Director organisation research in agriculture (ICRA)

Deadline: 19/6/2010

The International Centre for development oriented Research in Agriculture (ICRA) is dedicated to building effective learning partnerships aimed at developing sustainable small farm businesses and competitive agro product chains. ICRA works with local, European and international partners to perform its activities that are centred in the South, particularly sub-Sahara Africa. As demonstrated by a recent external review of its programme and management, the centre plays a highly appreciated and unique role in strengthening the capacity of research, education and farmer organisations, agri-businesses and policy makers to collectively achieve more effective pro-poor rural innovation through knowledge exchange and social learning.
The potential of ICRA to meet the growing need for what it offers is evident, but far from fully utilised. With this in mind, ICRA has charted an ambitious path of growth for the future that will enable it to realise its full potential.

ICRA is now looking for a DIRECTOR.

Due to retirement of the current Director,  ICRA currently seeks a new Director to lead its strategy of growth.  The Director will have key responsibility for fulfilling the organisation’s objectives of positioning ICRA as a joint European-Southern instrument for capacity development and  support in rural innovation,  collective learning and institutional change,  doubling the current annual funding and integrating the network of seconded staff and part-time consultants into an independently staffed organisation in Europe and the South.
The right candidate for this challenging position possesses a proven set of skills,  experience and leadership qualities:

  • Demonstrable affinity and international experience in ICRA’s specialised field,  strong and active networks in Europe and the South
  • Excellent management,  marketing,  sales and fundraising skills,  proven record of securing institutional and project funding
  • Proven ability to manage institutional change and to lead ICRA strategically in a crucial phase of its development
  • Outstanding communication skills and fluent command of English and French (preferably also Spanish)
  • Willingness to travel frequently

The Director leads a team of currently 13 committed professionals and support staff spread over the Wageningen office (5),  Montpellier office (2),  Southern Africa (1),  Latin America (1) and consultants living in different locations in France (2) and the UK (2).
ICRA offers an attractive salary and benefits package for this posting in Wageningen,   the Netherlands,  of a maximum of   92,000 gross per year.  Benefits include a pension arrangement of high standard.  ICRA does not offer allowances for costs of housing or schooling.

ICRA offers a 3-year contract renewable according to performance.
Starting date:  3rd January 2011.

Candidates interested in this challenging position are invited to submit a letter with C.V.
(1 page summary,  details in annexes) and contact details of 3 independent references to icra@agropolis.fr stating  “Director application”  in the subject line.  For further information,  contact the Chair of the Board of Trustees through any of the ICRA offices in Montpellier or Wageningen.  Deadline for applications:  19 June 2010.

For more information, click here (.PDF)

For the website of ICRA, click here.

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