Career - Offer
IRS Research Leader, Genetic Resources Informatics, HQ
Type of job: full-time
Bioversity International ("Bioversity" for short) is the world's largest organization undertaking research on agricultural biodiversity, dedicated to addressing global issues related to food security, poverty, climate change and environmental degradation. We are a non profit organization, active in over 100 countries worldwide, with more than 350 staff working from some 16 country offices. We are one of 15 centres of the Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centres (CGIAR). This is an exciting time to join Bioversity International. We have recently developed new and ambitious goals, clear objectives and performance indicators for the next ten years. Two strategic priorities have been set - to improve the use of biodiversity by smallholder farmers and the conservation of plant diversity.
For further information on Bioversity International, consult the Web page at
http://www.bioversityinternational.org
Purpose of Role:
With international attention now focused on the need to increase investment in agriculture, Bioversity is seeking a highly motivated and dynamic person to lead our research in the area of genetic resources informatics. As a member of a global research team, the incumbent will provide scientific leadership, coordination and facilitation of ongoing and new research and global partnerships towards the development of a global genetic resources information system, including scientific standards and the development and adoption of tools to support information management by genebanks around the world. The position will be based in Bioversity's Headquarters in Maccarese, near Rome, Italy.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead and contribute to research on genetic resources informatics; and to the development of global genetic resources information and genebank management systems, associated standards, and tools;
- Collaborate with other scientists working on genetic resources informatics, both within Bioversity and other CGIAR Centres and other organizations, including relevant partnership platforms;
- Produce scientific publications and other impact-oriented products from high quality research;
- Coordinate activities to facilitate the adoption of standards and tools for data management and sharing by national genebanks around the world, with a particular emphasis on developing countries;
- Develop and sustain relationships with key partners in governments, intergovernmental organizations, foundations, national research organizations and international platforms to facilitate the development and adoption of systems, standards and tools;
- Lead or contribute to the development of fundraising proposals to support such research, the associated capacity building of partners and the achievement of informatics outcomes.
- A PhD in a relevant discipline, or other academic qualifications and experience that are equivalent.
- Minimum of 10 years professional experience in research and/or project management within governmental, conservation, academic or developmental organizations, preferably including work with or in developing countries.
- Excellent understanding of the main issues related to the application of informatics to plant genetic resources management and use, and familiarity with genebank management operations and/or PGR conservation issues.
- Track record of achievements in genetic resources informatics.
- Demonstrated leadership skills and experience managing scientific staff and other resources at a senior level, preferably in an international research or academic environment.
- Excellent interpersonal and communications skills including effective advocacy and consensus building skills, and ability to interact effectively with a wide range of collaborators from different cultural and disciplinary backgrounds.
- Successful experience with work carried out in partnership with other organizations.
- Motivated and resourceful, with a sustained record of achievement, innovation and strategic vision, demonstrated in research products and publications.
- Demonstrated ability to build relationships with donors and generate funds for research and delivery of outcomes.
- Excellent English, both verbal and written.
- Familiarity with the CGIAR system
- Familiarity with the multilateral system on plant genetic resources.
- Working knowledge of Spanish, French or other major global languages.
Terms and conditions:
This is a senior scientist internationally recruited position. Bioversity International offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary, non-contributory retirement plan, medical insurance, housing allowance and leave provisions. All benefits are denominated and paid in US Dollars. The initial contract will be for a period of three years subject to a probationary period of one year.
Applications:
Please apply online through Bioversity Job Opportunities web page (http://www.bioversityinternational.org/about_us/job_opportunities.html) by clicking the "Apply" button, completing the online application and attaching the required information, no later than 31 March 2012. Please note that in the application you are required to provide the contact details (address, telephone number and e-mail address) of at least three referees, which Bioversity will contact for short listed applicants.
Bioversity is an equal opportunity employer and strives for staff diversity. Women and candidates from developing countries are encouraged to apply.
Bioversity International, Bioversity for short, is the operating name of the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI) and the International Network for Improvement of Banana and Plantain (INIBAP).
Updated: 19.3.2012
