Executive Officer-CGIAR Consortium, Montpellier, France

Background

CGIAR is a global partnership that unites organizations engaged in research for sustainable development with the funders of this work. The funders, represented by the CGIAR Fund, include developing and industrialized country governments, foundations, and international and regional organizations. The work they support is carried out by 15 members of the CGIAR Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers, in close collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations, including national and regional research institutes, civil society organizations, academia, and the private sector. The Consortium is an international organization headquartered in Montpellier, France. The CGIAR Consortium's 15 member centers have about 10,000 staff based in 80 countries, built on a common vision described in the Strategy and Results Framework for mobilizing agricultural research to reduce poverty and hunger, improve human health and nutrition, and enhance sustainable management of natural resources in the developing world.

Primary purpose of the role

Provide strategic support to the Chief Executive Officer, Board Chair and Consortium Board (as Board Secretary) in a wide range of administrative and general duties of a highly responsible and confidential nature, supported by a half-time Executive Assistant.

Typical duties and responsibilities

The Executive Officer will:

• Support the CEO in the scheduling of his time and management of his incoming and outgoing electronic correspondence.
• Support the Board Chair in his functions to facilitate his interaction with the Consortium Board and other stakeholders.
• Prepare logistics, agenda and take minutes for the Consortium Board and its committees and follow up on action items.
• Review and comment on documents on behalf of the CEO; undertake research to prepare for the CEO's external engagements and contribute to the CEO's speeches and presentations.
• Drive effective leadership team meetings.
• Liaise with the Consortium Office members of staff to provide essential information to the CEO and follow up on his requests and directions to members of staff.

Essential qualifications & competencies

• Master's degree in a field that is relevant to the work of the CGIAR Consortium.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in large and complex organizations, at similar or equivalent level of responsibility and scope.
• Excellent communication and reporting / drafting skills in English.
• Results-oriented.
• Ability to work independently.
• Highly-organized and well-honed skills in prioritization of tasks.

Desirable competencies and qualifications

• Intermediate working knowledge of French desirable.

Terms and conditions

The Executive Officer will be based in Montpellier, France, and will be contracted by the CGIAR Consortium for a period of three years (renewable). Relocation package and education grant (for children that do not speak French) available. Compensation will be attractive and commensurate with the level of expertise and experience for international organizations. Travel will be expected.

Applications

Candidates are invited to send their applications by e-mail to Consortium-HR@cgiar.org. Screening of applications will begin on 25th September and will continue until the post is filled. The Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centres is committed to providing an attractive, multicultural and international work environment that reflects the values of teamwork, gender equality, and respect for diversity, with a competitive compensation and benefit package [for an international non-profit organization].