Seed Business Partnerships Leader for the International Maize Improvement Consortium for Latin America (IMIC-LA)

We are seeking a dynamic, results-oriented, Seed Business Partnerships Leader, with a strong background in agricultural research and seed business management to join the IMIC-LA team. The selected candidate will work as a member of CIMMYT’s Global Maize Program (GMP) and shall also serve as Deputy Leader for the IMIC-LA Project under MasAgro*, with particular focus on managing relationships with the public and private institutions, and coordinating seed-related activities and capacity strengthening efforts.

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its Spanish acronym, CIMMYT®, is a not-for-profit research and training organization with partners in over 100 countries. Please refer to our website for more info www.cimmyt.org   

The position contributes to and draws on the experiences of a large multi-disciplinary research team with focus on developing and deploying improved maize cultivars for Latin America. The selected Scientist will be based at the CIMMYT Headquarters in El Batan, Texcoco, Mexico, but will involve frequent travel, including other CIMMYT field sites in Mexico.

The main responsibilities of the position will be:

• To seek, build and strengthen partnerships with public and private institutions for greatest impact of IMIC-LA among farmers in Mexico and Latin America.
• To develop and implement the IMIC-LA seed business strategy, including seed road maps and partner work plans.
• To link with Government agencies for most effective alignment of the IMIC-LA agenda with government programs.
• To identify needs and opportunities for capacity strengthening of the public/private seed institutional partners, plan capacity building strategy and link with entities that are instrumental in seed sector growth (e.g., financial services, certifying agencies, seed trade association).  
• To manage public/private partners and research agreements under IMIC.
• To contribute to the visibility of IMIC-LA in collaboration with the Communication Team and SAGARPA.
• To assist the IMIC-LA Project Lead in any other matters as and when required.
• To perform other duties as requested by supervisor.

We are seeking candidates with the following qualifications:

• PhD in Plant breeding or Seed technology or a related field. Candidates with an MSc degree, but with extensive experience in the seed sector in Latin America, will also be considered.
• At least five years of experience in seed business management.
• Leadership experience in complex, multidisciplinary research or development projects.
• Good partnership skills, including ability to deliver effectively moderate meetings with partners.
• Familiarity with the agricultural scenario and related institutions in Mexico.
• Experience or at least familiarity with maize seed industry in Mexico.
• Excellent written and verbal-communication skills in both Spanish and English.
• A high degree of personal organization and ability to multi-task and to work under pressure.
• Experience with public-private partnerships would be an added advantage.

*MasAgro is a Mexican Government-funded initiative to revitalize agriculture in Mexico. MasAgro integrates the characterization of genetic resources, deployment of improved maize and wheat cultivars and agronomic interventions into an impact-oriented R&D program. The International Maize Improvement Consortium (IMIC) component of MasAgro is implemented in in close collaboration with public research institutions and the Mexican seed industry for deploying high-yielding, stress-tolerant maize cultivars for the Mexican smallholders. We believe MasAgro is one of the most important and exciting initiatives in agricultural research worldwide.

The position is for an initial fixed-term of three years, renewable based on performance and availability of funds. CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package paid in US dollars, with a range of benefits including housing allowance, life and health insurance, education allowance (to Grade 12), home leave, retirement fund, and relocation shipping assistance.  

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.

Apply online or email cover letter (detailing your competencies and experience for the position) and CV no later than October 30, 2012 to Human Resources, CIMMYT (Email: jobs-cimmyt@cgiar.org  / Please indicate Position Reference number: 12241 in the header of your email).
For further information please contact Dr. B.M. Prasanna, Director, Global Maize Program, b.m.prasanna@cgiar.org 
Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.