Donor Relations and Engagement Specialist

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its Spanish acronym, CIMMYT®, is not-for-profit agricultural research for development organization with partners in over 100 countries. Please refer to our website for more information: www.cimmyt.org

CIMMYT is seeking a dynamic and results-oriented Donor Relations and Engagement Specialist to work in the Project Management Unit of CIMMYT.

The position will be based at CIMMYT headquarter in Texcoco, near Mexico City.

Specific duties:

• Leads on designing and managing an annual donors’ engagement plan, in collaboration with CIMMYT senior management, donor-facing senior scientists, and CIMMYT Communications.
• Provides services, tools, and training on in-project donor relationship management to project leaders, principal investigators and their project t teams, as well as to donor-facing senior scientists, as needed.
• Sets up and manages a donors’ community or network (who join at their discretion, voluntarily).
• Plans and implements information & communications actions targeted at donors (overall; sub-groups), as well as in collaboration with donors’ communications teams or specialists on topics, issues, or campaigns of mutual interest.
• Develops and implements actions that foster a CIMMYT donors’ community and network, based on donors’ common interests.
• Establishes and manages donor databases and donor-focused customer relationship management (CRM) applications and support tools.
• Acts as the focal point for CIMMYT Communications regarding donor-focused communications.
• Participates in implementing the Resource mobilization strategy, by contributing to other RMPM activity areas and by having an eye on grant-operational and donor-programmatic linkages. 

Required academic qualifications, skills and attitudes:

• Master’s Degree from a well-recognized university in Communication, International Development, Business Administration or similar field. Having a Project Management (PMI or similar) certification would represent an advantage.
• Experience in A multi-project work environment for more than 5 years, part of that in an international environment.
• Demonstrated experience in donor-facing communications and relationship management at working/specialist and senior levels; demonstrated capacity in achieving communications, relationship-building, and networking objectives.
• Build strong relationships with counterparts at all levels, focuses on results and intended outcomes of grants management, and establish links and connections (e.g., with Communications about project success reporting).
• Demonstrates resourcefulness, initiative, and ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development; responds positively to feedback.
• Promotes a knowledge-sharing and learning culture in the office through leadership and personal development.
• English language at the C1-CFRL level or higher. Other foreign languages is a plus
• Desire and ability to work collaboratively and respectfully and inclusively in a diverse, multicultural, multidisciplinary work environment.
• The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Critical Thinking, Creative Thinking, Communication, Teamwork, Client Orientation, Problem Solving, and Decision Making, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, and Team Leadership.

The position is for an initial fixed term of two (2) years, after which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds. CIMMYT’s internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, car, comprehensive health, and life insurance, assistance for children’s education, paid vacation, annual home travel airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.

Candidates must apply online for IRS22143_Donor Relations and Engagement Specialist.

 Screening and follow-up of applications will begin on Monday, November 28^th, 2022. Applications must include a CV and a cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration. For further information on the selection process, please contact Yessica Castillo, at y.castillo@cgiar.org

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

This position will remain open until filled. 

CIMMYT is an equal-opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.