Director of the Secretariat to the Collaborative – Sustainable Agri-food and Nutrition

Director of the Secretariat to the Collaborative – Sustainable Agri-food and NutritionPart Time / Full TimeMcGill University is seeking an accomplished and strategic leader to serve as the Director of the Secretariat for the Nutrition and Sustainable Agri-food Collaborative. This critical role involves overseeing the management, implementation, and growth of the Collaborative’s programs, particularly those focused on fostering sustainable and inclusive agri-food practices in sub-Saharan Africa.Reporting to the Executive Director, Strategic Integration, in the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice-President (Academic), the Director will lead a team of 6-8 professionals responsible for strategic planning, financial management, reporting, communications, and program execution. The Director will ensure alignment with the Collaborative’s strategic outcomes, which include promoting climate-smart agri-food practices, expanding access to inclusive education, and nurturing youth-driven entrepreneurial ventures in the agri-food ecosystem.Key Responsibilities:Leadership & Governance: Implement and manage the governance structures of the Collaborative, including setting up standing committees, defining terms of reference, and facilitating meetings of the Executive Steering Committee.Program Oversight: Direct the planning and execution of initiatives aimed at promoting experiential learning and innovation in agri-food practices, with a focus on community-based action research in sub-Saharan Africa. Ensure that programs support inclusive learning opportunities for young people, including women, refugees, and individuals with disabilities.Strategic Collaboration: Cultivate relationships with partner institutions across sub-Saharan Africa to strengthen local education ecosystems, enhance capacity-building, and support youth entrepreneurship. Act as a liaison between McGill University and its African partners to facilitate knowledge transfer and expand McGill’s engagement in the region.Financial Management: Oversee the financial management of the Collaborative, including the review of quarterly financial reports from sub-awardee institutions, ensuring compliance with grant requirements and managing complex, multi-year budgets.Monitoring & Evaluation: Develop and implement robust mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating program outcomes. Oversee staff based in Africa to ensure alignment with the Collaborative’s goals and effective integration with McGill’s global initiatives.Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with various university units such as University Advancement, Communications, and Financial Services to meet partnership agreements. Provide strategic advice to McGill leadership and Collaborative partners on program governance, deliverables, and potential expansion opportunities.Team Management: Lead and manage a diverse team, fostering an inclusive environment that promotes professional growth and collaboration. Ensure staff are equipped with the skills and expertise needed to achieve the Collaborative’s objectives.Experience and Qualifications:At least 8 years of senior management experience, ideally within a university or non-profit setting. Significant experience with partnership development in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in higher education or the nutrition and agri-food sectors.In-depth understanding of the cultures, business practices, and entrepreneurial landscape of sub-Saharan Africa. Experience working with local stakeholders and navigating the complexities of international collaborations.Demonstrated political acuity, with the ability to build consensus among diverse groups. Strong leadership and team-building skills, with a proven track record of managing staff and working collaboratively with senior academic and administrative personnel.Excellent proficiency in English. Conversational French.Availability to travel twice a year, with a commitment to principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Experience in gender inclusion programming and grant management is an asset. #J-18808-Ljbffr