IWMI is a research-for-development (R4D) organization with offices in 14 countries and a global network of scientists operating in more than 30 countries. For over three decades, our research results have led to changes in water management that have contributed to social and economic development. IWMI targets water and land management challenges faced by poor communities in developing countries and, through this, contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including reducing poverty and hunger and maintaining a sustainable environment. IWMI is one of the research institutes of CGIAR.
The CGIAR is a global partnership of research for development international organizations that aims to strengthen delivery of research and innovation, in order to tackle the complex and interconnected challenges to food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis. The current CGIAR Research Centers and Alliances are the foundation of the One CGIAR and are in the process of adopting an integrated approach to how they operate in the implementation of the CGIAR Strategy and Results Framework.
The Country Representative – Uzbekistan (CR) represents the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and the CGIAR’s Water Systems Department in Uzbekistan and in Central Asia. The CR also maintains strong links with the One CGIAR Regional Director and Country Managers, other CGIAR units, and national and international partners. The CR in Uzbekistan also represents IWMI and the Water Systems department at regional level. The primary responsibilities of the CR are:
Manage all staff, interns and consultants at IWMI’s assigned office.
Coordinate business development in Uzbekistan and the Central Asia region to sustain and grow a viable funding pipeline including with other CGIAR units.
Represent IWMI and CGIAR Water Systems in relevant national and regional forums and, in coordination with the CGIAR Regional Director, develop and strengthen relationships with government agencies, national research organizations and implementing partners, to expand and promote uptake of research outputs.
Country office management (people management; financial management; governance and risk management).
Participate in research projects and programs aligned with personal expertise.
It is expected that the Country Representative will spend a minimum of 55% of their time on duties representing IWMI/ CGIAR Water Systems, and managing people and operations, with the remaining time on project-specific research activities.
Duties & Responsibilities: Lead country program development and implementation:
Develop the strategic direction of the country office, ensuring consistency with IWMI’s and the CGIAR’s Research and Innovation Strategy, strong alignment to country and regional development priorities and research needs, and complementarity with the roles of partner organizations.
Coordinate development, funding and management of the project portfolio of the office through contributions to and leadership of the design and development of programmatic and project proposals.
Build a strong commitment to teamwork and collaboration among country office staff, with other CGIAR and IWMI units and external partners.
Manage country office staff to ensure delivery of high quality, timely research and outputs that meet the requirements of partners and clients.
Provide substantive advice to the Director General, Deputy Director General, Strategic Program Directors, senior management and One CGIAR leadership on the country direction in relation to water systems science and planning of relevant programs and projects.
IWMI representation:
Manage IWMI’s relationship with the host-country governments for the Country Office in accordance with host-country agreements.
Manage IWMI's relationships with the governments of other countries in the Central Asia region.
Strengthen existing and develop new working relationships within the CGIAR and other research and development partners, national and regional authorities, and different stakeholders, to raise the profile and visibility of IWMI and CGIAR’s water systems science.
Proactively contribute to CGIAR/IWMI’s fundraising efforts by identifying relevant initiatives, developing a close network with donors, coordinating the preparation of proposals, and providing strong intellectual inputs in coordination with relevant strategic program directors (SPDs), research group leaders (RGLs) and the Business Development Unit (BDU).
Promote the uptake of CGIAR/IWMI research outputs in coordination with the SPDs and research groups.
Lead country-level communications/outreach activities in coordination with the communications and resource mobilization and partnership teams.
Serve as IWMI’s primary point of contact for One CGIAR programmatic coordination and integration at country level, and for the CGIAR Initiatives in which IWMI is participating, in coordination with relevant leaders of Strategic Programs and projects.
Office management and administration:
Take overall responsibility for the management of the office, including annual budgeting, risk and compliance management and monthly financial reporting.
Proactively and effectively manage resources and promote stewardship, ensuring research and operations teams have and optimize the appropriate human, financial, and material resources.
Manage staff in accordance with CGIAR/IWMI’s policies and applicable regulations. Responsibilities include: (i) leading recruitment; (ii) planning and assigning staff to research projects in consultation with project leaders; (iii) guiding professional development and performance reviews; and (iv) addressing employee relationship issues and resolving problems.
Manage team dynamics and staff well-being. Complete performance management for direct reports, provide coaching, and strategically tailor individual development plans. Contribute to staffing plans and recruitment processes.
Proactively manage security and mitigate security risks. Ensure a safe work and living environment through leading implementation of safety and security protocols and staff care and well-being best practices.
Manage issues related to administration, finance and research in the country in consultation with relevant functional units within CGIAR/IWMI (finance, human resources, information technology [ICT], partnerships, communications and resource mobilization).
Research development and implementation:
Develop and implement projects within personal expertise and experience.
Work with staff and partners of IWMI/CGIAR Water Systems unit and with the One CGIAR Regional Director and Country Representatives to ensure that the research portfolio for water systems in the region (i) reflects national priorities, (ii) is aligned with CGIAR’s and IWMI’s strategies, and (iii) is well implemented with the aim of producing high-quality scientific outputs, including peer-reviewed scientific papers, as well as development impacts.
Coordinate with appropriate staff and One CGIAR units to ensure that research activities undertaken by IWMI or other CGIAR programs and initiatives are well integrated into the country-level strategy.
A Masters or PhD in one of the following disciplines: water resources management, climate change adaptation or mitigation, international development, environmental science, geography, development economics, or sociology, with at least 10 years of relevant work experience holding positions of increasing responsibility. A PhD is preferred.
Demonstrated experience of promoting and enhancing gender, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and in research-for-development programs
Demonstrated knowledge and research experience relevant to IWMI’s overall mission of water management in developing countries, as well as knowledge of the functioning of the CGIAR system.
A deep understanding of water, land and agricultural development challenges and opportunities in the country/region.
Demonstrated experience in engaging with regional networks and building strong partnerships with different categories of stakeholders.
Experience working with and influencing stakeholders, especially senior decision makers at national and regional levels, and liaising with donor agencies.
Demonstrated skills in managing programs and personnel, including experience of forming, operating in and leading interdisciplinary teams that have delivered high-quality outputs on time and according to budget.
Fluent in English – both written and verbal; Proficiency in Russian is an added advantage.
Experience producing high quality written proposals, reports and academic papers. Proven ability to communicate research results to stakeholders at different management levels in multiple countries.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, managers and other stakeholders in a multicultural setting, with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
