(RFP301111) - Internal Call - Program Development Strategy Officer (Senior Officer) - Associate Director General Office

Internal Call 

Program Development Strategy Officer (Senior Officer)

Associate Director General Office

The Organization  

The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) delivers research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people’s lives. Alliance solutions address the global crises of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.  

With novel partnerships, the Alliance generates evidence and mainstreams innovations to transform food systems and landscapes so that they sustain the planet, drive prosperity, and nourish people.  

The Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future.  

About the position  

The Associate Director General’s Office is seeking a Program Development Strategy Officer (Senior Officer – BG10), to support strategic leadership in the design, coordination, and adaptation of institutional programs and cross-portfolio initiatives under the guidance of the Associate Director General for Research Strategy and Innovation (ADG).The Program Development Strategy Officer will apply scientific knowledge and experience in the implementation of science to impact portfolios to support activities of the ADG office   that will drive innovation within the organization’s research portfolio.

The role integrates scientific excellence with innovation, supporting the identification, design, and implementation of new approaches, and strengthening the relevance and impact of the thematic research area through collaboration, partnerships, innovation and strategy alignment.

The position will be based in the operations center of the Americas, located in the Campus of Palmira, Colombia.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities  

• Coordinate and support the design, adaptation, and implementation of research and innovation initiatives under the ADG’s leadership and in support to the Alliance’s Research Areas, ensuring they align with the organization’s scientific priorities, emerging evidence, and Research Areas needs, while considering stakeholder, operational, and technological perspectives.
  
• Explore and connect emerging scientific and technological innovations with the organization’s research agenda, advising leadership and program teams on new opportunities, and helping translate these trends into practical strategies and program directions aligned with the thematic area.
  
• Support the implementation of mechanisms to incentivize innovation processes, working alongside teams as a trusted partner to support the development, testing, and refinement of innovative solutions.
  
• Collaborate closely with Research Area Directors, the Head of PISA, OPD, and other senior leaders to strengthen institutional coordination required to implement strategic initiatives, ensuring that the ADG’s strategic priorities are consistently interpreted, aligned, and advanced across functions, programs, and regions.
  
• Represent the ADG’s Office in engagements with external stakeholders, including CGIAR Centers, the System Office, donors, and strategic partners, ensuring clear communication, effective follow-up, and fulfillment of institutional commitments.
  
• Develop and strengthen networks and alliances with research institutions, innovation actors, and strategic partners, identifying opportunities for collaboration that enhance the relevance and positioning of Alliance’s thematic areas.
  
• Lead the preparation of high-quality scientific and analytical outputs, including strategic briefs, reports, and presentations, that support engagement with other stakeholders that are key for advancing Alliance research portfolios.
  

Benefits

Qualifications and requirements

• PhD in a relevant field (e.g., agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, data science, biology, social sciences, innovation, or related disciplines).
• Significant experience in applied scientific research and program or portfolio management.
• Proven track record of contributing to leading research and innovation initiatives.
• Experience working in complex, interdisciplinary, or international environments.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate science, innovation, and strategic directions.
• Experience engaging with multiple stakeholders (research teams, leadership, partners, donors).
• Demonstrated capacity to apply scientific knowledge to real-world challenges.
• Ability to synthesize and translate scientific evidence into actionable insights.
• Strong experience coordinating cross-functional and cross-regional initiatives.
• Ability to act as a strategic partner to teams and programs.
• Experience in facilitating collaboration and mobilizing stakeholders without direct authority.
• Experience building and managing strategic partnerships and networks.
• Ability to engage with external stakeholders, including research institutions, partners, and donors
• Experience contributing to proposal development and funding opportunities.
• Excellent ability to produce high-quality scientific and analytical outputs (reports, briefs, publications).
• Strong skills in data analysis, synthesis, and evidence-based reasoning.
• Ability to communicate complex scientific ideas to diverse audiences (technical and non-technical).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Spanish (oral and written).

Soft Skills and Organizational Competences

• Curiosity and Continuous Learning: Actively seeks learning, challenges assumptions, and uses evidence to improve decisions.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Drives innovation, takes initiative, and identifies opportunities for impact.
• Collaboration and Inclusion: Builds trust, works across teams, and integrates diverse perspectives.
• Accountability and Empowerment: Takes ownership, acts with integrity, and delivers results.
• Leadership Competencies
• Strategic Leadership: Aligns decisions with mission and uses evidence to drive impact.
•   People-Centered Leadership: Fosters inclusive environments and supports team performance and development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  

Terms Of Employment

The position level is BG10, on a scale of 14 levels, with level 14 being the highest . The salary range will be established in accordance with the regional/country standards. The contract will be for a period of one (1) year, subject to a probationary period, and is renewable subject to performance, project needs and availability of funds.

Closing date of the call: July 15th, 2026.

Learn more about us at:

Careers | Alliance Bioversity International – CIAT/alliancebioversityciat.or