The International Potato Center (CIP) is actively looking for a dynamic leader to join our team as the Head of Digital and Data. We are seeking a visionary professional with a passion for leveraging digital technologies and data-driven strategies to drive innovation and impact in agricultural research and development, playing a crucial role in shaping and implementing our digital transformation agenda, harnessing the power of technology and data to address global challenges in food security and sustainable agriculture.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

•        Develop and articulate a comprehensive digital and data strategy with a special emphasis on harnessing AI technologies to revolutionize scientific research and innovation, aligned with CGIAR’s Digital and Data strategy.
  
•        Collaborate closely with senior leadership and CGIAR Digital and Data teams to identify and prioritize Digital and Data initiatives that deliver value for money for science and operations, accelerate innovations and support the implementation of CIP2030 strategy.
  
•        Stay abreast of emerging trends, technologies, and innovations in the digital and data space and share insights with CIP and CGIAR stakeholders.Lead the drafting, negotiation, and approval for execution of subgrant agreements with partners, and other entities, ensuring effective management throughout their lifecycle.
  
•        Facilitate cross-departmental collaboration: Work closely with other departments to ensure that the grants and contracts function supports the implementation of CIP’s portfolio.
  
•        Comply with CIP’s Health & Safety policy at regional level and ensure compliance at country level.
  

Digital Development:

•        Provide guidance and oversight the digital development unit, encompassing traditional IT functions such as infrastructure management, software development, cybersecurity, and user support, with a keen eye on integrating AI technologies where applicable.
  
•        Ensure the robustness, security, and scalability of digital systems and platforms to meet the organization's evolving needs, leveraging AI for predictive maintenance and proactive optimization.
  
•        Assess the needs for enabling shared services (e.g., commercial datasets and licensed software) that can enhance CIP’s digital capabilities and develop strategies to address them effectively.
  
  

Data Science and Analytics:

•        Lead the data science unit in support science and operations at CIP in collecting, managing, analyzing and interpreting data. Instill a primary focus on AI applications, responsible for harnessing AI algorithms to analyze complex datasets, generate actionable insights, and support evidence-based decision-making.
  
•        Develop a comprehensive data strategy for CIP to effectively leverage data assets for AI applications, drive innovation, and achieve organizational goals.Update and maintain data governance policies and procedures to ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and ethical use of data assets.
  
•        Ensure compliance with F.A.I.R. (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles to transform the data assets for AI applications and organizational needs.
  
•        Collaborate closely with researchers and stakeholders to identify opportunities, design data-driven experiments, and translate findings into tangible outcomes.
  

Partnership and Collaboration:

•        Cultivate strategic partnerships with external vendors, academic institutions, and industry partners to access specialized expertise, resources, and technologies.
  
•        Collaborate with internal stakeholders across departments and functions to understand their digital and data needs and develop tailored solutions to address them.
  
•        Design and provide training opportunities for internal stakeholders to raise capabilities in digital and data science approaches.
  

CGIAR Partnership (30% FTE):

•        Co-design data and digital innovations with the CGIAR Global Digital and Data team and strategize to deliver impactful products within CIP, aligning with the CGIAR Integration and Collaboration aspects (under the ICI CGIAR Partnership Framework)
  
•        Actively contribute to CGIAR Global Digital and Data Unit, Enabler Megaprogram, and other Thematic Megaprograms involving CIP, by sharing CIP's needs, experiences, lessons learned, and best practices.
  
•        Participate in collaborative projects, working groups, capacity building, and knowledge exchange activities to leverage CIP's expertise and contribute to the advancement of CGIAR's digital and data agenda.
  
•        Serve as a subject matter expert on digital and data topics within the CGIAR Partnership, providing guidance, advice, and technical expertise to CGIAR Centers, programs, and partners, as needed.
  

Requirements

What are we looking for?

•        Master's degree and desirable PhD in computer science, information systems, data science, or a related field.
  
•        At least 10 years of proven experience in a senior leadership role overseeing digital and data transformation, preferably within a scientific or research organization.
  
•        Strong strategic planning and execution skills, with the ability to translate organizational goals into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.
  
•        Deep technical expertise in areas such as software development, data analytics, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies.
  
•        Ability to develop and implement strategic plans, aligning Digital and Data activities with organizational goals.
  
•        The position requires strategic management, operational supervision, and exceptional leadership skills.
  
•        This role requires a dynamic and proactive individual who can manage diverse administrative functions in a complex, international environment, ensuring that the CIP operates smoothly and effectively.
  
•        Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  
•        Ability to work in a multicultural environment and manage cross-functional teams.
  
•        Advanced written and oral communication skills in English. Knowledge of Spanish or other languages is desirable.
  
  

Benefits

What are we offering?

•         Exciting career opportunity in an international organization.

•         3-year contract with possibility of renewal.  

•         Internationally competitive salary, paid in US dollars, and commensurate with experience. Internationally competitive pension and health plans