Call for Interest - ICARDA Board of Trustees

ICARDA at a glance

We are a non-profit, CGIAR Research Center that focuses on delivering innovative solutions for sustainable agricultural development in the non-tropical dry areas of the developing world. We offer unique opportunities to contribute to fighting poverty and improving the livelihoods and resilience of resource-poor smallholder farmers.

ICARDA is part of CGAIR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future dedicated to transforming food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis.

What we are seeking

ICARDA is seeking to appoint up to five (5) members to the ICARDA Board of Trustees for an initial term up to three years. The preferred commencement for the selected appointees is June or July 2024.

We believe that diversity and inclusion are key to creating a stimulating and effective work environment that results in high organization performance. Applications from all backgrounds are welcome to apply, embracing diverse cultures, religions, genders, national or regional origins, ages, and disability statuses to join us in contributing their unique perspectives.

Candidates with origin or professional experience from the regions where ICARDA operates are strongly encouraged to apply.

ICARDA is governed by a Board comprised of highly experienced persons from around the world. The Board is seeking future Board members with general corporate board experience and financial literacy and/or high-level experience with drylands agricultural research for development.

Members of the Board of Trustees may be asked to join one or more subcommittees of the Board. The full ICARDA Board of Trustees meets twice a year, subcommittees may meet (virtually) more frequently. Board members receive an honorarium for time spent.

Profile of the ICARDA Board

1. General

a. This profile of the ICARDA Board is drafted to identify the expertise, experience and skills that the ICARDA Board, taking as a whole, should have to effectively fulfil its fiduciary duties.

b. To ensure a highly motivated, high calibre ICARDA Board, that collectively provides the gravitas, leadership and oversight capabilities required for effective governance, each of the Board members should:

i. Have a solid understanding of ICARDA’s work, including its 2030 Research & Innovation Strategy, as well as ICARDA’s role within CGIAR. In addition, have a solid understanding of CGIAR‘s unique and pioneering integrated partnership with an integrated governance system characterized by mutual accountability among its parties, both in terms of research as well as administration, and its funding modality.

ii. Offer a balanced mix of expertise, skills, and experience, both in terms of technical competencies as well as sectoral experience.

iii. Be able to function effectively as a trustee in an international context.

2. Composition

a. The ICARDA Board shall, subject to the next paragraph, consist of twelve voting members, one of whom shall be appointed as Chair. The composition of the ICARDA Board shall be such that the balance of skills, expertise and experience is appropriate for the requirements of the core activities of ICARDA and allow Board to fulfil its fiduciary duties.

b. Members of the ICARDA Board shall act critically and independently of one another and any particular interest.

c. With respect to diversity in the composition of the Board, the objective is to have a variation of age, race, ethnicity, expertise, and balance among Trustees from advanced, emerging and developing countries. At least [40%] of the members of Board shall be of the underrepresented gender.

3. Desired skills, expertise and experience

a. The ICARDA Board of Trustees aims to achieve, in accordance with its Charter and Annex to the Rules of Procedure, an appropriate combination of skills, expertise and experience among its members including but not limited to:

i. Agriculture, food- or water systems or related technical knowledge

ii. Governance

iii. Resource Mobilization

iv. Finance & Risk

v. International Development

4. Desired personal qualifications

a. Besides expertise, experience, contacts, vision and adequate availability, personal qualities such as impartiality, integrity, tolerance of other points of view, balance, and ability to act critically and independently, are evenly important.

b. Board members should avoid material conflicts of interest with ICARDA and CGIAR.

5. Language requirement

a. English is ICARDA’s business language. Business in the ICARDA Board and their committees will be conducted in the English language.

6. Independence

a. Members of the Board of Trustees are expected to provide ICARDA with independent character and judgement.

7. Availability and time commitment

a. Each ICARDA Board member shall have sufficient time available for the proper performance of his or her duties. Board members should be sufficiently free of other commitments to be able to devote the time needed to prepare for meetings and participate in induction, training, appraisal and other Board associated activities.

b. ICARDA Board members are expected to spend approximately 12 business days per year on Board-related activities.

How to apply

Please click on the button ‘Apply for this job” below to apply. The application process will consist of three parts:

Part I –Your motivation statement. Please ensure it does not exceed one page.

Part II – Your CV

Part III – A short questionnaire to evaluate your complementarity with the ICARDA Board of Trustees.

If you have any questions, please contact Daphne Voorips at [email protected].