Reports to: Functionally to the Continental Champion and administratively to the Executive Managing Director through the Chief of Staff.
Collaborates with: CGIAR centers, System Office teams (Communications & Advocacy, Donors Relations and Resource Mobilization, CGIAR Programs and Accelerators).
Location: To be decided based on continental priorities and strategic significance (e.g., proximity to key partners or CGIAR relevant activities). Montpellier, shown above, is a default system setting and not the confirmed duty station.
Grade: SO7 / CG12
Date Published: 12 June 2025
Closing Date for Applications: 27 June 2025 at 16:00 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 the position
The Head, CGIAR Continental Liaison Office will play a pivotal role in supporting the Continental Champion in advancing CGIARโs mission across Asia and Pacific.
The Head, Continental Liaison Office will be instrumental in advancing the development of a demand-driven continental research portfolio, coordinating engagement activities with relevant national and regional partners that align CGIARโs scientific expertise with their needs and priorities.
Reporting directly to the Continental Champion (a rotational role) and with a dotted line to the Chief Scientist, the Head, CGIAR Continental Liaison Office supports the Continental Champion in the development and operationalization of CGIARโs continental strategies, working in close coordination with Centers and other relevant CGIAR internal stakeholders to ensure effective and coordinated CGIAR engagement in the continent to enhance visibility of CGIAR work and impact. The role ensures the smooth running of the Liaison Office and the smooth functioning of the continental engagement model, as well as continuity of its functions through the rotating Continental Champions.
Duties and Responsibilities
Advise the Continental Champion in the development and implementation of effective engagement strategies for Asia and Pacific that elevate the visibility of CGIAR work and impact and enhance opportunities for strategic partnerships. Map and leverage the Centers and System Organization country & regional collaborations across the Integrated Partnership to develop a deep understanding of existing engagement, needs and thematic priorities that align with CGIAR mission. Working closely with CGIAR Centers and the System Organization, play a key role in the development and implementation of CGIAR Continental Strategies, that respond to partnersโ needs and opportunities and complements Centers strategies. Build links and networks with external stakeholders to facilitate the development of an engagement program for the Continental Champion. Act as a bridge between CGIAR centers, science programs and accelerators, the Continental Champion, and external partners, to enhance CGIARโs visibility and to ensure CGIAR's goals are aligned with continental priorities. Build frameworks and knowledge management infrastructure for the Continental Liaison Office to ensure operational continuity and smooth transition between rotations of Continental Champion.Strategic Relationship Management:
Work in close coordination with CGIAR Centers, the System Organization Donors Relations & Business Development and Communications & Advocacy functions, Programs & Accelerators to enable seamless communication and facilitate the development of strategic partnerships to help establish CGIAR as a trusted advisor and an effective partner in delivering impactful solutions at scale. In coordination with relevant Centers, advise the Continental Champion on opportunities to engage with relevant partners, including policy forums, development institutions, national bodies, and other relevant stakeholders, Facilitate the connection between continental stakeholders and relevant CGIAR science Programs and Accelerators, enabling collaboration and the identification of research and innovations opportunities. Ensure smooth collaboration between CGIAR centers operating in the continent, fostering a cohesive approach to external engagement.Advocacy and Communications:
Resource Mobilization:
Liaising with the System Organization, Donors Relations and Business Development function, and in close collaboration with CGIAR Centers, identify and assess funding opportunities.Knowledge Management and Reporting:
Consolidate learning, data and information on continental engagements, partnerships, and activities into effective knowledge tools conducive to analysis and insights. Prepare regular updates, progress reports, and strategy briefs for the continental champion and relevant stakeholders.Operational Support for the Continental Champion:
Ensures the smooth running of the Liaison Office and the smooth functioning of the continental engagement model, as well as continuity of its functions through the rotating Continental Champions. Develop the budget for and effectively manage the resources assigned to the Continental Liaison Office.Requirements
Education and Experience
Advanced university degree in international relations, development studies, agricultural sciences, or a related field. Demonstrated extensive experience (10+ years) in international development with a track record of building effective partnerships with a range of stakeholders across diverse sectors and managing multi-stakeholder processes. Strong familiarity with agricultural research for development contexts in Asia and Pacific, and with related challenges and opportunities, and knowledge of institutions and multilateral organizations relevant to CGIAR.Key Competences
Ability to have positive impact on others through influence and persuasion to gain buy-in and support from key stakeholders. The ability to successfully build & maintain collaborative relationships to work effectively together with a range of diverse stakeholders through shared responsibility and respect, Strong analytical skills with the ability to analyze data, information and continental dynamics with a view to aligning CGIARโs offering with demand. Systems thinking to address interconnected challenges, fostering collaboration across programs, Centers and partners to deliver impactful solutions. Exceptional communication skills and the ability to deliver a compelling picture of the CGIAR work and its impact across expert communities. Knowledge of CGIARโs mission and areas of expertise.Languages
Fluency in spoken and written English is essential; knowledge of a second language relevant for the Asia and Pacific is desirable.
Benefits
The selected staff member will be offered terms and conditions commensurate with the grade of the position.
Submitting Your Application
All applications must be submitted online by clicking the 'Apply' button below. If you require assistance or face challenges in submitting your application, please email recruitment@cgiar.org with the position title in the subject line. Please note we will not accept applications through this email.
Please ensure that your resume and cover letter are in English and do not contain your marital status, age, or photograph. Documents provided in a language other than English will not be considered.
All received applications will be acknowledged; however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted by our partner, SRI Executive. Apply Now