Director for the Global Wheat Program (GWP)

Are you an experienced and visionary leader with a passion for innovation in global agricultural 

research? Do you possess the strategic foresight and technical expertise to drive the future of 

wheat breeding and genetic innovation, ensuring global food security? If so, CIMMYT invites you 

to lead the world’s largest wheat breeding and genetics innovation program as our next Program 

Director.

You will spearhead the development of wheat varieties cultivated on over 70 million hectares 

worldwide. This role demands a dynamic leader capable of driving innovation and leading the 

program through necessary changes. Your expertise in plant breeding and your ability to navigate 

both technical and organizational challenges will ensure that CIMMYT remains at the cutting edge 

of wheat research and technology, all while directly advising the Deputy Director General

Research and the Director General of the organization.

Based at our headquarters in Texcoco, Mexico, you will:

Catalyze Research and Innovation Through Visionary Leadership:

→ Drive Strategic Excellence: Partner with CIMMYT's leadership team to align the Global 

Wheat Program (GWP) with CIMMYT's 2030 Strategy, integrating core research strengths with 

innovative program development.

→ Lead Transformative Initiatives: Spearhead strategic initiatives, leveraging CIMMYT's 

unique capabilities to elevate the quality and global impact of our wheat research.

→ Ensure Scientific Rigor: Provide technical oversight and quality assurance for the GWP, 

fostering an environment where innovative science and operational excellence converge.

Elevate and Advocate CIMMYT’s Wheat Research Agenda Globally:

→ Stay at the Forefront: Keep abreast of global advancements in agricultural research, utilizing 

these insights to strengthen CIMMYT's wheat policies and drive actionable outcomes.

→ Champion Global Influence: Represent CIMMYT and the GWP in international forums and 

meetings, advocating for and advancing our research agenda with key stakeholders.

→ Drive Strategic Collaboration: Actively engage in governance, strategic decision-making, 

and resource allocation, ensuring the GWP's alignment with CIMMYT's broader institutional 

priorities.

Championing Strategic Resource Mobilization:

→ Forge Funding Pathways: Lead efforts to secure financial support by overseeing grants, 

projects, and intellectual property management, working closely with scientists and 

operational staff.

→ Optimize Resource Allocation: Scrutinize and manage the GWP's research budget, ensuring 

robust funding streams that align with CIMMYT's strategic objectives.

→ Empower and Inspire: Work collaboratively with Program Directors and HR to align staffing 

with research needs, while motivating and leading scientific teams to uphold CIMMYT's high 

standards.

Required Qualifications, Skills, and Personal Characteristics:

→ Possess a Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, Genetics, or a closely related agricultural science field, with 

a significant publication record and demonstrable project leadership. The ideal candidate will 

have an excellent understanding of the characteristics, processes, and indicators essential for 

managing a world-class, science-based breeding program.

→ A cumulative 10-15 years or more of exemplary service in senior management positions within 

renowned nonprofit organizations, foundations, corporate sectors, or government agencies, 

with a commanding track record in scientific leadership and executive oversight.

→ A global perspective grounded in international and developing country experience, driven by 

a deep commitment to elevating living standards in emerging economies.

→ A history of achieving exceptional outcomes, earning esteem for a cooperative and inclusive 

approach, and contributing to a culture of excellence.

→ Versatility in managing a multitude of tasks and priorities within a dynamic, fast-paced 

environment, exemplifying agility, and strategic multitasking.

→ Proven expertise in forging and nurturing relationships with a broad spectrum of individuals, 

across diverse backgrounds and disciplines.

→ An innate ability to navigate the intricacies of international diplomacy with finesse, employing 

tact and discretion as fundamental tools of engagement.

→ Strong communication skills, with fluency in English required and additional language 

proficiency desirable.

→ You exhibit the following competencies: Strategic Impact, Operational Efficiency, People 

Management, Networking and Communication, and Individual Impact.

Our Commitment to You:

→ Lead a Global Powerhouse: Take the helm of the world’s largest and most prestigious wheat 

breeding program, guiding advancements that shape global agriculture.

→ Empower Excellence: Lead a team of world-class scientists, supported by CIMMYT’s 

executive leadership, to foster a culture of innovation and scientific rigor.

→ Make a Global Impact: Drive food security in regions with limited resources, ensuring your 

work directly contributes to sustaining global food production.

→ Champion Innovation: Reinforce the GWP’s leadership by embracing modern practices and 

technologies, ensuring the program remains at the forefront of wheat breeding.

→ Join a Collaborative Community: Be part of a dynamic, inclusive, and supportive 

environment where diversity, respect, and gender equality are at the core of our mission.

→ Secure a Stable Future: The position is offered as a three-year, fixed-term contract, with the 

possibility of extension based on a performance review and fund availability.

→ Enjoy Comprehensive Benefits: Benefit from a competitive international remuneration 

package, including a housing allowance, access to a vehicle, comprehensive health and life 

insurance, an educational allowance for dependent children, paid holidays, an annual home 

travel airfare, a contributory retirement plan, and substantial relocation support.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply using the following link. The application deadline is 

October 16th, 2024. Applications should include a motivational letter, a CV, and relevant 

documentation of qualifications and experiences. Incomplete applications will not be taken into 

consideration.

For further information on the selection process, please contact Mr. Sebastian Volkers, 

principal consultant at Volkers Remarkable Talent, sebastian@volkers.dk. Please note that only short?listed candidates will be contacted. 

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that 

values gender equity, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Female candidates are encouraged 

to apply