Italy: Director of Strategic Partnerships and External Engagement
Country: Italy
Closing date: 25 Nov 2013
Bioversity is now looking for an entrepreneurial, mission-focused Director of Strategic Partnerships and External Engagement with a proven track record in positioning international organizations with donors, partners and communicators. The individual should have a proven track record in securing funding from bilateral, multilateral, foundations and corporate donors, and in developing and deploying effective partnership strategies. This is an exciting time to join Bioversity International. You will work in a fast-moving international setting on issues that are increasingly in the spotlight, and you will have the opportunity to make a difference to our ability to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. The position is based at Bioversity International’s Headquarters in Maccarese, near Rome, Italy.
Job purpose
Reporting to the Director General, and in close collaboration with Bioversity International’s research leaders, the Director of Strategic Partnerships and External Engagement will develop and execute strategies that expand the role that Bioversity’s communications, partnerships and global initiatives play in enhancing the impact of the organizations’ research. The individual will provide leadership in the organization’s resource mobilization and engagement strategies and enhancing the international profile of Bioversity International. He or she will support the Director General in cultivating, building and nurturing resource partners as well as Institutional strategic partnerships and alliances that are essential for advancing and successfully achieving the mission of Bioversity International. As a member of the Senior Management Team, the Director of External Engagement will contribute to the overall effective management of Bioversity.
Specific responsibilities
Resource Mobilization• Lead and implement a fund raising programme, with a focus on bilateral, multilateral, foundations and corporate donors; • Identify, engage and secure support from a range of funders, including governments, international and national agencies, multilateral institutions, non-governmental organizations, foundations and the private sector;• Ensure Bioversity is fully informed on key trends by scanning the market environment, generating and analyzing related data and information, and sharing it within the organization;
• Support staff in the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship processes of potential Bioversity International funders;• Work closely with the Director General and ensure Board and Honorary Council’s support to lead and manage the process of developing in detail the strategies and tactics for approaching specific funders, be they corporate, foundations or individuals; • Help create awareness of the impact and tangible benefits generated through past, present and future investments in Bioversity International’s research;• Provide regular and appropriate reporting to the Director General and the Bioversity International Board on the fundraising programme; • Increase the visibility and understanding of Bioversity, through effective communication of its scientific work, particularly with funders internationally; this will include developing and nurturing relationships with key external stakeholders who can help to deliver our messages to a wider audience;
Partnership and Global Initiatives• Ensure Bioversity is working strategically with partners at the international and national level;• Support the Director General in cultivating, building and nurturing resource partners as well as Institutional strategic partnerships and alliances that are essential for advancing and successfully achieving the mission of Bioversity International;• Create a system for assessing and monitoring the value of partnerships across the organization;• Ensure that Bioversity is engaged in important global initiatives that align with its strategy and enhance its impact;• Ensure communications, resource mobilization and partnership strategies are aligned;
Other• Oversee the Communications function, having the Head of Communications as a direct report;• Develop budgets and work plans for the External Engagement staff;• Lead and motivate a team of approximately 10 to 15 staff.
Essential qualifications experience and competencies• A university degree.• At least 10 years’ progressively responsible experience in, and a track record of, strategic external engagement in the private or public sector, including experience in an international not-for profit environment.• Knowledge and understanding of agricultural research and development issues.• A track record of managing or leading resource mobilization programmes.• Ability to work collaboratively with a range of internal and external stakeholders in a multi cultural and multi-disciplinary environment.• Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills.• Excellent communication skills in English, both verbal and written, with the ability to make clear and highly-articulate presentations to a variety of high-level stakeholders and be pro-actively engaging with and influencing audiences across a range of channels.• Strategic thinker and entrepreneurial spirit.• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.• Excellent people management skills, with a strong team orientation.• Commitment to Bioversity International vision, aims and values; • Strong work ethics and integrity.
Desirable qualifications, experience and competencies• An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a scientific field relevant to Bioversity’s research agenda (e.g. agricultural development, rural development, agricultural economics, biodiversity or conservation).• Experience in an agricultural research for development organization addressing global issues such as climate change, food security and environmental degradation.• Proficiency in other major international languages, such as Spanish, French, Italian.
Terms and conditions:
This is an internationally recruited position. Bioversity International offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary, non-contributory retirement plan, medical insurance, housing allowance and leave provisions. All benefits are denominated and paid in US Dollars. The initial contract, renewable, will be for a period of three years, subject to a probationary period of one year.
How to apply:
To apply
To apply for the post, please send a letter of application stating the skills and approach that you would bring to the post along with your CV/resume in strict confidence by email only to Karem Armstrong at karem@darylupsall.com
Please send Word documents only. No photos please. Documents should be titled "your name cover letter" and "your name CV". Please put "Bioversity - Director of Strategic Partnerships and External Engagement" in the email subject line. Please also let us know how you heard about the role.
