Organization: International Center for Tropical Agriculture
Country: Colombia
Closing date: 06 Oct 2017
The International Center for Tropical Agriculture (www.ciat.cgiar.org) works to reduce hunger and poverty, and improve human nutrition in the tropics through research aimed at increasing the eco-efficiency of agriculture. CIAT is a member of the CGIAR Consortium (www.cgiar.org), a global research partnership working toward a food secure future. Our global research contributes to several of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, and cuts across four key themes: big data, climate smart agriculture, ecosystem action, and sustainable food systems.
CIAT works in collaboration with hundreds of partners to help developing countries make farming more competitive, profitable, and resilient through smarter, more sustainable natural resource management. We help policymakers, scientists, and farmers respond to some of the most pressing challenges of our time, including food insecurity and malnutrition. CIAT’s global team includes 400+ professionals (250 agricultural researchers) based in three major hubs: Hanoi, Nairobi and Cali.
The Office of Partnerships & Communications ensures a robust and consistent pipeline of donors and partners that are meaningfully engaged in supporting CIAT’s mission. CIAT’s research is supported by the multi-donor CGIAR Fund, and grants from governments, foundations, and private sector partners. The office provides global support to researchers and management by: identifying opportunities for funding; providing donor intelligence; developing donor-engagement strategies; campaign planning; and organizing strategic events and meetings with donors and partners.
Responsibilities
· Identify institutional, foundation, corporate and individual major donors with an affinity for research, development and policy change, and develop targeted engagement strategies drawing on staff and volunteers to secure gifts.
· Plan, design and implement strategies to ensure that CIAT participates and is well represented in key international events and policy dialogues related to Center’s mission.
· Ensure engagement of CIATs scientists in global, regional and national events to build and maintain donor and partner networks, and generate funding opportunities.
· Oversee and plan donor and prospective donor visits to CIAT to ensure these lead to meaningful long-term relationships.
Technical Competencies
· Masters in a discipline related to the position (international development, agriculture, environment, economics, international relations, business, or equivalent).
· 8 or more years of fundraising experience.
· Experience organizing events for maximum policy and fundraising impact.
· Successful experience in engaging donors and closing major gifts of $1 million or more.
· Knowledge of and/or experience with international donor agencies, private sector engagement and global foundations.
· Track record working with research staff to engage these in fundraising efforts.
· Complete English proficiency. Other languages would be an asset, particularly Spanish.
Role Competencies
· A successful fundraiser, with major gift responsibility and prior campaign experience.
· A team-oriented individual, familiar with the process of cultivation, and who possesses strong organizational skills.
· Strong relationship- building, business, and project management skills.
· Strategic planning abilities, attention to detail and delivery.
· Ability to stay organized, maintain attention to detail, build social capital, and execute assignments on time and with quality.
· A strategic thinker who has demonstrated resourcefulness in working collaboratively with many constituencies.
Terms of employment
The position is internationally recruited and will be based at CIAT Headquarters in Palmira, Cali, Colombia, reporting directly to the Head of Partnerships & Communications. The initial contract will be for up to two (2) years, subject to a probation period of three (3) months, and is renewable depending on performance and availability of resources.
CIAT offers a multicultural, collegial environment with a competitive salary and excellent benefits. CIAT is an equal opportunity employer, and strives for staff diversity in gender and nationality. Female candidates from Latin America, Africa and Asia are particularly encouraged to apply.
How to apply:
Applicants are invited to send a cover letter illustrating their suitability for the above position against the listed qualifications, competencies and skills, as well as a detailed curriculum vitae, including the names and addresses of three referees knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience. All correspondence should be addressed to Andrea Linares (z.a.linares@cgiar.org) and should clearly indicate “**Partnerships Manager**”.
