

…… “A unique opportunity to lead an international program to help solve one of the world’s greatest challenges – reducing hunger and poverty in the face of declining water resources” ……
Director, Challenge Program On Water And Food
The CPWF is an international, multi-institutional research initiative with a strong emphasis on north-south and south-south partnerships. It brings together a consortium of 18 institutions and over 200 partners, including scientists, development specialists and river basin communities in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
With an annual budget of approximately $13 million, the CPWF generates and disseminates research-based knowledge and approaches that aim to improve the productivity of water in river basins in ways that are pro-poor, gender equitable and environmentally sustainable. Staff are located in various water basin sites and at the CPWF Secretariat hosted by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) in Colombo, Sri Lanka, but the decision as to the official HQ location will be subject to further negotiation. The Program is one of four Challenge Programs established by the CGIAR that address complex cross-cutting issues of global significance.
The CPWF has just completed its first 6-year phase and is about to embark upon Phase 2. The Governing Board now wishes to appoint a Director to provide strong scientific, administrative and financial leadership to this next phase. The successful candidate with have a PhD or equivalent scientific track record, plus 10-15 years experience in a senior position with a complex multi-location international research program in a relevant field.
Application procedure:
Applicants should submit a letter indicating why they are interested in and qualified for the position and a detailed curriculum vitae including the names, telephone and fax numbers and email addresses of three confidential referees. The documents should be directed to Joan Joshi, Consultant to the Search Committee, either by mail to 58 Eastern Avenue, South Deerfield, MA 01373, USA, or by email at WaterCP@aol.com. Telephone calls may be made to 1-413-665-1315. Applications must be received no later than January 15, 2009. A final decision on the appointment is expected to be made by March 2009.
Please refer to the website (www.waterforfood.org) for detailed information on the responsibilities of the Director, specific qualifications sought.
Source: http://www.iwmi.cgiar.org/About_IWMI/Vacancies/CPW













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