Scientific Programme Manager - Wheat Initiative

Wheat Initiative

Paris, France

The Wheat Initiative (www.wheatinitiative.org), endorsed by the G20 agricultural ministers, was launched officially in September 2011. It provides a framework to establish strategic research and organisation priorities for wheat research at the international level. It identifies potential synergies and nurtures collaborations between research and development programs for wheat improvement in developed and developing countries. The Wheat Initiative also develops specific activities to enhance communication and increase access for all to information, resources and technologies to support wheat improvement.

Job description

Under the guidance and supervision of the International Scientific Coordinator, the successful candidate will provide support to the global development of the Wheat Initiative, assist in the preparation of scientific and strategic documents for the different governing bodies and expert working groups, participate in the development and implementation of specific projects, and contribute to the day-to-day management of the programme.

List of Duties/Work Programme/Responsibilities

• Facilitate regular international meetings of the Scientific Board, Research Committee, Institutions’ Coordination Committee and Expert Working Groups:
• Organise and manage the Board and Committees’ agendas;
• Prepare relevant pre and post-meeting material;
• Circulate meeting outputs and monitor follow-up activities;
• Coordinate the activities and outputs/interfaces from the Expert Working Groups;
• Assist the International Scientific Coordinator in the preparation of scientific and strategic documents:
• Provide support for the preparation of formal correspondence and presentations;
• Assist in the preparation of papers and reports;
• Assist in the writing of scientific and strategic documents such as the Strategic Research Agenda implementation plans;
• Provide support to the International Scientific Coordinator in the development of specific projects (wheat research database, international funding mechanisms, etc.):
• Collect and collate information;
• Produce concept notes;
• Oversee the implementation of projects and their outputs;
• Contribute to the day-to-day management of the Wheat Initiative:
• Undertake various office duties.

Working relationships

The Scientific Programme Manager will report to the Wheat Initiative International Scientific Coordinator (Hélène Lucas) and will interact frequently with various public and private stakeholders located around the world. He/she will work in the Secretariat with the Communications Officer and Project Manager/Administrative Assistant.

Job requirements

Personal Skills and Attributes

• The successful candidate will have good organisational skills with good time management and work scheduling skills as key features to progress a varied workload against tight deadlines. A flexible approach to working hours would be an advantage;
• He/she will show ability to work on his/her own initiative, both independently and as part of a team;
• He/she will be able to think strategically, to analyse and present complex information and to produce reports;
• He/she will also have good interpersonal skills, be able to relate to people of different backgrounds and levels of seniority and be diplomatic, assertive and outgoing; 
• The successful candidate will have excellent spoken and written communication skills in English and strong presentation skills;
• Genuine interest in the aims and objectives of the Wheat Initiative.

Qualifications

• PhD in biology or agronomy required.

Knowledge and Experience

• Background in plant science desirable;
• Experience in international research;
• Programme management experience in a scientific environment;
• Experience of dealing with numerous stakeholders at a variety of levels;
• Understanding of the purpose of international collaborations;
• Excellent knowledge of the Microsoft suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint;
• Conversational French would be an advantage.

Additional information

Location:Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Paris, France, with occasional travel abroad.

Contract:two-year contract starting in October or November 2015.

Remuneration:according to qualification and experience. Remuneration, working hours, holiday and social benefits defined on the basis of INRA statutory and regulatory arrangements. 

Candidates should send their letter of motivation and CV to wheat.initiative@versailles.inra.fr indicating in the email subject line “Scientific Programme Manager – Last name” by September 11, 2015. Only preselected candidates will be contacted.