M24268 Strategic Operations Advisor

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. CIMMYT is a core CGIAR Research Center, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.

For more information, visit cimmyt.org

CIMMYT is seeking a dynamic, self-motivated, and service-oriented professional for the position of Strategic Operations Advisor to work in the Executive Office in the Operations Chapter. 

The positions will be based at CIMMYT’s headquarters in Texcoco, near Mexico City.

Primary objectives:

• Act as key advisor to the senior leadership (COO), ensuring that strategic initiatives are aligned with the organizational goals and executed efficiently.
• Assist senior leadership (COO) in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the organization, ensuring that all departments function efficiently and effectively.
• Develop and implement comprehensive strategies, and guiding documents that align with the CIMMYT’s mission and operational goals.

Scope of Work:

• Strategy Development:

1. Develop strategic plans that align with the CIMMYT’s mission and goals.
2. Ensure strategies are sustainable and adaptable to changing environments.

• Assessment and Analysis:

1. Conduct thorough assessments of current strategies, policies, and procedures.
2. Identify gaps and areas for improvement.

• Stakeholder Engagement:

1. Engage with key stakeholders to gather input and ensure buy-in.
2. Facilitate workshops and training sessions to communicate new strategies, and guiding documents.
3. Act as a liaison between the executive team and other stakeholders, facilitating communication and collaboration across the organization.

• Monitoring and Evaluation:

1. Develop mechanisms for monitoring the implementation of strategies, policies, and procedures.
2. Provide regular reports and recommendations for continuous improvement.

• Operational Management:

1. Assist COO in overseeing day-to-day operational activities to ensure smooth functioning and alignment with strategic goals.
2. Coordinate with various departments to align operations with strategic goals.

• Communication and Coordination:

1. Assist COO in managing internal communication and following up with various departments and programs.
2. Prepare for meetings and presentations, ensuring all necessary materials are available.

• Confidential Matters:

1. Handle sensitive matters with utmost confidentiality.
2. Provide support on confidential projects and initiatives

Deliverables:

• Comprehensive assessment report.
• Strategic plan document.
• Policy documents.
• Procedure manuals.
• Training materials and workshop reports.
• Monitoring framework.

Requirements

• The selected candidate must have a master’s degree in public administration, business administration or a related field.
• The selected candidate must have at least 5 years of experience working in strategy development, policy formulation, and procedure development.
• Advanced level of English (written and conversational). English will be tested, and candidate should score a minimum of C1 on CEFR.
• The selected candidate must have strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• The selected candidate must show excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Familiarity with the International Organizations/NGO sector and its regulatory environment.  
• The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Critical thinking, Teamwork, Client Orientation, Problem Solving decision making, Negotiation and Conflict resolution.

Benefits

CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package and support for continuous professional development. In addition to the provisions of the Mexican Labor Law our package of benefits includes year-end bonus (40 days), vacation premium (56%), life and medical insurance, supermarket coupons, savings fund, social Mexican benefits (IMSS, SAR / Infonavit).