The posting
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 seeks a dynamic, with orientation to results, with leadership skills for the Genetic Resources Program.
The Program Manager ensures effective planning, implementation for impact delivery, and oversight of program project portfolio, aligned with CIMMYT’s strategy, donor requirements, and institutional competencies. The role integrates monitoring and supporting execution to drive impact, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Map program project portfolio alignment with CIMMYT’s strategy, impact areas, primary objectives and science thrusts as needed.
- Ensure program project portfolio planning and execution aligned with organizational policies and procedures.
- Ensure program portfolio management foresight is developed, tracked and reported (financial and future capabilities).
- Align and coordinate at the program level full project lifecycle (design, kick off, implementation, reporting, close-out) by becoming a “know how” resource for the Program.
- Ensure compliance with donor requirements and reporting standards.
- Provide administrative leadership and management for planning, coordination, and delivery of program portfolio activities as needed.
- In coordination with the Program Finance Management, monitor budgets, forecasts, and financial performance at the program portfolio level.
- Anticipate risks, maintain a program level risk register and apply structured problem-solving approaches with high-quality solutions.
- Facilitate collaboration across multidisciplinary teams within and across Chapters and geographies.
- Serve as the focal point for Operations and Engagement Chapters, including, but not limited to:
o Resources Management (Human, Financial)
o Collaborators / Partners management
o Coordinate communications of key milestones that contribute to CIMMYT’s visibility.
o Coordinate with the assigned DFS point(s) of contact for Grant Management and Resource Mobilization
- Support evaluations, audits, and continuous improvement efforts.
- Any other additional duties assigned by the Program Director.
Capabilities
- Capacity to build and maintain a strong professional results-oriented mindset with internal and external stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to guide, enable, and empower teams to achieve results, fostering accountability and professional development as needed.
- Ability to leverage data and critical thinking to inform decision-making.
- Strong skills to enable effective teamwork across projects and functions.
- Ability to facilitate collaboration and promote inclusive, high-performing work environments and positive team dynamics.
Core Competencies
- Critical and Creative Thinking
- Effective Communication
- Teamwork
- Client Orientation
- Problem Solving and Decision-Making
- Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
- Proactivity
- Team Leadership
- Risk management
Requirements
- Master’s degree in agriculture, Business, Public Administration or related field or equivalent.
- Certificated project manager and 10+ years demonstrated experience with project or program management.
- 10+ years of experience in financial management, programming and forecasting, running a division or program at large multinational companies, preferred experience in non-for-profit organizations.
- Advanced knowledge of program, portfolio and project management and/or operating protocols and principles of the function.
- Advanced strategic thinking, e.g., experience in the ability to identify and/or develop new approaches / methodology.
- Understand linkages with other disciplines, related to agricultural food systems and sustainable development.
- Computer literacy, with proficiency in the common software packages.
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).
Please note only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Foreign national candidates must have legal documents to work in Mexico.
This position will remain open until filled.
CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity.
