Vacancy: Executive Secretary for CACAARI
Regional Program of ICARDA for Central Asia and the Caucasus (CAC),
on behalf of Central Asia and Caucasus Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (CACAARI)
is looking for suitable candidates for the following position:
Executive Secretary for CACAARI
to be based in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
I. General introduction
CACAARI, the Central Asia and Caucasus Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (hereinafter referred as Association) was established in Tashkent in 2000 to serve as a platform for dialogue and action in agricultural research for development in Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
The Executive Secretary of CACAARI is expected to significantly lead, promote, further develop and contribute to maintaining CACAARI activities in a constant and reliable way. He/she will be placed at the CACAARI Secretariat in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, hosted by ICARDA. The Executive Secretary of CACAARI will report in technical matters to the CACAARI Chairman, and administratively to the Head, CGIAR Program for CAC, Regional Coordinator, and ICARDA-CAC.
The CACAARI Steering Committee following its charter elects the Chairman, who is responsible for guiding the CACAARI Steering and implementation of its the policies, principles and vision of CACAARI. The Executive Secretary is responsible for the executive aspects of CACAARI’s work, including management of the CACAARI office and actions recommended by the CACAARI Steering Committee CACAARI is working towards building furthers its presence and actions in CAC region.
II. Terms of reference
- responsible for the overall management of CACAARI in order to ensure that the CACAARI adheres to CACAARI’s core values and principles, and attains the goals and objectives as agreed upon by the General Assembly and delegated by the CACAARI Steering Committee;
- responsible for the day-to-day management for the development and monitoring of the annual plan and budget with the Management Team and in synergy with the Operational Center ICARDA, as well as for proposing mid-term strategies to ensure that CACAARI evolves according to operational needs, to be approved by the Board of CACAARI;
- strive for the continuation of a meaningful and efficient co-ownership of the CACAARI, and a coherent and accountable international organization by participating in the current debates and strive towards the coherence, pertinence and good continuation of international relations issues;
- maintain constant liaison with national, regional and global Agricultural Research for Development (ARD) organizations, including international agencies, farmer organizations, NGOs, universities and research institutes;
- supervise further development and maintenance of the CAC Regional Agricultural Information System (CAC-RAIS) and the CACAARI website and Publish CACAARI documents;
- Contribute to broadening CACAARI’s membership among CAC research institutions, farmer organizations and NGOs;
- Maintain databases and facilitate the information dissemination flow among all stakeholders.
- Fund-raising for CACAARI through proposals for funding by members, donors etc.
- Organize annual CACAARI meetings and specific thematic, discipline- and commodity-related events and submit administrative and financial reports on them;
- develop and monitor an annual plan and budget in co-ordination with the Chair of CACAARI;
- ensure, together with the Chairman of CACAARI, the timely finalization of CACAARI’s annual accounts, according CACAARI’s / host agency’s financial rules & regulations and in accordance with the laws;
- be responsible for CACAARI Financial accounts and their audit under supervision of ICARDA/host agency
- ensure that CACAARI maintains its financial self-sufficiency and that its financial ratios remain within the ICARDA/host agency’s requirements;
- regularly report to the Board and Chairman on the progress throughout the year and to look for means to overcome impediments obstructing the objectives as outlined in the annual plan;
- ensure that CACAARI’s identity, mission and name is used in a representative and consistent manner across all activities of CACAARI;
- ensure that all of CACAARI’s publications, both in print and on the website, are accurate and consistent with the identity of the organization;
- guard and protect the logo and name of CACAARI;
- ensure that CACAARI raises funds in an ethical manner and according to the CACAARI guidelines;
- ensure the gradual and progressive development of agricultural research in CAC region, respecting CACAARI’s aims and principles and within the boundaries of the law;
- directly coach and supervise all CACAARI staff including the assistant secretary, and work in coordination with Chairman to establish CACAARI’s presence in Uzbekistan;
- represent CACAARI with CAC authorities, academics, media, farmers, NGO’s and other relevant parties;
- maintain transparent and constructive working relations with the CACAARI members and ARD stakeholder groups in region.
III. Job requirements
- A successful background in agricultural research is essential, knowledge of agrarian research structures in CAC countries will be an asset, minimum 15 years of working experience, with at least 5 years in ARD system (Ag. Research centers, institutes, university or projects);
- excellent understanding of ARD, preferably rich field and HQ experience;
- experience in and knowledge of Agricultural research systems of the world and CAC region. Advantage will be given to the person with Academic Degree in Agriculture;
- ability to work independently and also in a team setting;
- awareness of international political issues and culture;
- strong organizational, management and planning skills;
- ability to prioritize and deal simultaneously with several tasks;
- understanding of financial management issues;
- strong sense of initiative;
- strong interpersonal and communications skills;
- leadership capacity;
- ability to communicate fluently in English/Russian and one knowledge of one or more local languages will be an advantage;
- good communication and ICT skills;
- ability to travel extensively in the region.
IV. Conditions & how to apply
The employment contract will be issued by ICARDA on behalf of CACAARI. The salary is commensurate with experience and skills,
Submitting applications: Candidates should submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae in English to Dr. Ahmadov c/o Z.Khalikulov@cgiar.org or by fax: +998-71-120-71-25 not later than July 31, 2010. The cover letter should include the names and full contact details of at least three referees, with their telephone, fax and email address.
Applications received after this date will not be considered. Please write the name of the position as the subject line of your electronic application. Only short-listed candidates will be called for interview. No phone calls, please.
Regional Brainstorm meeting for Transforming and Strengthening of Agricultural Research and Innovation Systems in Central Asia and Caucasus
Tashkent, 29-30 November, 2011
Samarqand, 01-03 December, 2011
Dr. Nagif Gamzaev, one of the representatives of Azerbaijan in the Meeting more» 
