IRS26239 Director IT and Digital Transformation (INTERNATIONALLY RECRUITED)

About the role

CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow's problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. CIMMYT is a core CGIAR Research Center, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources. For more information, visit https://www.cimmyt.org/ The Director of Information Technology and Digital Transformation (ITDT) is a business- oriented executive leader who provides strategic leadership to position digital capabilities, enterprise systems, and knowledge assets as key enablers of CIMMYT's research excellence, operational efficiency, and institutional sustainability. The ITDT Director is part of CIMMYT's Leadership Team. The role demands a leader with a strong business background - ideally with experience not only in IT but also in business functions such as business re-engineering, general management, operations, or administration - who is fully accountable for CIMMYT's digital and enterprise systems strategy, including Knowledge Management, Information Technology, cybersecurity, innovation, and the end-to-end development and implementation of ERP solutions. The Director of ITDT ensures that knowledge, data, digital platforms, and enterprise systems are strategic assets that directly enable CIMMYT's scientific excellence, operational effectiveness, and long-term sustainability. The post-holder must bring a genuine business mindset to the role, bridging the gap between technology and organizational strategy, and demonstrating a track record of delivering business value through digital and information management initiatives. Reporting Line & Authority The Director of ITDT, is part of the Operations Chapter and reports to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and is a member of CIMMYT's Leadership Team. The role holds institutional accountability for the IT and Knowledge Management operating budget globally, including enterprise systems, ERP, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital transformation initiatives, in accordance with approved financial governance frameworks. The Director has authority to: - Propose and prioritize digital and enterprise investments - Sponsor major ERP and Digital programs - Approve architecture, sourcing, and standards decisions - Establish governance and operating models for the department First‑Year Focus While all are critical to CIMMYT's long‑term success, the ERP project is the principal institutional priority during the first 12 months. During Year 1, the Director will: - Act as Executive Sponsor and accountable owner of the ERP project - Focus leadership attention on ERP stabilization, business adoption, and value realization - Ensure continuity and risk control in IT operations, cybersecurity, and KM through strong delegation and management structures Detailed KPIs will be refined post‑appointment, CIMMYT expects the Director ITDT to be accountable for clear first‑year outcomes, including: - Enterprise Systems & ERP o Delivery of agreed ERP go‑live milestones (modules, regions, or functions as defined) o Stabilization and adoption of ERP across all functions, including Finance, HR, Procurement, and Grants Management. o Demonstrable improvements in process efficiency, data quality, and reporting - IT Operations & Cybersecurity o Sustained IT service availability (e.g. ≥99.5% core system uptime) o Strengthened cybersecurity posture and risk controls o Improved user satisfaction with IT services - Knowledge Management & Digital Enablement o Increased adoption and usage of KM platforms o Improved access to research and institutional knowledge assets o Progress toward interoperability and data governance standards Strategic & Business Leadership - Define and deliver IT and Digital Transformation strategy and roadmap aligned with CIMMYT's Strategy 2030. - Function as a genuine business partner to senior leadership, drawing on first-hand experience in business operations, administration, or management to translate institutional needs into digital solutions. - Position IT and Digital Transformation as a value-creating function that improves efficiency, transparency, decision-making, and research impact. - Advise governance bodies on digital investments, risks, opportunities, and emerging trends. Enterprise Systems & ERP Accountability - Provide overall sponsorship and accountability for CIMMYT's ERP program and major enterprise systems. - Lead the full ERP li

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