Executive Director

Regional Director

ABOUT US CABI is an inter-governmental, not-for-profit organization that improves people’s lives worldwide by providing information and applying scientific expertise to solve problems in agriculture and the environment. Our approach involves putting information, skills and tools into people’s hands. CABI’s 48 Member Countries guide and influence our work which is delivered by scientific staff based in our global network of centres. CABI has had a presence in Africa for over 100 years and has offices in Kenya, Ghana and Zambia. Our African centres strive to improve livelihoods and work with the communities to address the problems they face using sustainable approaches. Our Member Countries set CABI’s strategic direction in development, research and scientific publishing, helping countries tackle problems in agriculture and the environment while addressing global issues of concern such as food and nutrition security, gender equity and climate change. We have over 500 staff based in 16 countries. We have offices in Brazil, China, Ghana, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Pakistan, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, the UK, the USA and Zambia You can learn more at: www.cabi.org ROLE DETAILS: Hay Grade: Senior Management Reporting to: Executive Director Direct reports: PMs Key Peer Group: Regional Directors, Project Development Director, KAMs THE ROLE: The purpose of the role is to lead the continued growth and development of CABI West Africa by building on its goals, objectives, and business plan to contribute to the overall achievement of CABI’s mission. This will require the Regional Director to operate as required at regional and project levels to build the image and credibility of CABI with the Governments of Ghana and other member countries in the West Africa Region, funding bodies, partners, and client communities. The Regional Director (RD) acts as a key point of contact for organizational activities and works closely with the Project Management Office (PMO), to ensure quality delivery of projects. They are accountable for leading the representation of the full range of CABI’s offerings to Member Countries, building the profile and credibility of CABI with external stakeholders across the region, and driving business development. The RD will lead their local operation, including physical assets and Regional Operations & Infrastructure team members. This role works cross-functionally with internal stakeholders across the organization, reporting to the Executive Director in the region, and directly with members of the Executive Management Team (EMT). WHAT YOU’LL DO: Represent CABI and build relationships with external stakeholders to extend CABI’s international reputation and raise its profile, working closely with CABI’s Communication team to ensure appropriate visibility. Provide an enhanced engagement experience for existing and prospective Member Countries and serve as a focal point for Member Countries in the region, increasing the likelihood of renewals and timely fee payments – working in collaboration with Executive Directors and Membership. Develop strong and productive relationships with professional, corporate, government, and non-government partners, funding agencies, and regional and other bodies responsible for development cooperation and research to enhance donor and project partnerships and to develop new business opportunities - in collaboration with Executive Directors, Key Account Managers, and Regional Sales Managers. Provide regional intelligence for market opportunities and competitive threats and facilitate productive connections between local institutions and CABI’s Executive Management Team (EMT). Manage regional operational infrastructure and ensure regulatory compliance across infrastructure, assets, risk, and business continuity, and lead on health & safety, security, and well-being for staff and visitors. Work with the PMO and act as line managers for Project Managers to ensure consistent, high-quality project delivery in line with the CABI PRINCE2 process. Contribute to PMO governance meetings and assume roles in Program and Project Boards as required. Act as point of contact for and support Finance in ensuring compliance with local legislation and reporting requirements. Provide timely notification to EMT of foreseeable changes in regional laws, regulations, or other requirements that may impact CABI's activities. Manage staff and facility development within West Africa to meet current and future business needs and develop succession plans as necessary; Inform regional pricing strategies to support strategic financial growth Develop, manage, and approve the regional facilities budget and capital expenditure Ensure consistent adherence to CABI policies and procedures across the region, including regulations on access to biodiversity, quarantine, employment policy, Health and Safety, financial management, business continuity planning, project management procedures, risk management, and Intellectual Property Rights. ABOUT YOU: The appointed candidate will be a senior scientist with the vision and vigour to lead the development and growth of CABI in West Africa They will have a well-established background in the application of life sciences and be capable of establishing immediate credibility and authority with our partners and funding agents, both the public and private sectors. Advanced degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate agriculture/life-science discipline; Fluency in English and French, both written and spoken At least ten years of experience relevant to CABI’s strategy, with results and outputs to match; A successful track record in developing, costing, securing, and managing externally funded research, training, and implementation projects; Have proven experience in senior management, including the delivery of financial targets, and a broad range of project management experience, including operating on a regional scale across multiple projects; A successful track record of influencing partners and co-ordinating teams in a cross-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment; Commercial product development, either within the private sector or in partnership with it, will be an added advantage. Personal attributes: a team player, with strong interpersonal and communication skills; strong influencing and networking skills - a natural ambassador; highly self-motivated and driven to achieve business results – entrepreneurial in approach; robust with the operational grip and capacity to handle a demanding workload, pressing/unexpected situations including considerable travel (mainly in the region); strong personal organisational and business skills. WHAT WE OFFER: We aim to recruit and retain passionate people who have the necessary skills, knowledge and commitment to help us achieve our mission. We are committed to maintaining a fully inclusive culture and creating an enjoyable and a fulfilling place to work. Our benefits are designed to make our lives easier, improve our work-life balance, save money and safeguard our well-being. They include: 30 days annual leave allowance 10% employer pension scheme contribution Life assurance Flexible working options, including family-friendly policies Career development opportunities to grow with CABI, including internal promotions, mentoring, and a Development Bursary to visit another CABI centre An Employee Assistance Programme and a full calendar of health and well-being initiatives Long Service Awards Employee Recognition Scheme Personal Accident and Business Travel Insurance Medical Insurance Scheme EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES: We are a thriving international organisation attracting a diverse range of talented people from around the world. Our staff currently comprises over 30 nationalities and as an equal opportunity’s employer we welcome applications from candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, religion, sexual orientation or marital status. No applicant will be disadvantaged by conditions which cannot be shown to be justified and selection will be based on merit.