Special Advisor to the Deputy Executive Managing Director

Location: Montpellier, France

Grade: CG11/12

Date Published: 25th April 2024

Closing Date for Applications: 17th May 2024 at 09:00 CEST

About CGIAR

CGIAR is a global research partnership for a food-secure future. CGIAR science is dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources and ecosystem services. Its research is conducted closely with hundreds of partners, including national and regional research institutes, civil society organizations, academia, development organizations, and the private sector. 

About One CGIAR

One CGIAR provides an opportunity for a fresh strategy to shape a stronger, more relevant science agenda for today’s dynamic world. One CGIAR is the integration of CGIAR’s capabilities, knowledge, assets, people, and global presence for a new era of interconnected and partnership-driven research towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). One CGIAR enables us to operate as a cohesive organization with a single mission, seamlessly leveraging all of our capabilities and assets to deliver real benefits to people and our planet. Through integrated systems research, One CGIAR and country partners are striving for impact to create sustainable and resilient food, land, and water systems, and meet SDG targets.

Job Summary

CGIAR has an ambitious agenda to deliver science and innovation and advance the transformation of food, land, and water systems to deliver diverse, healthy, safe, sufficient, and affordable diets, and ensure improved livelihoods and greater social equality.

CGIAR operates as a matrix with each Center having its own governance and leadership structure operating alongside the integrated governance and leadership arrangements of CGIAR as a whole.

The Deputy Executive Managing Director (DEMD) works closely with the Executive Managing Director (EMD) to refine and implement CGIAR’s 2030 strategy, deliver the vision for One CGIAR, and lay a clear roadmap ahead for CGIAR’s future. The DEMD leads on strategic fundraising, financial stability, and organizational effectiveness, including the implementation of the Integration Framework Agreement (IFA) and the integrated matrix structure, and represents the organization internally and externally in key forums, partnerships and initiatives.

The Office of the DEMD provides the strategic, operational and administrative support which is needed to support this success. The Special Advisor to the DEMD provides strategic advice to the DEMD and oversees the operations of the Office of the DEMD, ensuring that the DEMD receives the support needed to be effective in the role.

The Special Advisor to the DEMD works closely with the heads and staff of the departments and units directly reporting to the DEMD to ensure key institutional strategy, planning, People and Culture, Communications & Outreach, Innovative Finance & Resource Mobilization, Business Operations and Finance, Legal, Risk, Governance and other processes and functions are cohesive and aligned with relevant CGIAR-wide goals and objectives.

The Special Advisor to the DEMD acts as focal point for interface with Special Leaders and staff across the system and CGIAR Centers on behalf of the DEMD, builds collaborative and effective working relationships with stakeholders, and leads or participates in special projects or task forces as may be determined by the DEMD.

The Special Advisor to the DEMD coordinates tightly with their counterpart in the Office of the EMD, contributes to smooth alignment between the two Offices, and proactively acts to facilitate the effective and efficient working relationship between the EMD and DEMD.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Provide high-level advice to inform strategic decision making by the DEMD and the broader Office of the DEMD.
• Perform complex benchmarking and strategic and data analysis to inform strategic decision making by the DEMD and the broader Office.
• Coordinate and analyze input across the organization and prepare briefing notes and proposals for DEMD’s consideration, as well as presentations and other papers and documents on a broad range of topics.
• Keep the DEMD informed of critical issues requiring attention and decision.
• Ensure that the DEMD is equipped with the right information, tools and advice to successfully support the delivery of CGIAR's mission.
• Lead or actively contribute to taskforces, working groups and meetings on behalf of the DEMD.
• Represent the DEMD in internal discussions; influence and negotiate on DEMD’s behalf on internal priorities and agendas and ensure follow up on agreed actions.
• Manage DEMD communication and build and sustain relationships to ensure successful executi