V A C A N C Y    A N N O U N C E M E N T

INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH IN THE DRY AREAS
P.O. Box 5466, Aleppo, Syria
Phone: (963-21) 2213433, 2213477, 2225112, 2225012
Fax: (963-21) 2213490, 2225105;
E-mail: ICARDA-JOBS@CGIAR.ORG
Website: www.icarda.cgiar.org
Director of Human Resources
Aleppo, Syria
The Organization
ICARDA is a non-profit international agricultural research center in a worldwide consortium of 15 centers supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). The CGIAR is co-sponsored by the World Bank, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). With a staff of over 400 scientists and support personnel, representing more than 45 nationalities, ICARDA addresses two key areas of agricultural research: germplasm improvement (cereals and legumes) and natural resource management. The Center has a global mandate for barley, lentil and faba bean improvement, and a regional mandate for the improvement of wheat, chickpea and forage and pasture legumes. A major emphasis is placed on the conservation and management of land and water, and improved productivity of small ruminants in integrated farming systems in dry areas. The Center's research and training programs are implemented in partnership with national programs and, in most cases, with other CGIAR centers as well as advanced research institutes in both developing and industrialized countries.

The Position
ICARDA is seeking a Director of Human Resources, to be based at its headquarters in Aleppo, Syria, to provide overall strategic human resources leadership to the organization and to contribute to Center-level strategic initiatives. The Director is expected to ensure the development and implementation of global best practices in human resources management, and to foster a workplace environment consistent with the organization's values and mission. The positions reports to the Assistant Director General - Corporate Services, and has the following main responsibilities:
•
 Provides expert leadership, guidance and development of ICARDA's global human resources function
•

Ensures that ICARDA's HR strategies facilitate achievement of its scientific objectives, through appropriate programs, policies, processes, services and practices designed to attract, motivate and retain talented staff
•

Provides strategic and tactical advice to Center management on a diverse range of complex HR issues
•
 Works closely with managers to guide, advise and train on workforce planning issues across the Center
•
 Develops and implements HR initiatives relating to organizational development, staff planning, performance management, compensation and rewards, staff development and employment conditions
•
 Takes a leading role in enhancing employee relations and in facilitating workforce diversity
•
 Ensures effective communication and delivery of service to all managers and staff in the full range of HR activities and processes


Essential Qualifications and Competencies
•
 Advanced university degree, or a university degree with experience and advanced training/courses, in one or more of the following disciplines: human resources management/industrial relations; business administration, organization management, social sciences or other related field
•

10 to 15 years of progressively responsible experience at the senior professional management levels in human resources management, preferably in an international, multi-site and multi-cultural setting
•

Experience in a professional organization (e.g. scientific, medical, etc.)
•
 High level interpersonal and communications skills, coupled with proven ability in planning, organizing, consensus-building, negotiation and networking
•
 Track record of successfully leading and implementing significant HR initiatives
•
 Excellent skills in written and spoken English

Desirable Qualifications and Competencies
•
 Second language (especially Arabic or French)

Terms of Appointment
The appointment will be for an initial period of three years, renewable thereafter annually. The salary is paid in US dollars. Benefits include housing allowance, paid home leave travel, a pension scheme, life and health insurance package, vehicle for business and personal use, and free enrollment for dependent children in the ICARDA-administered international school (KG to Grade 12).

Living in Syria
ICARDA's headquarters is situated 30 km south of Aleppo, Syria's second largest city. In addition to the internationally-accredited school, ICARDA runs a sports and social club for the staff. Syria has many historical and archaeological sites, some a short drive from Aleppo. There are four distinct seasons and the terrain varies from desert to mountains to fertile fruit orchards. Major international airlines fly into Damascus and Aleppo.

Application
Qualified applicants are invited to send:
1-
Cover letter of interest (no more than 2 pages) highlighting the candidate's experience against the criteria listed under Qualifications and Competencies, including salary expectations and noting where the candidate saw the advertisement.
2-
Curriculum vitae, with a recent photo
3-
Names, addresses, fax numbers and e-mail addresses of three professional referees (they will not be contacted without the candidate's permission),
to: 
 Personnel Services
ICARDA, P.O. Box 5466, Aleppo, Syria
Telephone: (963-21) 2213477, 2225112, or 2225012
Fax: (963-21) 2213490, 2225105, or 5744622
E-mail: ICARDA-JOBS@CGIAR.ORG
Website: http://www.icarda.org
(If sending by e-mail, please do not include graphics or other large file attachments.)

REFERENCE: quote INT-P/8426/08 on the application (or in the subject line if applying by e-mail).

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications must be received by 7 May 2008

ICARDA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women.
 
Posted on 10 April 2008  
   ICARDA Jobs
ICARDA Home