Research leader, agricultural biodiversity for adaptation to climate change

Bioversity International is the world’s largest organization undertaking research on agricultural biodiversity, dedicated to addressing global issues related to food security, poverty, climate change and environmental degradation. Bioversity International is a non profit organization, active in over 100 countries worldwide, with more than 350 staff working from some 16 country offices. It is one of 15 centres of the Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centres (CGIAR).

Bioversity is committed to provide leadership in the use of agricultural biodiversity to provide poor farmers in developing countries with options for sustaining their agricultural production and food security in the face of conditions resulting from climate change. Bioversity International is now seeking a: Research Leader, Agricultural Biodiversity for Adaptation to Climate Change As a member of a global research team, based in Bioversity’s Regional Office for Americas in Cali, Colombia, the incumbent will provide scientific leadership, coordination and facilitation of ongoing and new research on the use and conservation of agricultural biodiversity for enhancing resilience and adaptation to climate change, and lead Bioversity’s contribution to the CGIAR Research Programme on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS).

Responsibilities:

* Lead and contribute to collaborative research on the use and conservation of agricultural biodiversity for climate change adaptation.
* Lead or contribute to the development of fundraising proposals to support such research and to the associated capacity building of partners.
* Coordinate and collaborate with other scientists who participate in the CCAFS programme, both within Bioversity and in other Centres and organizations.
* Produce scientific publications and other impact-oriented products from high quality research on the use of agricultural biodiversity for climate change adaptation.
* Lead our engagement with other key stakeholders and establish and maintain strategic partnerships at national and international levels.
* Identify and lead opportunities to advance Bioversity’s research agenda.
* As a member of the Americas Regional Office, he/she is expected to be an excellent team player and to contribute to the delivery of outputs at all levels.

Essential qualifications and competencies:

* A PhD in agricultural or biological sciences and at least 10 years of experience related to biodiversity and/or plant genetic resources. 
* Knowledgeof the use and assessment of agricultural biodiversity for enhancing resilience and adaptation to climate change.
* At least 5 years experience carrying out research with partners including relevant field experience in developing countries.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to effectively interact with people at all levels and build consensus in a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment.
* Excellent English and Spanish language skills, both verbal and written. 
* Demonstrated ability to build relationships with donors and generate funds for research.
* A substantial and sustained record of achievement and innovation through project development, implementation and delivery of results, and demonstrated publication record.
* Drive and entrepreneurship to pursue and develop new research opportunities. Desirable qualifications and competencies.
* Experience with quantitative spatial and temporal analysis of genetic diversity, including Genotype x Environment Interactions (G+E) interactions as an input to effective and efficient use and conservation of agricultural biodiversity.
* Expertise in functional ecology. 
* Familiarity with molecular technologies and their potential to contribute to research related to the intraspecific diversity of plant species. 
* Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems.
* Experience with climate change modelling and impact studies. · Work experience in Latin America.
* Familiarity with the CGIAR system.