Nomination for Chair and Members of ISPC

The CGIAR is the largest publicly-funded international agricultural research system serving developing countries, has an annual budget of about $570 million, and employs over 8,000 staff, including more than 1,000 scientists, working in over 100 countries.

The Independent Science and Partnership Council is a standing panel of world-class scientific experts in the new CGIAR. It replaces the Science Council as the CGIAR's primary scientific advisory body. The Council's overarching purpose is to provide independent advice and expertise to the funders of the CGIAR through services to the Fund Council and the Funders Forum. It also serves as an intellectual bridge between the funders and the Consortium of CGIAR Centers. The ISPC plays a vital role for the new CGIAR to strengthen science, to improve productivity and quality of science, to catalyze the partnering of CGIAR science with other institutions of international agricultural research and to support the important role of the CGIAR as honest broker in various global debates.

The ISPC's specific tasks are as follows: a) commission and oversee evaluations of the scientific quality, relevance, partnership arrangements and likely development effectiveness of the investment proposals from the Consortium of CGIAR Centers; b) provide feedback and guidance to the Consortium on any areas of concern regarding the quality of the proposed research and partnership arrangements in investment proposals; c) provide the Fund Council and Funders Forum with foresight advice on trends and emerging issues, as well as potential strategies for addressing them related to the CGIAR Strategy and Results Framework; d) convene periodic high-level scientific dialogues on high priority issues that will inform the scientific deliberations among CGIAR scientists and their research partners and help catalyze partnerships with other global science communities; e) commission, in partnership with the Consortium, ex-post impact assessment of the development effectiveness of CGIAR investments; and f) provide the Fund Council with independent advice on other matters upon request.

The ISPC consists of a Chair and four (4) members, all identified through an international search by an independent selection committee of experts established for the purpose by the CGIAR Fund Council.

The criteria for selecting the ISPC Chair and Members necessarily derive from the roles and responsibilities of the ISPC. They will be selected primarily on the basis of scientific expertise and experience in agriculture and related fields, including partnership-related competencies. Each candidate should meet at least two of the following criteria and should have professional and personal attributes and language skills appropriate to the workings of the ISPC:

• Eminence in a field of biological, physical or social science, including international recognition of research achievements;
• Internationally recognized experience in agricultural science for development, knowledge of smallholder agriculture and natural resources management, and good understanding of policy dimensions in the context of sustainable development;
• Visionary with global perspective and strong ability to think strategically and analyze complex issues;
• Experience in research management and partnership, and cross disciplinary approach to scientific agricultural and natural resources research for international development; knowledge of evaluation, impact assessment, and strategic planning approaches;
• Relevant experience in working in partnership with national agricultural research institutions, universities, civil society organizations, or the private sector.

Besides leadership qualities and international eminence, selection of ISPC Chair would emphasize ability to influence key constituencies (scientific institutions, donors, centers, national research organizations, other partners), and the ability to address complex issues in all kinds of fora.

The SC Chair is appointed for an initial period of three years and can be extended for up to a total of five years of service. The appointment is close to half-time basis. Maintaining connection with a scientific or academic institution (e.g. university or research institute) is seen as an important advantage, providing the Chair greater independence, flexibility, and intellectual stimulation. It also enhances ISPC's visibility in the broader scientific community.

The ISPC Chair could function from his/her permanent home base, but would be expected to spend a substantial amount of time in FAO Headquarters in Rome, working with the ISPC support unit located there. He/She would also be expected to maintain close contact with the Chair and Executive Secretary of the Fund Council as well as with the Chair of the Consortium Board.

The selected Members would be appointed initially for two (2) years, with a possibility of renewal up to a total of four (4) years of service. ISPC members would be expected to make a commitment of about 25-30 working days per year for attending at least two meetings of the ISPC (of 2-3 days each), and other meetings in virtual mode as frequently as necessary.

Nominations for ISPC chair and members are now closed. Nominations will be assessed by a five-member search and selection committee appointed by the CGIAR Fund Council.

For further information about the CGIAR and ISPC please visit the following websites: http://www.cgiar.org      http://www.sciencecouncil.cgiar.org For questions regarding the nomination and selection process please send an e-mail to ispcsearch@cgiar.org