Position Announcement

Global Coordinator, ISAAA


Position

The International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) is a nonprofit organization with its corporate headquarters in Cornell University, U.S.A. (www.isaaa.org). The Global Coordinator functions as the Executive Director of ISAAA as described in the ISAAA by laws.

The Global Coordinator is accountable to the ISAAA Board of Directors and reports to it through the Executive Finance and Program Committee (EFPC) comprising the ISAAA Board Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary and Treasurer.

The Global Coordinator position has direct oversight of ISAAA's regional centers and
affiliated Biotechnology Information Centers.

Responsibilities and Duties

The Global Coordinator is responsible for the implementation and funding of ISAAA's program of work as approved by the Board, which provides policy direction and oversight.

The responsibilities of the Global Coordinator are to plan, manage and oversee all aspects of ISAAA's global program that will a) share science-based knowledge and promote knowledge exchange on agricultural biotechnology in support of biotechnology applications to benefit farmers, and b) facilitate transfer of crop-biotechnology applications from the industrial countries to the developing world.

The day to day principal responsibilities will be to provide coordination, leadership, and direction for the implementation of ISAAA's strategy and portfolio of projects, and management oversight of ISAAA's regional directors. Of high priority is the implementation of a well-conceived and focused portfolio of high quality projects that serve as models and creative delivery mechanisms for distribution of products to farmers, and knowledge to policy makers, regulators and other stakeholders in the biotechnology community.

Specific Duties of the Global Coordinator include:

  • Mobilizing the financial resources required to ensure institutional sustainability;
  • Preparation of documentation for the Board and EFPC including the annual budget and five year projections;
  • Performance management of all ISAAA senior staff at Director level; and
  • Liaison with key donor organizations and donor representatives.


Qualifications

The candidate should have an earned doctorate in a relevant area of agriculture and biotechnology, and a demonstrated record of experience and publications in the relevant area. Familiarity with the international donor environment and experience working in multi-stakeholder environments, especially in developing countries, are desirable.

The Global Coordinator will be appointed initially for a three-year period, subject to review and renewal. Location of the position is dependent on the successful candidate but may be at one of ISAAA's regional centers or headquarters.

To apply, please send a full c.v., names of three referees, and a Statement of Interest (not to exceed two pages) to the ISAAA Board Chair, Professor Paul Teng, at email paul.teng@nie.edu.sg with subject heading "ISAAA Global Coordinator Search". ISAAA is committed to an open search for this position. Screening will be done by a Search Committee comprising members of the ISAAA Board.