Head of Digital and Data (G-24-07)

International Potato Center POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Ref: G-24-07 HDD/GRS/HQ

Head of Digital and Data

Lima, Peru

The International Potato Center(CIP) is actively looking for a dynamic leader to join our team as the Head of Digital and Data. We are seekingavisionary professional witha passionfor leveragingdigital technologies and data-driven strategies todrive innovation and impact inagriculturalresearch and development, playinga crucial roleinshaping and implementing our digital transformation agenda, harnessing the power of technology and data to address global challenges in food security and sustainable agriculture.

About CIP: CIP, a member of the One CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future. One CGIAR science is dedicated to transforming food, land and water systems in a climate crisis, and it is carried out by 13 CGIAR Centers/Alliances in close collaboration with hundreds of partners, including national and regional research institutes, civil society organizations, academia, development organizations and the private sector. CIP works with partners in over 20 countries to improve diets and incomes of poor people in Africa, Asia and Latin America through scientific research, innovation, and capacity strengthening. Focusing on potato and sweetpotato as food systems entry point, CIP’s programs seek to strengthen broader agri-food systems to generate economic, social, and nutritional benefits for farmers, enterprises and consumers emphasizing the priorities of women and youth. CIP emphasizes the synergies between social and bio-physical sciences as a core strategy for making breakthroughs in our understanding of complex development challenges in food and agriculture and for our ability to overcome these. Within this pluralistic strategy, qualitative social science has a central, and increasing place for explaining human and institutional behavior and assessing benefits and risks for human development.

The position: The selected candidate will drive CIP’s digital transformation efforts with a particular emphasis on leveraging data and new digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), to advance scientific research and

innovation, as well as excellence in operations. This pivotal role entails leading two key units: one dedicated to digital development, encompassing traditional IT functions, and another focused-on data science with a strong emphasis on analytics. The position will also lead the partnership between CIP and CGIAR in the Digital and Data areas. The Head of Digital & Data will be based in Lima, Peru and will report to the Director of Programs. Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and articulate a comprehensive digital and data strategy with a special emphasis on harnessing AI technologies to revolutionize scientific research and innovation, aligned with CGIAR’s Digital and Data strategy.

• CollaboratecloselywithseniorleadershipandCGIARDigitalandDatateamstoidentifyandprioritizeDigital and Data initiatives that deliver value for money for science and operations, accelerate innovations and support the implementation of CIP2030 strategy.

• Stay abreast of emerging trends, technologies, and innovations in the digital and data space and share insights with CIP and CGIAR stakeholders.Lead the drafting, negotiation, and approval for execution of subgrant agreements with partners, and other entities, ensuring effective management throughout their lifecycle.

1• Facilitatecross-departmentalcollaboration:Work closely withotherdepartmentstoensurethatthegrants and contracts function supports the implementation of CIP’s portfolio.

• Comply with CIP’s Health & Safety policy at regional level and ensure compliance at country level. Digital Development:

• Provide guidance and oversight the digital development unit, encompassing traditionalITfunctions suchas infrastructure management, software development, cybersecurity, and user support, with a keen eye on integrating AI technologies where applicable.

• Ensure the robustness, security, and scalability of digital systems and platforms to meet the organization's evolving needs, leveraging AI for predictive maintenance and proactive optimization.

• Assess the needs for enabling shared services (e.g., commercial datasets and licensed software) that can enhance CIP’s digital capabilities and develop strategies to address them effectively.

Data Science and Analytics:

• Lead the data science unit in support science and operations at CIP in collecting, managing, analyzing and interpreting data. Instill a primary focus on AI applications, responsible for harnessing AI algorithms to analyze complex datasets, generate actionable insights, and support evidence-based decision-making. • Develop a comprehensive data strategy for CIP to effectively leverage data assets for AI applications, drive innovation, and achieve organizational goals.Update and maintain data governance policies and procedures to ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and ethical use of data assets.

• Ensure compliance with F.A.I.R. (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles to transform the data assets for AI applications and organizational needs.

• Collaborate closely with researchers and stakeholders to identify opportunities, design data-driven experiments, and translate findings into tangible outcomes.

Partnership and Collaboration:

• Cultivate strategic partnerships with external vendors, academic institutions, and industry partners to access specialized expertise, resources, and technologies.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across departments and functions to understand their digital and data needs and develop tailored solutions to address them.

• Design and provide training opportunities for internal stakeholders to raise capabilities in digital and data science approaches.

CGIAR Partnership (30% FTE):

• Co-designdataanddigitalinnovationswiththeCGIARGlobalDigitalandDatateamandstrategizetodeliver impactful products within CIP, aligning with the CGIARIntegration and Collaboration aspects (under the ICI CGIAR Partnership Framework)

• Actively contribute to CGIAR Global Digital and Data Unit, Enabler Megaprogram, and other Thematic Megaprograms involving CIP, by sharing CIP's needs, experiences, lessons learned, and best practices. • Participate in collaborative projects, working groups, capacity building, and knowledge exchange activities to leverage CIP's expertise and contribute to the advancement of CGIAR's digital and data agenda. • Serve as a subject matter expert on digital and data topics within the CGIAR Partnership, providing guidance, advice, and technical expertise to CGIAR Centers, programs, and partners, as needed. 2What are we looking for?

• Master's degree and desirable PhD in computer science, information systems, data science, or a related field.

• At least 10 years of proven experience in a senior leadership role overseeing digital and data transformation, preferably within a scientific or research organization.

• Strong strategic planning and execution skills, with the ability to translate organizational goals into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.

• Deep technical expertise in areas such as software development, data analytics, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies.

• Ability to develop and implement strategic plans, aligning Digital and Data activities with organizational goals.

• The position requires strategic management, operational supervision, and exceptional leadership skills. • This role requires a dynamic and proactive individual who can manage diverse administrative functions in a complex, international environment, ensuring that the CIP operates smoothly and effectively. • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and manage cross-functional teams.

• Advanced written and oral communication skills in English. Knowledge of Spanish or other languages is desirable.

What are we offering?

• Exciting career opportunity in an international organization.

• 3-year contract with possibility of renewal.

• Internationally competitive salary, paid in US dollars, and commensurate with experience. Internationally competitive pension and health plans

How to apply?

PleaseVisitthefollowinglink:https://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/andsubmityourcoverletterandafullC.V.with your references (preferable recent supervisors). Internal candidates are welcome and encouraged to apply for this job opportunity. Nevertheless, we highly encourage all interested candidates to participate in this exciting and competitive process.

Screening of applications will begin on April 30, 2024, and will continue until the post is filled. All applications will be acknowledged; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

This position will NOT work or have contact with children and/or vulnerable adults.

Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at http://www.cipotato.org

CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply.

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