse team across multiple geographical locations, fostering collaboration and inclusivity.
• Fosters a culture of innovation, driving continuous improvement and encouraging the adoption of cutting-edge technologies.
• Leads the development and execution of a Knowledge Management and IT strategy that aligns with the center’s mission, optimizing the use of technology resources.
• Cultivates a culture of knowledge sharing, continuous learning, and innovation throughout the organization.

External Relationships:

• Establishes and nurtures relationships with key external partners, including academic institutions, government entities, and industry leaders.
• Build and maintain strategic alliances with research institutions, technology providers, and knowledge networks to support the CIMMYT’s goals.
• Represents CIMMYT in international consortia and meetings, leveraging these platforms to enhance partnerships and collaborations.
• Engage with diverse stakeholders, including users of Knowledge Management and Information Technologies products and services, donors, national agricultural research systems (NARs), governments, foundations, and other entities, both nationally and internationally, to achieve shared objectives.
• Focus on fostering interoperability, optimizing resources, enhancing security, and promoting sustainability through these collaborations.

Resource Mobilization:

• Proactively identifies, cultivates, and secures funding opportunities that align with CIMMYT’s strategic priorities, ensuring that KM and IT initiatives are adequately supported and sustained
• Engages with donors, funding agencies, and strategic partners to present compelling proposals that emphasize the impact of KM and IT on the broader research agenda, fostering relationships that result in increased funding and collaborative opportunities.
• Coordinates with Donor Relations and Fundraising Support department to align funding efforts with the organization's research objectives, ensuring that resource mobilization activities support the overall mission and vision of CIMMYT.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Develop and implement clear metrics and benchmarks to assess the effectiveness of Knowledge Management (KM) and Information Technology (IT) initiatives.
• Deliver quarterly and comprehensive reports to senior management and the board, highlighting progress, challenges, and emerging opportunities in KM and IT.
• Establish performance metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the success of KM and IT initiatives, using data-driven insights to optimize departmental performance.
• Provide timely and detailed reports on departmental performance, project milestones, and financial status to CIMMYT’s leadership.

Management:

• Manages the department's annual budget, ensuring strategic financial planning and adherence to budgetary constraints.
• Ensure total cost of ownership of IT infrastructure (technology asset management) and operations is aligned with industry/peer benchmarks: IT cost optimization and benchmarking.
• Upholds legal and policy compliance within departmental operations.
• Periodically evaluates departmental performance, providing feedback and guidance to ensure optimal functioning.
• Develop, achieve buy-in, and implement prioritized and integrated Knowledge Management and Information Technologies strategies for CIMMYT, under the umbrella of internal regulations, CGIAR regulations, and interactions with other CG Centers.
• Contribute to the establishment of effective and innovation cycles to improve access to knowledge assets for both internal and external users, to increase digitization, interoperability, and process efficiency at the institutional level, and to provide a set of enhanced knowledge, processes and information management services that can be exploited by the Center on its own or shared with other partners, while minimizing operational risks (like data loses), by leveraging the digital technologies available.
• Lead and enable the digital transformation processes of the Institution with a focus on state-of-the-art technologies and latest trends as well as monitor changes or advancements in technology to discover ways the company can gain competitive advantage.
• Direct the improvements and maintenance activity of the software, hardware, and infrastructure of the institution at all its locations.
• Prepare reports as needed for all the managerial bodies of CIMMYT, e.g. the Board of Trustees, the Management Committee, or the Executive Committee.
• Select and implement suitable technology to streamline all internal operations and help optimize their strategic benefits.
• Analyze and approve purchases of technological equipment and software and establish partnerships with IT providers.
• Analyze the costs, value, and risks of KMIT systems to advise management and suggest actions.
• Encourage innovation by staying informed of emerging trends and exploring new technologies that could provide a competitive edge or operational improvements for CIMMYT.
• Encourage innovation by staying informed of emerging trends and exploring new technologies that could provide a competitive edge or operational improvements for CIMMYT.

• Master’s degree or higher in Information Technology, Computer Science, Knowledge Management, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in a senior KM and IT role.
• At least 5 years of progressive leadership experience within an international organization, NGO, University or Private sector international R&D organization, demonstrating the ability to effectively manage knowledge management and information technology, implement transformative technologies and innovative approaches at a strategic level.
• Proficiency in establishing IT services frameworks, IT security policies and IT governance models.
• Ability to develop and execute strategic plans for KM and IT that align with organizational goals.
• In-depth knowledge of IT systems, infrastructure, and emerging technologies. Familiarity with knowledge management systems and practices.
• Strong skills in managing projects, including planning, execution, monitoring, and closing.
• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation to make informed decisions and optimize performance.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to address complex challenges and implement innovative solutions.
• Proven leadership skills with experience in managing diverse teams, fostering collaboration, and driving organizational change.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across cultures and disciplines, ensuring impactful reporting, presentation, and stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to adapt to rapidly changing technology landscapes and organizational needs.
• Excellence, a proactive mindset focused on delivering top-quality results and striving for continuous personal and professional growth.
• Teamwork, an inclusive approach that values diverse perspectives, encourages mutual support, and promotes a cohesive team dynamic.
• Integrity, a steadfast commitment to ethical conduct, demonstrating honesty, transparency, and reliability in every aspect of work and interactions.
• Vision, a forward-looking approach with the ability to anticipate future trends and their impact on KM and IT.
• Commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
• Leading by Example, exemplifying the values and behaviors expected within the organization, inspiring, and guiding the team through personal conduct and leadership.

The position is for an initial fixed term of three (3) years, after which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds. CIMMYT’s internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children’s education, paid vacation, annual home travel airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.

Candidates must apply online for IRS24149_ Director of Knowledge Management and Information Technology (KMIT).

Screening and follow-up of applications will begin on December 1st, 2024.

Applications must include a CV with contact details (telephone and email address) of 3 work-related references along with the confirmation that Recruitment can contact them) and a cover letter.

Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

This position will remain open until filled.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.