Reports to: Program Manager – C4RPWC as direct supervisor, and Program Director for technical matters.
Location: Ajman, UAE

Purpose of the position

The Technical Lead serves as the scientific and operational focal point for all technical workstreams of the C4RPWC program and links the research components to the overall Consortium and Program Coordination. This role ensures cross-workstream integration, scientific rigor, and alignment with the program’s strategic goals. The Technical Lead directly manages Workstream Leads and Co-leads, ensuring coordinated delivery of outputs, technical quality, and alignment with the overall program workplan. In addition to serving as the overall Technical Lead, the incumbent will also serve as Lead of Workstream 5, Lead of Work Package 3 within Workstream 5, Co-lead of Workstream 4, and Co-lead of Workstream 1. These roles involve direct responsibility for scientific leadership, coordination, and delivery of thematic outputs within each respective workstream.

About ICARDA                                                                                                               

The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) is a treaty-based international non-profit research organization supported by CGIAR.  
ICARDA’s mission is to reduce poverty, enhance food, water, and nutritional security, as well as environmental health in the face of global challenges including climate change. We do this through innovative science, strategic partnerships, linking research to development and capacity development that take into account gender equality and the role of youth in transforming the dry areas. ICARDA works in partnership with governments, universities, civil society, national agricultural research organization, other CGIAR Research Centers, and the private sector. With its temporary Headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon, ICARDA operates in regional and country offices across Africa, Asia and the Middle East. For more information: .

Main responsibilities           

Technical Leadership & Management

  • Provide direct technical oversight and performance management of all Workstream Leads and Co-leads.
  • Ensure workstream objectives, deliverables, and milestones are aligned with the overall program strategy.
  • Facilitate cross-workstream collaboration, integration, and synergy.
  • Chair Consortium Management Team meetings jointly with the Program Manager.


Scientific Coordination & Governance

  • Represent the program as Observer on the Technical Steering Committee (TSC).
  • Consolidate and present cross-workstream scientific insights, questions, and recommendations.
  • Validate methodologies, data collection protocols, and analysis frameworks.
  • Ensure scientific outputs meet quality standards and are peer-reviewed prior to submission.


Management of Workstream Leads & Co-leads

  • Provide strategic and technical guidance to Workstream Leads and Co-leads.
  • Review and approve workstream-level technical and financial plans.
  • Ensure coordination of intra- and inter-workstream meetings and reporting.
  • Monitor compliance with program regulations, IP protocols, and donor requirements.
  • Support workstream leads in stakeholder engagement, training, and dissemination activities.
  • Ensure continuity of leadership and substitute representation in governance bodies when needed.


Workstream-Specific Leadership

  • Lead the design, implementation, and reporting of Workstream 5 activities, including Work Package 3.
  • Provide scientific and technical leadership for Workstream 5, ensuring integration with other workstreams.
  • As the technical lead, support the Workstream leads in planning, stakeholder engagement, and technical delivery.
  • Represent Workstreams 5 in consortium meetings and contribute to cross-workstream synthesis.


Workplan & Delivery Oversight

  • Co-develop and monitor Gantt-based workplans, procurement schedules, and reporting cycles.
  • Troubleshoot technical delivery issues across workstreams and partners.
  • Track progress and ensure timely implementation of technical activities.

Communication & Knowledge Translation

  • Collaborate with ICARDA’s Communications Team to translate technical findings into briefs, infographics, and presentations.
  • Ensure scientific outputs are accessible to policy and decision-making audiences.
  • Support development of strategic narratives and outreach materials.

Stakeholder Engagement & Policy Support

  • Facilitate technical-policy dialogues with national counterparts in UAE, Egypt, Morocco, and other Low- and Medium-Income Countries (LIMC).
  • Lead field-level demonstrations and regulatory engagement to support uptake pathways.
  • Support alignment with MOCCAE, ADAFSA, other UAE-based institutions, and LIMC-based institutions.

Capacity Building & Innovation Scaling

  • Lead capacity development activities across workstreams.
  • Support the design and implementation of Farmer Field Schools and training modules.
  • Promote adaptive experimentation and field validation.

Resource Mobilization

  • Collaborate with workstream leads and co-leads to identify funding opportunities.
  • Contribute to concept notes and proposals for Phase II of the program.
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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.