AVRDC – The World Vegetable Center is a non-profit, autonomous international agricultural research center with headquarters in Taiwan and regional offices around the globe.

AVRDC conducts research and development programs that contribute to improved incomes and diets in the developing world through increased production and consumption of safe vegetables. For more information on AVRDC - The World Vegetable Center, please visit our website: http://www.avrdc.org.

The Center seeks a Regional Director for its Asian Regional Center (ARC), located at Kasetsart University in Bangkok, Thailand with a research and training facility located at the university’s Kamphaeng Saen campus. ARC coordinates the Center’s research and development activities in East and Southeast Asia.

The Job: The Regional Director is primarily responsible for managing the research and development activities of ARC in the context of Center’s vision and strategic plans. The Regional Director will provide dynamic leadership in the region to expand the research and development activities, to increase adoption of existing and new technologies and to enhance the Center’s impact in the region.

The Regional Director will ensure the financial health of ARC, for which project funds are the primary source of support. In this regard, the Regional Director must initiate, develop and produce research, training and development proposals in collaboration with staff in the region and at the Center’s headquarters, national agricultural research systems, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations. The Regional Director must also work closely with scientists outside the region who are developing proposals which will be implemented or have impact in East and Southeast Asia.

The Regional Director will implement the funded projects efficiently and effectively to reach project goals and will work closely with Principal Investigators to ensure maximum impact.

The Regional Director reports to the Deputy Director General - Research.

The Regional Director will manage the personnel, research and fiscal portfolio of ARC as per Center’s strategic direction and policies, and in consultation with the Center’s Management and Global Theme Leaders. The Regional Director will maintain strong and cordial relationships with the host institution and countries within the region; prepare three-year rolling plans annually in consultation with Center's Management for integration into the Medium-Term Plan; facilitate exchange of germplasm, technology and information among the countries in the region and the Headquarters; prepare project reports for submission to donors; prepare annual research and financial reports; supervise implementation of the training program; organize conferences, workshops, and facilitate organization of meetings for regional projects as required; recruit and appoint local ARC staff, and undertake other activities assigned by the Deputy Director General - Research.

The Person: Applicants must have a Ph.D. in an agricultural science and at least 10 years of management experience with demonstrated capacity for leadership in a decentralized, multidisciplinary, project-based environment.

Demonstrated success in proposal preparation and project management are essential. Work experience in East or Southeast Asia and experience with tropical vegetable production will be an advantage. Proficiency in written and oral English is required.


The Reward: This is an Internationally Recruited Staff (IRS) position with competitive pay and benefits. The initial appointment is for three years and may be extended depending on requirement, funding availability, and performance of the incumbent. The position will be available on or before 1 January 2009.


How to Apply: Submit a letter of application with Curriculum vitae, a recent passport size photograph, names and addresses (including telephone/fax/e-mail) of three referees and date of availability.

Please send applications stating the job title by e-mail to human.resources@worldveg.org, before 31st July 2009.