Director of the CIP South Asia Regional Center (CSARC) (G-25-32)

Agra

  • Organization: CIP - International Potato Center
  • Location: Agra
  • Grade: Senior level - Senior
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Managerial positions
  • Closing Date: 2025-08-31

International Potato Center POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Ref: G-25-32 DC/GRS/SOUTH ASIA Director of the CIP South Asia Regional Center (CSARC) The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a dynamic and visionary Director of the newly established CIP South Asia RegionalCenter(CSARC)toleadthestrategicdirectionofCIP’sworkinIndiaandthewiderSouthAsiaregion.Theposition 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.

About CIP: CIP is a leading international agricultural research organization committed to improving food security, nutrition, farmers’ livelihoods, and national economies through science-based innovations in potato, sweetpotato, and other rootandtubercrops.HeadquarteredinLima,Peru,wework with awiderangeofpartners fromresearch,industry, civil society, development finance, and policy in more than 20 countries in Africa, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. CIP has been working in India and South Asia for 50 years generating significant impact on agricultural productivity, climate resilience, and socio-economic benefits in close partnership with host governments and national institutions. CIP is a member of the CGIAR Integrated Partnership, the world’s largest public agricultural research partnership for a food- secure future.

Key Responsibilities:

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.

1 • 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.

What are we looking for?

• PhD or equivalent experience in agricultural science, crop improvement, agronomy, food systems, or related field or management discipline.

• At least 15 years of progressive leadership experience in international agricultural research, development, or innovation.

• Demonstratedsuccessinresourcemobilizationfrompublicandprivatesectorsourcesinsupportofagricultural research and development.

• Demonstratedsuccessinleadingmultidisciplinaryteamsandmanagingcomplexprogramsinmulti-stakeholder environments.

• Strong track record of establishing and managing strategic partnerships with funders, governments, international organizations, and the research community at regional level in South Asia.

• Strong knowledge and experience of management practices to enable the creation of appropriate regional implementation plans and mechanisms.

• Strong experience of budget management and IT literacy (Microsoft and ERP software).

• Outstanding written and oral communication skills in English. Proficiency in Hindi and other South Asian languages is an advantage.

What are we offering?

• 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

How to apply?

Please visit the following link: https://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/ and submit your cover letter and a full C.V. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information

provided in theapplication. Job openings advertisedonthe CIP’s portal will beremoved at 11:59 p.m. (Lima time) on the deadline date, August 31, 2025.

We highly encourage all interested candidates, and especially women, to participate in this exciting and competitive process.

Not all applications will be acknowledged and only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

This position will NOT work or have contact with children and/or vulnerable adults.

Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at http://www.cipotato.org

CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply.

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