Project Manager – One CGIAR Transition

We are looking for a highly skilled and experienced Project Manager to join the CGIAR System Organization. This is a mid to senior-level position reporting to the Senior Advisor, CGIAR Executive Management Team, that works closely with various stakeholders to support the One CGIAR transition process.

This is an exciting time to be joining the System Organization as CGIAR undertakes a transformation into a more integrated “One CGIAR” that will allow us to achieve greater impact with our research. One CGIAR is a dynamic reformulation of CGIAR’s partnerships, knowledge, assets, and global presence in key areas where innovation is needed to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. It is centered around collaborating more closely in a way that enables us to deploy scientific innovations faster, on a larger scale, and at a reduced cost so that they can have a greater impact where they are needed the most. The transition to One CGIAR will have profound implications on the way CGIAR and its constituent parts are structured and operate: with unified governance, an integrated structure, a new research modality, and more pooled funding, One CGIAR will be better positioned to achieve its mission. Joining CGIAR offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to a world free of poverty, hunger, and environmental degradation.

The Project Manager supports the Executive Management Team (EMT) in delivering a timely, effective, and inclusive transition to ‘One CGIAR’ across multiple, interconnected workstreams. A key component of this position is to work with colleagues across multiple functions and workstreams to coordinate the transition on a day-to-day basis, including planning, budgeting, monitoring and reporting, and risk management.

This position requires a highly effective and dynamic project manager with experience in project management and organizational change processes, and an ability to navigate complex multi-stakeholder environments. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills and an ability to deliver under pressure are essential for this role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Working closely with colleagues across transition workstreams, periodically review and ensure that the One CGIAR transition plan, including key milestones, activities, dependencies, and resource requirements remains fit-for-purpose, and propose adjustments as needed.
• Develop, strengthen, and implement strategies, processes, practices, and tools to ensure regular and transparent communication on the transition plan and its implementation against agreed milestones.
• Working closely with the System Organization’s finance and resource mobilization functions, develop and monitor transition budgets, and support Funder engagement initiatives related to the One CGIAR transition.
• Working closely with the focal points for each transition workstream; develop, strengthen, and implement processes, practices, and tools to monitor and report on transition progress and outcomes against the transition plan.
• In consultation with risk management experts across CGIAR, develop, strengthen, and implement processes, practices, and tools to ensure that transition risks and implementation of mitigating measures are effectively and efficiently tracked, monitored, and communicated as appropriate.
• Foster and contribute to highly collaborative teamwork and communication within the unit, the System Management Office, and across the CGIAR System as a whole; proactively participating in knowledge and capacity building initiatives to support the delivery of the Organization’s business and work plans.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

• Advanced degree in business administration, international development, or a related field
• At least 8—10 years’ experience in project management and organizational change
• Experience in international development/ agricultural or environmental research is an advantage
• Excellent project management skills, with demonstrated proficiency in relevant project management methodologies, tools, and techniques; professional certification in project management is an advantage
• Knowledge of change management theories and practices is an advantage
• Excellent written and oral communication, editing, and reporting skills in English. Working knowledge of French, Spanish, Arabic, or another major language that enhances effective collaboration across CGIAR is an advantage
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office software packages, with skills in relevant project management software being an advantage

Personal Traits

• Excellent interpersonal skills – a team player with excellent communication, diplomatic, and influencing skills, and the ability to establish and foster effective working relationships in a multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary, and complex environment

• A problem-solver who can think outside the box

• Able to adapt to change, navigate ambiguity, and take initiative

• Highest work ethics and integrity; inspires trust and credibility; respects diversity and difference i.e. ability and willingness to work in and promote diverse multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environments