CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. CIMMYT is a core CGIAR Research Center, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources. For more information, visit cimmyt.org
We are seeking a dynamic, self-motivated and service-oriented professional for the position of Program Manager.
The position will be based at CIMMYT headquarters in Texcoco, near Mexico City.
Specific duties:
- Map program project portfolio alignment with CIMMYT’s strategy, impact areas, primary objectives and science thrusts as needed.
- Ensure program project portfolio planning and execution aligned with organizational policies and procedures.
- Ensure program portfolio management foresight is developed, tracked and reported (financial and future capabilities).
- Align and coordinate at the program level full project lifecycle (design, kick off, implementation, reporting, close-out) by becoming a “know how” resource for the Program.
- Ensure compliance with donor requirements and reporting standards.
- Provide administrative leadership and management for planning, coordination, and delivery of program portfolio activities as needed.
- In coordination with the Program Finance Management, monitor budgets, forecasts, and financial performance at the program portfolio level.
- Anticipate risks, maintain a program level risk register and apply structured problem-solving approaches with high-quality solutions.
- Facilitate collaboration across multidisciplinary teams within and across Chapters and geographies.
- Serve as the focal point for Operations and Engagement Chapters, including, but not limited to:
- Resources Management (Human, Financial)
- Collaborators / Partners management
- Coordinate communications of key milestones that contribute to CIMMYT’s visibility.
- Coordinate with the assigned DFS point(s) of contact for Grant Management and Resource Mobilization
- Support evaluations, audits, and continuous improvement efforts.
- Master’s degree in agriculture, Business, Public Administration or related field or equivalent, or Certified Project Manager.
- 10+ years of overall professional experience in financial management, planning and forecasting, and leading divisions or programs within large multinational companies; experience in non-profit organizations is preferred.
- Advanced knowledge of program, portfolio and project management and/or operating protocols and principles of the function.
- Advanced strategic thinking, e.g., experience in the ability to identify and/or develop new approaches / methodology.
- Understand linkages with other disciplines, related to agricultural food systems and sustainable development.
- Computer literacy, with proficiency in the common software packages.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (written and conversational). English will be tested and candidates should score a minimum of C1 on CEFR.
CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package and support for continuous professional development. In addition to the provisions of the Mexican Labor Law our package of benefits includes year-end bonus (40 days), vacation premium (56%), life and medical insurance, supermarket coupons, savings fund, social Mexican benefits (IMSS, SAR / Infonavit).