CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries.

For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

We are seeking a Program Manager to lead our Sustainable Agrifood Systems (SAS) Program, which encompasses a dynamic team of 500+ dedicated professionals. As a key player in advancing food security, SAS collaborates with over 100 partners annually, including global research institutions, governments, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders. This position has a critical role in enhancing the impact of CIMMYT’s work.

The position reports to the Director of the Sustainable Agrifood Systems Program.

This position will be based at CIMMYT HQ’s in Texcoco, Mexico.

Specific duties:

Program planning, management & administration.

• In conjunction with program administrative staff, oversee and lead all administrative tasks within the program; provide feedback to process owners in the interest of continuous improvement and involving the Program Director (PD) when necessary for escalation; and promote compliance to policies and processes, and escalate non- compliances as necessary.
• Assist scientists, program staff and the PD in development and improvement of program specific processes.
• In coordination with the PD, Associate Program Directors, Associate Program Managers (APMs), and Program Finance Managers (PFM), ensure effective allocation of staff and other program resources through analysis of budget versus staff time.
• Assist the PD in the performance management process including support to the work planning process (and their subsequent implementation), as well as the performance evaluation process.
• Provide oversight and coordination of project portfolio across the program with support from APM, RPMs, PMU, Legal, HR, Finance, Internal Audit, CIMMYT Country Representatives, planning, and end-of-year performance reporting.

Proposal development & Project management.

• Provide administrative support to scientists, PDs, and RPDs in the development of project proposals, including preparation of detailed project budgets, supporting analytics, and management of risks.
• Liaise with PMU, APM, RPMs, and relevant project leaders to promote best practices in project management, respond to donor queries and to ensure timely submission of high-quality reports and other deliverables.
• Support scientists in implementing and managing projects, with APM, and RPMs, support timely staff recruitment, purchase of capital, account set-up, testing and adoption of project management tools, project closeout, etc.
• Periodically review the project pipeline, update, and source information from APM, RPM, and PLs on funding probability.
• Supervise subgrant management, with PFMs and APMs, ensuring timely set up, financial reports, and payments to partners.

Communications.

• Oversee and facilitate internal communication with, among, and about program staff and activities.
• Contribute to CIMMYT’s visibility.

Knowledge management.

• Oversee and facilitate communication through the effective use of the CIMMYT Intranet and other communication tools.
• With support from other administrative units as appropriate or necessary, develop and maintain databases and systems for managing program-specific information required for efficient program management and reporting, ensuring data is securely stored and appropriately shared.

Financial management.

• Oversee, in coordination with the PD, APDs, APMs, PFMs, and PLs, the forecasting of personnel costs.
• Oversee the monitoring and reporting of the program’s spending against budget on a monthly basis to the PD to facilitate informed decision-making, in coordination with the PFM.
• Periodically review the spending levels of program-led projects and discuss with the APM and RPMs and/or other stakeholders any anticipated over/underspending to ensure that spending matches with a work plan.
• Coordinate with the APMs and PFMs on the preparation of the annual program budget, fully costed budget for new proposals, budget realignment when needed, and budget distribution to the program’s internal budget holders.
• Support the PFMs regarding the annual capex call within the program.

Collaborate with CIMMYT Corporate Service Units and liaise between Programs and Units.

• Participate in the review of institutional policies, including the provision of input.
• Collaborate with service units for timely delivery of services; liaise between Programs and Units.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in agriculture, Business or Public Administration or related field.
• Certificated PM and 10+ years’ demonstrated experience with project or program management.
• 10+ years of experience in financial management, programming, and forecasting, running a division or program at a large multinational company, preferred experience in non-for-profit organizations.
• Advanced knowledge of relevant administrative and/or operating protocols and policies of the function.
• Advanced strategic thinking, e.g., experience in the ability to identify and/or develop new approaches/methodology.
• Understand linkages with other disciplines, related to agricultural food systems and sustainable development.
• Computer literacy, with proficiency in the common software packages.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Critical Thinking, Communication, Client Orientation, problem-solving and decision-making.

Benefits

This position is for an initial fixed term of (3) years, after which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds. CIMMYT’s internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children’s education, paid vacation, annual home travel airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.

Candidates must apply online for IRS24134_Program Manager.

Screening and follow-up of applications will begin on, September 27th, 2024.

Applications must include a CV with contact details (telephone and email address) of 3 work-related references along with the confirmation that Recruitment can contact them) and a cover letter.

Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

This position will remain open until filled.

CIMMYT is an equal-opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.