Oversee and execute a wide range of critical duties, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and operational standards. Serve as a primary point of contact for cross-functional teams, facilitating seamless communication and collaboration to drive project success. Develop, implement, and monitor strategic initiatives that enhance efficiency, productivity, and overall performance. Prepare and present detailed reports, analyses, and presentations to senior leadership, summarizing key metrics, outcomes, and recommendations. Lead and mentor team members, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement. Ensure compliance with industry regulations, company policies, and best practices while mitigating risks and resolving operational challenges. Maintain strong relationships with clients, vendors, and stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and support business growth.
The successful candidate will spearhead the evolution of local innovation ecosystems into dynamic knowledge hubs, working in close partnership with youth, private sector entities, governmental bodies, policymakers, and other key stakeholders.
Digital and AI-driven advancements are transforming smallholder agricultural systems, enhancing productivity, efficiency, and sustainability through innovative technologies. These solutions leverage data analytics, machine learning, and automation to address challenges such as resource optimization, climate resilience, and market access. Professionals in this field are expected to possess expertise in agricultural technology, data science, or related disciplines, alongside a strong understanding of smallholder farming contexts. Responsibilities may include developing AI models for predictive analytics, designing digital tools for farmers, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to implement scalable solutions that empower rural communities and improve livelihoods.
Lead the collaborative design and development of socio-ecological systems by integrating precision agriculture, digital tools, and AI-driven innovations in partnership with smallholder farmers, pastoralists, youth organizations, extension services, government entities, and private sector stakeholders.
Promote the responsible, inclusive, and ethical application of data, AI, and automation while prioritizing gender equity, youth inclusion, data sovereignty, and environmental sustainability.
Design and implement novel applications of remote sensing, IoT, edge computing, machine learning, and decision-support systems specifically for agricultural operations operating under limited connectivity and constrained resources.
Foster collaborative initiatives between public and private sectors, develop digital public infrastructure, and implement institutional innovations to facilitate sustainable and equitable value generation through digital and AI technologies.
Design, develop, and enhance digital platforms and services—including climate information systems, financial products like credit and insurance, and tools that strengthen market linkages and value chains—to provide integrated technical and market solutions. These initiatives are designed to mitigate risks in agriculture and pastoral systems while fostering dignified and meaningful employment opportunities for young people.
Enhance the impact of digital public infrastructure, open science, open data, and pre-competitive collaboration and products in fostering agricultural development across diverse regions, with a particular emphasis on smallholder-focused contractual agriculture.
Research dissemination and knowledge sharing involve effectively communicating findings, insights, and best practices to relevant stakeholders, ensuring accessibility and practical application of knowledge within and beyond the organization. This process requires a strategic approach to tailor information to diverse audiences, leveraging appropriate channels and formats to maximize engagement and impact. Responsibilities include identifying key stakeholders, developing tailored communication strategies, and producing clear, concise, and compelling content. Additionally, it entails fostering collaborative environments that encourage the exchange of ideas, supporting continuous learning, and driving innovation through shared knowledge. Strong written and verbal communication skills, along with proficiency in digital tools and platforms, are essential to facilitate these efforts successfully.
Develop and disseminate scholarly articles in high-impact academic journals, thereby enhancing INRI’s repository of research on digital innovations and machine-augmented intelligence in agricultural and livestock systems.
At conferences, workshops, and training sessions, this role involves representing INRI by presenting research findings, championing key initiatives, and solidifying INRI’s reputation as a leading authority in the field.
Craft insightful blogs, communication materials, and policy briefs aimed at advancing the ethical deployment of digital innovations and machine-augmented intelligence.
We cultivate strategic alliances and collaborative relationships to drive mutual growth and innovation. This role involves identifying and engaging potential partners, negotiating mutually beneficial agreements, and maintaining robust connections to ensure sustained value creation. The ideal candidate will possess strong interpersonal skills, a results-driven mindset, and the ability to navigate complex negotiations. Key responsibilities include prospecting for new partnerships, assessing alignment with organizational goals, and fostering long-term engagement through consistent communication and performance tracking.
