The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its Spanish acronym, CIMMYT®, is a not-for-profit research and training organization with partners in over 100 countries. Please refer to our website for more information: www.cimmyt.org

We are seeking an experienced and result-oriented professional for the position of Senior Manager, DG’s Office. The successful candidate will report to the Director General and act under his direct supervision, the Senior Manager, DG’s Office will be responsible of 1- the day-to-day management of the DG’s Office; 2- the administrative duties that belong to the DG and his office; 3- the coordination of cross-program events or interdepartmental initiatives and 4- the internal or external communications issued on the behalf of the DG.

The position will be based at CIMMYT’s Main Campus in Texcoco, State of Mexico (located 45 km northeast of Mexico City, Mexico) and will interact with CIMMYT´s regional offices world-wide on a regular basis.

Specific duties:

• Establish and monitor the implementation of the work plan of the DG’s Office.
• Manage and coordinate the activity of the administrative staff in the DG’s Office.
• Monitor the budgets falling under the direct responsibility of the DG’s Office.
• While the agenda of the DG is managed by the secretariat, keep him constantly informed and updated on any issue that requires his attention or direct involvement.
• Supervise all secretarial tasks such as establishing memos, synthesis or reports; archiving; greeting of visitors and guests in person, by phone, email or courier, etc.
• Ensure efficient workflows are established and followed for all requests going through the DG’s office.
• Organize the sessions of the Management Committee and any other recurring or non-recurring meetings led by the DG within the organization. Make sure all materials are provided and reviewed before the meetings, and that minutes are established and distributed. Follow up on the decisions made during such meetings.
• Support the DG in his position as chair of the DGs of the CGIAR centers in 2016.
• Lead the organization of internal events or interdepartmental initiatives as required and at least during their initiation phase such as Science week, Admin week, CIMMYT Academy, 50th anniversary, etc.
• Coordinate internal initiatives especially from (but not limited to) the corporate services, ensuring these initiatives are not redundant with others and aligned with CIMMYT’s strategy and values.
• Prepare and draft presentations or reports to the Management Committee, the Board of Trustees and/or other stakeholders.
• Review all communications whether internal or external meant to be sent on the behalf of the DG, and participate in their drafting whenever necessary.
• Maintain liaison with the CGIAR, the CG centers and other institutions as required.

Required academic qualifications, skills and attitudes:

• Master degree in Management or related field of study (Administration, Law, HR, Finance, Psychology, International Trade, etc.).
• 6+ years of progressive experience in a global environment, preferably in general administration, project management or program administration.
• International experience, working in different countries and having been exposed to various cultures.
• Managerial experience especially working for NGOs and/or project-based organizations.
• Reliable, organized and methodic, capable to innovate and manage confidential information.
• Excellent writing skills and excellent command of English, Spanish is a plus.
• Time management and prioritization.
• Effective in multicultural and multidisciplinary environments.

The position is for an initial fixed-term for three (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 airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.  

Candidates must apply here for 15839 Senior Manager, DG’s Office no later than Wednesday, 9 December 2015. Incomplete applications (CV and Cover Letter) will not be taken into consideration. Strictest confidence assured. Cover Letter should refer explicitly to the essential qualifications, skills, and attitudes stated above. For further information on the selection process, please contact Daniel Ixtla, at d.ixtla@cgiar.org 

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

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.