Finance and Operations Director

International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works at the crossroads of livestock and poverty, bringing high-quality livestock science, communications and capacity building to bear on poverty reduction and sustainable development. ILRI is one of 15 centres supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). ILRI has campuses in Kenya (headquarters) and Ethiopia, with other offices located in other regions of Africa (Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria) as well as in South Asia (India, Sri Lanka), Southeast Asia (Laos, Thailand, Vietnam) and East Asia (China).Closing date: 31 Jan 2011
Location: Kenya - Nairobi
Base salary from USD105,000 plus attractive international staff benefits package
ILRI is seeking to recruit a dynamic finance and operations director to manage the institute’s annual budget of USD43 million and lead the finance and operations staff based in Ethiopia and Kenya. We are particularly interested in hearing from suitably qualified women and citizens of developing countries.

Our organization is international. Our focus is Africa and Asia. Our business is livestock research for development. The working environment is fast-paced, multi-cultural and supportive. The job is complex, challenging and multi-faceted.

The Director of Finance & Operations reports to the Director General (CEO) and is a member of the senior management team. S/he will be involved in strategic planning as well as a host of continuous improvement initiatives that will prepare this established organization for tomorrow’s challenges. We require an excellent leader, people person, strategic communicator and relationship builder.

Specific Responsibilities:
•Provide information and advice to the Board and members of the senior management to ensure that the financial and physical resources of the institute are managed optimally and sustainably.
•Lead the financial and operations functions so that they can effectively contribute to the achievement of organizational objectives, including leading new initiatives
•Represent Finance and Operations at both institute-wide strategic planning and decision making level and also at the CGIAR level
•Ensure ongoing risk analysis, effective planning and sound overall management and advise the Board on risk management issues.
•Lead, manage and support all managers in carrying out their duties by providing them with information, advice, general support and capacity building as needed.
•Ensure that Finance and Operation units in all ILRI locations are appropriately staffed, well led and managed for performance. Ensure continuous improvement in the service delivery from these units
•Ensure optimal management of the financial, material and information resources handled by these units.
•Oversee the update, development and implementation of appropriate policies, processes and information systems in the areas of responsibility.

Professional skills and competencies:
•MBA or equivalent and advanced finance/accountancy qualification.
•At least 10 years experience in a senior management role.
•Strong track record in leading the finance function of an organization operating in a complex, fast changing environment.
•Demonstrated ability to manage operations effectively.

Applications: Applicants should send a cover letter explaining their interest in the position, what they can bring to the job and indicating earliest availability, curriculum vitae and the names and addresses (including telephone, and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to email: recruit-ilri-Ken@cgiar.org Screening of applications will commence on 1 February 2011 until the position is filled.

The position title and reference number Finance & Operations Director: FOD/FO/12/10 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the email applications. Only online applications will be considered and only short listed candidates will be contacted.

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