CIMMYT is a cutting edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow's problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. With impact in over 80 countries and 1,500 staff, we collaborate with hundreds of partners and are part of the global network of CGIAR research centers, delivering science for a food-secure future. For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

Lead a Global Platform for Agricultural Resilience: Become CIMMYT's Next Director, Dryland Crops Program (DCP)

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for strengthening resilient agricultural systems in some of the world's most underserved environments? Do you have the strategic foresight, scientific credibility, and leadership capability to connect science, partnerships, and innovation to deliver impact at scale? If so, CIMMYT invites you to lead its Dryland Crops Program (DCP) as its next Program Director.

In this role, you will lead a globally recognized program dedicated to advancing resilient dryland agricultural systems through scientific excellence, partnership development, seed systems strengthening, and capacity building, spanning breeding, seed systems and associated dryland crop market development. You will guide the program through its next phase of growth and impact, strengthening its contribution to climate resilience, food security, and sustainable agricultural development. Reporting directly to the Chief Science and Innovation Officer, you will serve as a strategic leader at the intersection of science, partnerships, and innovation, translating scientific opportunity into sustainable impact at scale.

Based at our office in Dakar, Senegal, you will:

Drive Impact Across Dryland Agricultural Systems:

• Shape Strategic Direction and Scientific Leadership: Ensure a clear scientific agenda for the program and its continued relevance to the evolving needs of dryland farming systems.
• Translate Science and Innovation into Adoption and Impact: Strengthen pathways that connect relevant scientific innovation with farmer adoption, resilience, productivity, and equitable livelihood outcomes.
• Strengthen Farming Systems Resilience: Advance approaches that enhance climate adaptation, food security, and sustainable livelihood outcomes across dryland agricultural systems.

Build Strategic Partnerships and Mobilize Resources:

• Build Strategic Partnerships: Strengthen collaboration scientific integration with research institutions, national agricultural systems, governments, development partners, foundations, and private-sector actors to accelerate innovation and sustainable impact across dryland agricultural systems.
• Strengthen Global Influence: Represent CIMMYT and dryland system science in regional and international forums, helping shape agendas, influence investment priorities, and strengthen support for resilient dryland agriculture
• Secure Resources for Long-Term Impact: Lead resource mobilization efforts and cultivate investor confidence in scientific excellence and delivery to secure the investments required to enhance CIMMYT’s reach, impact, and long-term sustainability.

Lead a High-Performing Global Program:

• Inspire and Develop High-Performing Teams: Lead and develop a geographically dispersed and multidisciplinary workforce, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, learning, and continuous improvement.
• Strengthen Organizational Alignment and Delivery: Foster effective collaboration across programs, departments, functions, and geographies while ensuring the successful execution of strategic priorities and operational objectives.
• Guide the Program's Future Development: Build on CIMMYT's strong scientific foundations by strengthening organizational capability, advancing operational maturity, and positioning the program for its next phase of growth and impact.
• Drive Organizational Learning and Culture Change: Foster collaboration across programs and functions, scaling successful approaches and strengthening institutional capability through influence rather than formal authority.

Requirements

• 10–15+ years of progressive leadership experience in senior scientific, programmatic, or executive roles within international agricultural research or innovation organizations.
• PhD in Agronomy, Plant Science, Crop Science, Rural Development, or a related field relevant to dryland agricultural systems.
• Proven track record of leading complex, multidisciplinary programs operating across multiple countries and partners, while successfully translating scientific innovation into adoption, impact, and sustainable development outcomes.
• Strong experience in building strategic partnerships and mobilizing resources from bilateral and multilateral donors, foundations, governments, and other development partners, ideally within complex international agricultural systems.
• Deep understanding of agricultural development challenges and opportunities in low- and middle-income countries, particularly within dryland production systems.
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder engagement, and influencing skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships and represent the organization effectively across diverse international environments.
• A collaborative and empowering leadership style, with a demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams, build organizational capability, foster equitable partnerships, and deliver impact through networks.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills; proficiency in French would be considered a significant asset given the program's growing engagement across West Africa.

Benefits

Our Commitment to You:

• Lead a Globally Significant Program: Shape the future of dryland agriculture by leading one of CIMMYT's flagship programs dedicated to strengthening resilience, food security, and sustainable livelihoods across some of the world's most vulnerable farming systems.
• Drive Impact at Scale: Build on a strong foundation and help translate scientific innovation into meaningful outcomes for farming communities through adoption, partnerships, and systems-level change.
• Lead a Diverse International Platform: Work with colleagues and partners across Africa, Asia, and other dryland regions while strengthening collaboration across the broader CIMMYT portfolio.
• Expand Your Influence and Network: Engage with leading research institutions, governments, donors, development organizations, and private-sector partners to help shape the future of resilient dryland agriculture.
• Join a Program Positioned for Continued Growth and Impact: The position is offered as a three-year, fixed-term contract, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability.
• Receive Comprehensive Benefits: Benefit from a competitive international remuneration package, including housing support, health and life insurance, educational assistance for dependent children, annual home travel, retirement benefits, relocation support, and other expatriate benefits in accordance with CIMMYT policies.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply using the link below. The application deadline is 30 September 2026 at 23:59 (Mexico City time). Applications should include a cover letter, a detailed curriculum vitae, and relevant documentation supporting qualifications and experience. Please ensure that your application is complete, as incomplete applications may not be considered.

For further information regarding the position or the selection process, please contact Mr. Sebastian Volkers, Principal Consultant at Volkers Remarkable Talent, at [email protected].

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We value diversity in all its forms and encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.