Job Description

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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:
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