Crops For The Future Research Centre (CFFRC) Agroprocessing and Bioproducts Theme Research Theme Leader
Crops For The Future Research Centre (CFFRC) Agroprocessing and Bioproducts Theme Research Theme Leader
Crops For The Future Research Centre (CFFRC) Agroprocessing and Bioproducts Theme Research Theme Leader
Job Description
CFFRC - introductory information CFFRC is the worlds first centre dedicated to research on underutilised crops for food and nonfood uses. From its headquarters, near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, CFFRC operates as the research arm of the global Crops for the Future (CFF) organisation. Its guarantors are the Government of Malaysia and the University of Nottingham in Malaysia. However, CFFRC is an independent entity that can deliver innovative, world-leading research on underutilised crops within the wider objectives of CFF and its global stakeholders. CFFRC is establishing a global stakeholder alliance of education, public, private and civil society partners for research on underutilised crops that can improve livelihoods, especially of the rural poor. The alliance will be underpinned by a team of outstanding researchers and support staff based at the CFFRC headquarters and at its partners locations. The CFFRC approach provides new perspectives on how underutilised crops can help meet complex global challenges. As an independent research company and with the active support of its guarantors, CFFRCs commitment to multidisciplinary, outcome-driven research pioneers a new model for research delivery. The approach transcends geographical and disciplinary boundaries, leverages on new and existing capacities and provides a unique opportunity for CFFRC to rapidly develop global research partnerships and outputs on underutilised crops. As well as purpose-built, state-of-the-art laboratories and a dedicated field research centre, CFFRC has access to national and international facilities and expertise. These include partnerships with the University of Nottingham in Malaysia, UK and China, the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), universities in Malaysia and beyond and links with CFF, Bioversity International and other agencies, especially in Africa, Asia and the ASEAN region.
Specifically, CFFRC research will demonstrate opportunities for underutilised crops to contribute to: 1. 2. Expanding the range of crop species that sustain humanity and Diversifying the agricultural systems in which they are grown.
To achieve these aims, CFFRC is committed to research that provides practical options to real world challenges through an open engagement with a broad range of stakeholders. These options include: Enhancing nutritional and income security through dietary diversification Responding to climate change with more climate-resilient crops and cropping systems Identifying and developing new agro-industrial products and processes using novel crops Developing new wealth creating opportunities through agricultural diversification.
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Research Theme Leader (Agroprocessing and Bioproducts) - principal job role CFFRC wishes to appoint an RTL to drive its global expertise in novel and applied research on agroprocessing and bioproducts related to underutilised crops. The role will examine the potential role of underutilised crops in securing food and nutritional security, supporting agrobiodiversity and income generation. This requires an outstanding individual who, besides specialising in agroprocessing and/or related technologies, must also have experience in international and interdisciplinary research and implementation of major research and/or commercial projects. This position involves managing significant staff and financial resources to deliver world-leading research. The postholder will also need to be proactive in developing links with international collaborators and work with other theme leaders as part of CFFRCs senior management team. CFFRC is seeking an individual with significant senior management experience in both academic and applied settings, good international links, an outstanding publishing record and proven ability to attract funding. Research Theme Leader (Agroprocessing and Bioproducts) - experience and knowledge Proven programme management skills and business acumen, well-versed in the use of business and project management tools and organisational processes Relevant experience of project management and life cycle administration in international academic, business, research or private sector organisations at senior management level Experience in conceptualising, preparing and writing proposals to secure mandates and/or funding for research, scoping and policy studies from the state sector, economic associations, international organisations, the private sector, philanthropic organisations and individuals Detailed understanding of research activity and management within tertiary education and an appreciation of potential links between the various CFFRC research programmes Business development experience and a well-developed network of and familiarity with international organisations, the public and private sectors and their respective approaches to and engagement with the agricultural, development and agribusiness sectors in developing countries. Research Leader Co-ordinator (Agroprocessing and Bioproducts) skills Strong administrative and programme management skills; able to anticipate and meet deadlines High level of competency in analysing and managing research costings, proposals and budgets Proven academic English writing skills; effective communicator accustomed to presenting complex information to diverse audiences in written form and orally Self-motivated, able to work independently and as part of a small team on location and with remote teams nationally and internationally to deliver consortium-based outputs Strategic thinker, adept at facilitating planning sessions and building and securing consensus Strong interpersonal skills; ability to develop networks within CFFRC and with its stakeholders Demonstrable negotiating skills; proven influencing skills in a global and multicultural context Proven leadership potential; able to inspire, encourage and enthuse team members and partners. Research Theme Leader (Agroprocessing and Bioproducts) core competencies The RTL will have relevant research expertise gained internationally in the academic and/or private sectors. He/she will have demonstrable programme management experience and leadership skills and will be proactive and comfortable working in a multicultural and international environment, a well-developed sense of academic integrity and professionalism and strong interpersonal skills. Research Theme Leader (Agroprocessing and Bioproducts) - qualifications Senior academic level experience and postdoctoral qualification in agriculture, food, nutrition, chemical engineering or plant-related sciences Additional international research project or commercial experience preferred Experience in academic administration and/or international project management Proven ability to manage staff in major international programmes.
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