Collaborate with adtech and fintech firms, youth organizations, financial and academic institutions, mobile network operators, policymakers, fellow CGIAR centers, NGOs, and investors to design, develop, and deploy digital innovations and machine-augmented intelligence solutions tailored for smallholder agriculture and livestock systems.
Harness strategic partnerships through South-South and North-South collaborations, while cultivating robust connections with esteemed institutions to deploy artificial intelligence’s transformative potential in addressing persistent development challenges within intricate smallholder systems.
Act as a knowledge broker, fostering strategic connections within the innovation ecosystem to drive collaborative opportunities and knowledge exchange.
Lead and/or collaborate on initiatives focused on crafting project plans, conducting cost analyses, preparing comprehensive business cases, and creating supporting materials to streamline the development, enhancement, and ongoing maintenance of new digital tools.
Contribute proactively to fundraising efforts that advance INRI and CGIAR objectives in precision agriculture, digital innovations, and machine-augmented intelligence, with a particular focus on securing private capital.
Capacity development and coaching form a core component of this role, involving the guidance and support of individuals or teams to enhance their skills, knowledge, and performance. This includes designing and implementing training programs, providing constructive feedback, and fostering an environment conducive to professional growth. The position requires the ability to assess developmental needs, tailor mentorship approaches, and measure progress toward established objectives. Candidates should demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning to effectively empower others and drive sustainable improvements in capabilities.
Confer with relevant stakeholders to design and implement training and capacity-building initiatives focused on the development and maintenance of digital platforms within designated countries.
Provide guidance and oversight to doctoral and master’s candidates engaged in pertinent research projects.
Seasoned professionals will provide guidance and encouragement to research technicians engaged in collecting, analyzing, and disseminating field data, ensuring accuracy and clarity in their contributions.
Seeking a highly skilled professional with expertise in [specific field/industry], this role demands proficiency in [key skill or tool], along with a minimum of [X years] of relevant experience. The ideal candidate must possess strong analytical abilities, exceptional problem-solving skills, and the capacity to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team. A deep understanding of [specific methodology, software, or regulation] is essential, along with the ability to interpret complex data and translate insights into actionable strategies. Additionally, excellent communication skills—both written and verbal—are required to effectively convey technical information to diverse stakeholders. Candidates should hold a [degree or certification, if applicable] in [relevant field] and demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Familiarity with [industry-specific tools or frameworks] and adherence to [industry standards or compliance requirements] are also mandatory.
A PhD in agriculture, environmental sciences, computer science, or geospatial sciences is required, complemented by a minimum of seven years of hands-on experience in technical project or program management roles. Candidates must demonstrate a proven track record in leading the development of solution architectures for large-scale, complex distributed systems.
Desirable qualifications include prior experience in technical management roles and a degree in Business Administration.
Proven expertise in designing, developing, and implementing digital innovations and machine-augmented intelligence solutions tailored to crop-livestock and pastoral systems. A working familiarity with Generative AI and computational social sciences is advantageous.
Demonstrated expertise in authoring and publishing scholarly articles, accompanied by extensive experience in crafting and presenting materials for conferences, workshops, and stakeholder meetings.
Skilled in developing communication materials, including research and policy briefs, that examine both the opportunities and challenges arising from the digital transformation of agriculture and livestock systems.
With a proven track record in grant and proposal development, cultivating donor and stakeholder relationships, and strategically mobilizing resources, you will drive INRI’s objectives forward by securing essential funding and partnerships.
Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-disciplinary research teams spanning climate science, livestock productivity, crop and soil management, socioeconomic, and gender studies, while clearly communicating findings and results.
Seasoned in guiding students and mentoring research technicians engaged in data collection, field studies, and analytical processes.
A comprehensive grasp of resource-constrained, smallholder farming systems in developing countries—especially those in semi-arid and tropical climates—with an emphasis on climate adaptation and resilience.
Seeking candidates with prior professional experience in Africa and/or Asia, coupled with a proven comprehension of the agricultural and environmental landscapes in these regions.
Proven experience in collaborative environments or prior engagement with private sector business models and operational methodologies offers a distinct competitive edge.
Proficient in both English and French, with a working knowledge of African languages serving as an additional benefit.
Qualifications
PhD/Fellowship
Experience Required
7 years
