International jobs in France

The International Potato Center (CIP) is looking for a highly motivated and experienced Director of Operations to lead the strategy to modernize all operations areas aligned to CIP2030 Strategy.

About CIP: CIP, a member of the One CGIAR, is a global research partnership working towards a food-secure future. It is dedicated to transforming food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis, carried out by 13 CGIAR Centers/Alliances in collaboration with partners including research institutes, civil society, academia, development organizations, and the private sector.

CIP collaborates with partners in over 20 countries to improve diets and incomes of poor people in Africa, Asia, and Latin America through scientific research, innovation, and capacity strengthening. Focusing on potato and sweet potato as food systems entry points, CIP’s programs aim to strengthen broader agri-food systems to generate economic, social, and nutritional benefits, emphasizing the roles of women and youth. CIP emphasizes the synergy between social and bio-physical sciences to address complex development challenges in food and agriculture, with a growing focus on qualitative social science to understand human and institutional behavior and assess benefits and risks.

The Position: The selected candidate will develop and implement strategies, plans, and mechanisms to strengthen and modernize CIP's operations in support of the CIP2030 Strategy. The Director of Operations will enable sustainable growth, generate value-for-money, safeguard organizational values and staff wellbeing, and promote operational excellence.

The successful candidate will report to the Director General and will be based in Lima, Peru.

1. Develop strategic operational plans based on internal and external analyses and create integrated solutions aligned with CIP’s strategic goals.
2. Establish and oversee effective operational processes across the organization to deliver value-for-money and support strategic objectives globally.
3. Oversee departments such as Finance, Grants & Legal Services, and Administration by setting goals, targets, policies, and guiding team leaders; support the People & Culture department.
4. Lead the development of strategic investment and business plans to meet future demands and support excellence in science, innovation, and partnerships.
5. Procure, develop, and mentor talent for key operational leadership roles and advise the Director General on operational capacity development.
6. Coordinate CIP’s engagement with CGIAR Business Units and other Centers to identify synergies and promote shared services.
7. Prepare and present operational reports to the CIP Board of Trustees and other forums.
8. Ensure compliance with CIP’s Health & Safety policies at regional and country levels.

What are we looking for?

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, or Accounting.
• Minimum of 15 years of senior operations experience in a global research, development organization, or multinational enterprise.
• Strong understanding of all operations areas and experience in integrated planning and organizational growth support.
• Proven financial management skills with knowledge of international financial reporting standards.
• Experience leading and developing international teams of operations professionals.
• Experience in developing and implementing institutional investment plans.
• Knowledge of international standards of ethics and business conduct.
• Skills in managing change, setting vision and strategy, building partnerships, coaching staff, and influencing across boundaries.
• Excellent communication skills in English; proficiency in Spanish is highly desirable.

What are we offering?

• An exciting career opportunity in an international organization.
• A 3-year contract with renewal possibilities.
• Competitive salary paid in US dollars, along with pension and health plans.