IFDC Executive Director - VFRC

New and improved fertilizers are a critical element in the effort to help feed the world’s growing population and ultimately provide food security while protecting the environment and ensuring the sustainable use of the earth’s non-renewable resources. 

IFDC has launched the Virtual Fertilizer Research Center (VFRC) as a global research initiative to create the next generation of fertilizers and production technologies. The VFRC is a semi-autonomous unit of IFDC based in Washington, DC with its own Board of Advisors. 

VFRC will develop and help commercialize the next generation of fertilizers and production technologies by engaging  leading researchers, scientists, entrepreneurs and business managers from the public and private sectors in specific projects initiated via a Request for Proposal (RFP) process. VFRC is funded by public and private donors who support VFRC’s mission.

Job Description 
This position  leads the activities of the VFRC with the following principal responsibilities:

• Developing the VFRC’s technology development strategy with the advice of the Board of Advisors, the Science and Commercialization Committees.

• Planning, initiating and overseeing research activities consistent with the strategic plan.

• Identifying and  persuading potential donors and partners to support VFRC and provide funding for research. 

• Representing the VFRC at conferences, meetings, and events to promote and gain support for the VFRC. 

• Supervising up to 10 subordinates directly and 20-25 additional employees indirectly (involved in or supporting research activities).

Required Skills 
• Minimum of a Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Soil Science, or Business Administration with 10-15 years of relevant work experience managing research programs in a university or a research laboratory.  A Ph.D. is preferred.

• Scientific and technical knowledge to guide and define research projects and to review research proposals and results.

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills to present the VFRC’s mission and research initiatives and results to donors, partners and international  stakeholders.

• Ability to negotiate complex research agreements with organizations and individuals.

Required Experience 
• Developing research proposals for funding.

• Guiding other researchers and reviewing their work for both quality and timeliness.

• Developing workplans in consultation with Boards and senior executives.

• Negotiating with donors and sponsors, and establishing binding contractual agreements .

• International experience, preferably with good exposure to developing countries.

Frequent contact is required with subordinates, supervisors, donors, advisors, project partners and the media to explain and promote the VFRC and to initiate  and introduce new products and processes.The majority of the working time will be in a normal office environment with no unusual demands. International travel is required.

Please visit our web site www.ifdc.org, Employment, for complete job requirements and instructions for application.