Director-Africa @International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)

ICRISAT is a non-profit, non-political organisation that conducts agricultural research for development in Asia and Africa, working with partners around the world. Drylands cover about 45% of the world’s land, are home to 2.3 billion people (one in three) and support 45–50% of the world’s livestock. ICRISAT’s vision is a prosperous, food-secure and resilient dryland tropics.

ICRISAT is headquartered in Patancheru, Hyderabad, India, with two regional hubs and eight country offices in Africa. Visit www.icrisat.org for more information.

The Director – Africa will be ICRISAT’s senior representative and lead for strategic partnerships in Africa, and will oversee the Institute’s Africa portfolio. The position is based at one of ICRISAT’s offices in Africa and reports to the Deputy Director General – Research and Innovation/Assistant Director General.

Responsibilities

• Serve as ICRISAT’s principal representative in Africa; strengthen its visibility; and influence with governments, regional organisations, funding agencies, CGIAR Centres, national agricultural research systems (NARS), NGOs, high-level regional and global forums, and the private sector.
• Build strategic alliances with the partners to develop new programs, multi-country initiatives and investments, and expand ICRISAT’s presence and impact in Africa.
• Lead resource mobilization and business development across Africa, securing adequate funding from diverse sources, including through innovative financing.
• Represent ICRISAT at high-level regional and global fora and contribute to policy discussions on agricultural transformation, climate resilience, food systems and dryland development.
• Track regional performance, partnership results and funds raised; use this evidence to guide investment decisions; and report to the Governing Board.

Essential Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Development Studies, International Development, Business Administration or a related field.
• At least 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience, including at least 10 years in senior leadership roles based in Africa.
• A broad network of trusted contacts across Africa, including senior people in government, funding agencies, the private sector, regional organisations, NGOs and national agricultural research systems (NARS).
• Proven success in building strategic alliances with bilateral, multilateral, philanthropic and private-sector partners to create new programs and secure adequate resources for them. Candidates must give clear evidence, such as the programs developed, the partners engaged and the funding raised.
• Professional proficiency in English is required. Working knowledge of French is desirable.

Terms of Appointment

This is a contract role for 36 months (03 years). It may be renewed based on performance and the Institute’s continuing need for the position.

How to apply

All applicants should apply with their latest resume, and the names and contact information of three references that are knowledgeable about their professional qualifications and work experience. All applications will be acknowledged; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified. Shortlisting will start from 22 October 2026.

ICRISAT is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to increasing diversity and maintaining a progressive and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their ethnicity, race, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, age, marital status or whether they have a disability.