The World Vegetable Center is a non-profit, autonomous international agricultural research center with headquarters in Taiwan and regional offices in Africa and Asia. The Center conducts research and development programs that contribute to improved incomes and diets in the developing world through increased production and consumption of safe vegetables. For more information, please visit our website: avrdc.org

The Deputy Director General – Research (DDG-Research) is a member of the senior management team based at Center headquarters (HQ) in Shanhua, Taiwan. Reporting to the Director General, this position will be supported by a team of global theme leaders and heads of research support services. The successful candidate will work closely with the Center’s four regional directors in Africa (Mali, Tanzania) and Asia (India, Thailand).

Key responsibilities:

• Works collaboratively with the senior management team, regional directors and global theme leaders to update the Center’s research strategy
• Leads the development of outcome-focused operational plans, providing clarity on timeframes, staffing, budgets, partnerships, performance indicators and targets
• Oversees and interconnects the Center’s research operations managed from HQ and from the four regional research offices; tracks performance of research operations across research areas and regions, ensures coherence, and exploits synergies
• Provides oversight to ensure science is world-class, innovative, well published and leads to tangible outcomes and impact in close collaboration with partners; moves the research agenda forward based on effective monitoring, evaluation and learning mechanisms and well-targeted impact assessment studies
• Works with the senior management team, regional directors and global theme leaders to ensure the Center develops new research competencies and partnerships in line with the Center’s research strategy; establishes collaboration with leading advanced research institutions from around the world on key research areas
• Creates a simulating environment to attract world class scientific staff, partners, visiting scientists and students from around the world to work with the Center
• Nurtures a culture of teamwork, collaboration, learning, and performance
• Represents the Center with external audiences, particularly donors, research partners, key stakeholders, and other interested parties
• Mobilizes resources to fund the Center’s science agenda

Key qualifications and competencies:

• PhD in agricultural, natural or social sciences with a record of achievement and innovation; plant or horticultural science are desired areas of expertise
• Senior management experience with an agricultural research organization, providing leadership to projects with an international cooperation dimension
• Ability to encourage and facilitate innovation and teamwork in a multicultural environment
• Excellent scientific publication record
• Proven track record in research management and fundraising
• Strong motivation to contribute to the Center’s mission
• Fluency in English and excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Relevant work experience and networks in Asia and/or Africa
• Willingness to travel frequently
• Experience working with the private sector is highly desirable

The Reward:

This is an Internationally Recruited Staff (IRS) position with competitive pay and benefits. The initial appointment is for three years and may be extended depending on performance of the incumbent and availability of resources.

How to Apply:

Submit a letter of application with curriculum vitae, a recent passport-size photograph, names and addresses (including telephone/fax/e-mail) of three referees, and date of availability. Please send the application by email, stating the job title in the subject line, to human.resources@worldveg.org, before 15 July 2016 or until a suitable candidate is found.