Colombia: Finance, Contracts & Liaison Manager

The International Center for Tropical Agriculture (www.ciat.cgiar.org) works to reduce hunger and poverty, and improve human nutrition in the tropics through research aimed at increasing the eco-efficiency of agriculture. CIAT is a member of the CGIAR Consortium (www.cgiar.org), a global research partnership working many partners for a food secure future. The Center’s research focuses on increasing productivity of key crops (cassava, common bean, rice, and tropical forages); reversing soil and land degradation; and using information to foster better decisions about issues such as climate change and environmental management. Headquartered near Cali, Colombia, CIAT has regional offices in Nairobi, Kenya, and Hanoi, Vietnam, with staff posted in other developing countries as well.

The program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) lead by CIAT is one of 16 CGIAR Research Programs (CRP). The CRP seeks to overcome threats to agriculture and food security in a changing climate, exploring new ways of helping vulnerable rural communities adjust to global change.

CIAT is seeking applications for the position of Manager, finance, contracts & liaison for CCAFS. The position will be based at CIAT headquarters in Cali, Colombia under the Manager Category and reports directly to the Program Director of CCAFS at the Coordinating Unit in Copenhagen, Denmark and for administrative purposes to the CIAT Director of Finance and Administration.

Responsibilities

· Liaison between CIAT and the other CGIAR Centers and partner Institutions participating in CCAFS

· Coordination and oversight of contracts between CIAT, partner Centers and Institutions.

· Coordination and oversight of budgeting and budget execution of multiple cost centers of CCAFS

· Financial reporting

· Development of disbursement plans and cash flow analysis

· Liaison between CCAFS and the different Administrative and Human Resources Units at CIAT

· Compilation and consolidation of financial reports from all the CGIAR Centers and partner institutions

· Participation in and reporting at CCAFS management meetings

Technical Competencies

· Advanced university degree (MBA or master degree in a relevant field)

· Relevant work experience in other international companies/institutions in several countries of more than 5 years

· Good understanding of contractual, legal and financial matters in relation to research and collaborative agreements, and other relevant concerns

· Track record of cost control and efficiency improvements

· Excellent knowledge of English and preferably good knowledge of Spanish

· Knowledge of the CGIAR is considered an advantage

Role Competencies

· Goal-oriented and creative team player

· Excellent communication and presentation skills, both oral and written

· Work independently

Terms of employment

The position is internationally recruited and based at the CIAT Headquarters Office in Cali, Colombia. The contract in the Associate category will be for two (2) years subject to a probation period of six (6) months, and is renewable depending on performance and availability of resources. This person will report directly to the CCAFS Director and the Head of Finance at CIAT. CIAT offers a multicultural, collegial research environment with competitive salary and excellent benefits; we believe that the diversity of our staff contributes to excellence. CIAT is an equal opportunity employer, and strives for staff diversity in gender and nationality.

Applicants are invited to send a cover letter illustrating their suitability for the above position against the listed qualifications, competencies, skills together with a detailed curriculum vitae, including names and addresses of three referees knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience. Please visit http://ciat.cgiar.org/ciat-jobs to submit their applications for this position.