Institutional Finance and Services Director

ICRISAT seeks an Institutional Finance and Services Director, which is a senior position in the leadership team of the organization. The position will be responsible for the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the finance and other institutional services of ICRISAT. The position holder will report to the Director General and will work closely with the senior leadership of the Center and other stakeholders to provide overall leadership and direction to Finance, Administration, and Operations. The Director will lead the teams in the provision of proactive results-oriented services and will contribute to center-level initiatives based on ICRISAT’s strategy.

ICRISAT is in a time of change, and the organization expects that this position may need to contribute to the changes, the change management and to work with the Director General to take advantage of opportunities and mitigate risks.

ICRISAT is a non-profit, non-political organization that conducts agricultural research for development in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa with a wide array of partners throughout the world. ICRISAT and its partners help empower those living in the semi-arid tropics, especially smallholder farmers, to overcome poverty, hunger, malnutrition and a degraded environment through more efficient and profitable agriculture.

ICRISAT is headquartered in Patancheru near Hyderabad, India, with two regional hubs and seven country offices in sub-Saharan Africa. ICRISAT, established in 1972, is a member of the CGIAR Consortium. For more details, please visit www.icrisat.org.

Responsibilities:

• develop financial plans and advise the senior leadership and the Governing Board on the Center’s financial strategy and management, including the mitigation of financial risks;
• develop and maintain systems of internal controls, manage ICRISAT’s investments and foreign exchange risks in line with the Board approved policy:
• work closely with the Director General on governance and funding, particularly on adaptation and change related to the One CGIAR and contribute to the development of strategies/plans as required;
• manage Finance, Administration and Operations by clarifying roles and objectives, organizing structures, designing jobs, coaching and mentoring unit managers, and managing their individual performance;
• develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, representing the Center in different aspects as needed, contribute to the development of policies and guidance;
• ensure compliance with the financial and administrative requirements of the CGIAR Research Program on Grain Legumes and Dryland Systems (GLDC), as the lead Center for this program, and ensure timely financial closure of the program;
• identify and make recommendations regarding opportunities for improvement in the Institute’s administrative operations and processes, and undertake new initiatives as agreed;
• support any change management process that will ensure efficient and effective research for development delivery;
• advise the Director General on policy related to finance, budgets and global administration and operations of the Institute and its physical facilities;
• represent the DG based on delegated authority, as and when required. 

Qualifications and Experience:

• an Advanced / Master’s degree in a field related to Finance/Accounting (Certified Public Accountant or Chartered Accountant) and/or Business Administration;
• at least 15 years of proven expertise in managing corporate finance functions, preferably in an international or global organization; experience of not-for-profit financial management
• an outstanding service/support approach and service management;
• very good personal organization and priority setting skills;
• high level of integrity and ability to exercise sound judgment;
• a strong focus on continuous improvement and learning, and committed to the development of staff;
• skills in information technology, including system development and implementation of corporate service applications;
• experience within the tax, finance and legal environments in the at least some of the countries in which we work;
• experience in risk management will be preferable (includes compliance, financial crimes, operational risk, audit, legal, credit risk, market risk, IT systems security, business process management)
• knowledge of the CGIAR and its current changes;
• ability to lead effectively and inspire others in a participatory manner and within a multicultural work environment;
• excellent written and oral communication skills;
• tact, diplomacy and discretion in dealing with sensitive issues; and
• experience in working in countries with developing and emerging economies.

General:

This is an Internationally Recruited Staff (IRS) position with a competitive salary and benefits package payable in US Dollars. The position is initially for three years, and renewable depending on the performance of the incumbent, funding availability, and also the Institute’s ongoing requirement for the position.

How to apply:

Candidates may apply with their Latest Curriculum Vitae, and the names and contact information of three references that are knowledgeable about their professional qualifications and work experience. All applications will be acknowledged; however only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Applications will be screened starting 23 November 2020 and will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.

“ICRISAT is an equal opportunity employer”