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opportunity : Diversity Positive recruitment
:
Tips and tools
Example position description – Scientist
INNOVATION SYSTEMS SCIENTIST
This example has been developed from a position announcement originally issued by ILRI. It contains some information that was not part of the ILRI material, but which has been included to demonstrate where comprehensive information might be expected about competency requirements.
1 Role and responsibilities
Under the guidance of the Theme Director, Enabling Innovation, and in
coordination with other research staff, the appointee will:
- develop and undertake research in the area of livestock-related innovation systems and provide substantive research inputs to related research; and
- develop and participate in capacity-strengthening programs related to this work.
Specifically these activities will be focused on:
- understanding the knowledge bases and institutional contexts involved with new livestock-related technologies, the changing environment in which these are used, and how this affects the way in which such science, technology and other forms of related knowledge flows are generated, used and applied for development;
- understanding and applying generic, best practice principles on more effective ways of employing agricultural research and development interventions for poverty reduction;
- experimenting with a variety of best practice mechanisms and processes for the promotion of agricultural innovation, pro-poor innovation capacity and knowledge flows; and
- planning and implementing institutional learning strategies and monitoring organizational performance.
The appointee will also:
- participate in theme resource mobilization efforts, including donor relations and proposal development;
- contribute to the formation and strengthening of strategic partnerships that are relevant to the research theme;
- serve as an ambassador for ILRI and represent the Institute in research, donor, partnership and other fora as required. This includes developing and delivering effective external communications about the Theme and ILRI as a whole; and
- perform other duties as required and/or assigned.
2 Competency requirements
Knowledge:
- expert discipline knowledge relevant to theme activities;
- well developed understanding of the interface between research and development, particularly social science issues, participatory approaches and gender issues;
- strong understanding of community learning and institutional change processes in national systems of innovation in developing countries;
- knowledge or familiarity with CGIAR or international development organizations is desirable.
Personal qualities:
- well developed research ability with proven originality, creativity and innovation, culminating in a substantial contribution to knowledge;
- well developed initiative and judgment, considerable adaptability and flexibility, and the demonstrated ability to bring development-focused research to a successful conclusion.
Skills and abilities:
- sound ability in leadership, management and teamwork. Demonstrated ability to form and work effectively in multi-regional teams with members drawn from a diverse range of nationalities, cultures and scientific disciplines;
- proven ability to build effective partnerships, including the ability to develop mutual respect and sound working relationships within and outside the organization;
- proven ability in resource mobilization with the ability to write persuasive funding proposals;
- well developed interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and scientific disciplines;
- well developed oral and written communication skills, including the ability to explain scientific concepts to lay audiences;
- understanding of electronic communications and standard office computer software; and
- knowledge of other language(s) is desirable.
3 Minimum academic qualifications and experience
- a Ph.D. in relevant discipline, such as social science (sociology, anthropology, etc.); institutional economics; science policy; political science; management science; systems analysis. A Ph.D. in another discipline with appropriate relevant experience will be considered;
- at least 5 years’ experience in action research that addresses the interface between research and development;
- experience with livestock or livestock-related research; and
- work experience in developing country(s).
© CGIAR Gender & Diversity
Program 2006