Regional Director - CWANA

Reports to: Deputy Director General - ResearchLocation: United Arab EmiratesMain purpose of the position Under the strategic guidance of the Deputy Director General - Research (DDG - R), The Regional Director provides visionary leadership, and strategic coordination to strengthen ICARDA's presence, influence, and research delivery across The Central and West Asia, and North Africa (CWANA) region. The role is pivotal in aligning ICARDA's research agenda with national and regional priorities, reinforcing partnerships, enhancing institutional visibility, and supporting operational coherence in collaboration with ICARDA's senior leadership and research teams.About ICARDAThe International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) is a treaty-based international non-profit research organization supported by CGIAR. ICARDA's mission is to reduce poverty, enhance food, water, and nutritional security, as well as environmental health in the face of global challenges including climate change. We do this through innovative science, strategic partnerships, linking research to development, and capacity development that takes into account gender equality and the role of youth in transforming the dry areas. ICARDA works in partnership with governments, universities, civil society, national agricultural research organizations, other CGIAR Research Centers, and the private sector. With its temporary Headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon, ICARDA operates in regional and country offices across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. For more information: www.icarda.org.Main ResponsibilitiesStrategic Representation and Stakeholder EngagementLead ICARDA's engagement with national agricultural research systems (NARS), government bodies, academic institutions, and regional policy actorsRepresent ICARDA in high-level regional forums and intergovernmental meetings, and multi-stakeholder dialoguesEnhance ICARDA's institutional visibility and relevance in regional hubs, particularly the UAE), positioning ICARDA as a trusted, scientific and development partnerRegional Program Support and Delivery OversightFacilitate the alignment of ICARDA's research activities with regional priorities and country-specific development strategiesCoordinate implementation of regional research initiatives, supporting operational delivery, technical coherence, and cross-country synergiesFacilitate cross-country collaboration, staff deployment, and technical coherence across projectsMonitor the performance of regional programs and ensure timely reporting, planning inputs, and quality assurance to institutional systems. Partnership StrengtheningFoster and expand partnerships with multilateral and regional partners, including regional development banks, agriculture platforms and UN agencies. Work closely with ICARDA's Communications and Knowledge Management teams to amplify the visibility and impact of research outputsCollaborate with ICARDA's Resource Mobilization (RM) unit to map funding opportunities and support donor engagement. Institutional CoordinationServe as the primary liaison between ICARDA's headquarters and country offices in the region, ensuring effective communication, responsiveness and strategic alignmentContribute to institutional planning by identifying regional opportunities, risks, and adaptive measures in collaboration with the DDG-R and Senior Management TeamEnsure regional compliance with ICARDA policies, operational protocols, reporting standards, promoting a culture of accountability and excellenceRequirementsEducation, qualifications, and experienceAdvanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in agriculture, natural resources, international development, or a related fieldMinimum of 20 years of progressively responsible experience, including at least 15 years in a senior leadership role managing regional programs, partnerships, or stakeholder engagement in an international context and especially in the Gulf. Proven ability to work effectively in diverse regional settings, with strong diplomatic, political, and cultural sensitivityDemonstrated experience managing relationships with government agencies, donors, regional bodies, and research institutionsTrack record of leading regional coordination or partnership development within complex or matrixed organizationsExcellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills in English and ArabicFamiliarity with regional priorities and political landscapes in the target geography (e.g., CWANA, Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia)Experience in supporting regional advocacy, visibility campaigns, or joint programming with intergovernmental agenciesWork experience in a comparable international research or development organizationsProficiency in additional languages will be an added advantageBenefitsTerms of appointment, salary, and benefits This is an internationally recruited position for which ICARDA offers an attractive compensation package including a competitive salary, housing allowance, non-contributory retirement plan, medical insurance and leave provisions. All benefits are denominated and paid in US Dollars. The successful candidate will be offered an initial contract of three years, renewable subject to satisfactory performance. The first year of appointment will be probationary period.Screening of candidates will commence by 23rd of November and will continue until a suitable candidate is identified.ICARDA accepts applications only in English which is the organization's official communication language. Applications in other languages will not be considered.Only shortlisted applications will be contacted.