Director – NutriPlus Knowledge Center

Applications are invited from Indian nationals for Director for its NutriPlus Knowledge Center (NKC), to be based at ICRISAT, near Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. The Director, NutriPlus will steer the mission of NKC in making it a self sustained center within a period of five years. The Director, NutriPlus Center will report to the Managing Director – Agri-Science Park@ICRISAT.

ICRISAT is a non-profit, apolitical, international organization for science-based agricultural development. Established in 1972, it is one of the 15 Centers of the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), and is supported by more than 48 governments, foundations, and development banks. Please visit www.ICRISAT.ORG for more information.

NutriPlus Knowledge Center at ICRISAT is a platform for R&D and innovation for high value added processed technologies/products that will house pilot plants, laboratories and a marketing unit for new product development and commercialization of technologies. It will develop strategic alliances with national and international research institutions and private sector companies to develop a repository of commercially scalable technologies and work towards innovation and commercialization of technologies through its infrastructure and knowledge pool consisting of peer partnership with stake holding agencies.

The Role and Responsibilities :

• Lead and implement the project successfully based on the mission and guidelines by establishing strategic collaborations with national and international research institutions, private companies, entrepreneurs, and stake holding agencies.
• Fundraising and donor networking to build financial resources required for the project.
• Develop collaborative research projects for NutriPlus and ICRISAT and Develop a team for its operations and business development.
• Meet the timelines set for project in terms of budgeting and spending.
• Develop effective communication strategies, internal control systems, standard operating procedures and business development plans.
• Build, develop, champion and guide the delivery of the NutriPlus project objectives and collaborative research programs.
• Provide direction, coaching and leadership to ensure the facilities are well run and resources are well managed.

• Work within the framework of the development plan, support the Advisory Committee and the Agri-Science Park@ICRISAT in effective stewardship and fundraising within the communities of interest.
• Work with the COO – Agri- Science Park @ ICRISAT in advance the mission of the Center.
• Support and ensure compliance with key governance and policies of ICRISAT.

The Person:

• Masters in Food Science, or Food Technology or in Post Harvest Technology, preferably with MBA from an institution of repute. At least 10 years of experience in a research institution, processing industry, or food park. Experience in non-profit administration, or similar experience in for-profit setting would be highly desirable.
• Experience in building and managing budgets, forecasts and providing MIS for Board, staff and leadership, with advanced skills in using Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent communication skills. Vision and ability to see the future for what the role will involve and set strategic direction for business.
• Passion and commitment to the mission of NutriPlus Knowledge Center and interest in making a significant impact with partners and clients in environmental advocacy.
• Attention to detail, process orientation – systemic thinking and analytical rigor with regard to process, organizational tools and systems.
• Initiative and drive, willingness to roll up sleeves to do what needs to get done. Highly organized and detail-oriented. Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.
• High energy, creativity, resourcefulness and entrepreneurial spirit.
• General knowledge and experience in internet, communications technology, web or other business tools. 
• Demonstrated experience leading and working effectively with cross functional teams. Experience in managing resources including staff, volunteers and financial resources while maintaining work plan objectives to meet current and future demands.

The Reward: A competitive remuneration package will be offered that commensurate with expertise and experience, as per the norms of ICRISAT. The contract will be initially for two years, and renewable upon satisfactory performance.