Independent Board Member - CGIAR

Call for Expressions of Interest: Independent Board Member – CGIAR

Are you a globally respected leader with the vision, integrity, and diplomatic capability to guide the world’s largest, publicly funded agrifood research partnership?

CGIAR is seeking expressions of interest for the role of Independent Board Member with the experience and attributes to serve as Chair of the Board to lead its governance with strategic foresight, independence, and a deep commitment to global public good.

Date Published: 9 March 2026

Closing Date for Applications: 6 April 2026 at 9:00 CEST.

About the Role

The Independent Board Member will provide inclusive and decisive leadership to the CGIAR Board, ensuring effective governance, strategic clarity, and accountability across a complex, multi-country, federated organization.

This is a unique opportunity to help shape global responses to the most pressing challenges of our time — including climate change, food security, sustainable agriculture, and resilient science ecosystems.

Why This Role Matters

CGIAR’s ambition is a food-secure and climate-resilient future that leaves no one behind. We operate through 15 Research Centers, across more than 70 countries, and have close to 9,000 staff. Our impact is made possible by collaboration with over 3,000 partners.

Levels of hunger and malnutrition are continuing to rise in many parts of the world. Without urgent action, many more lives and livelihoods will be lost. Many of the 500 million small-scale producers who provide a third of the world’s food on 83% of the world’s farms are affected. With science, we can co-design the innovations they need to produce more and better food with fewer resources, adapt to the changing environment, and protect natural resources.

At a time of profound global change, CGIAR plays a critical role in strengthening food systems, advancing climate resilience, and supporting sustainable development worldwide. The Board Chair will help ensure that CGIAR remains bold in ambition, rigorous in governance, and united in purpose.

Requirements

The Ideal Candidate Will Bring

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Experience leading complex, multi-country, federated organizations
• Proven experience as a Board Chair or Board Committee Chair is essential.
• A strategic mindset with the ability to guide long-term institutional direction
• Strong strategic financial oversight capabilities

Sector Expertise

A background in international development is particularly desirable in areas such as:

• Science, technology, and innovation
• Digital transformation
• Climate, agriculture, food systems, or science ecosystems

Partnerships & Global Engagement

• Experience in partnership development, private sector and government relations , including engagement at the science–policy interface
• Demonstrated success in resource mobilization, advocacy, and communications
• Awareness of geopolitical developments and global policy dynamics

Governance & Risk

• Expertise in risk management , including environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations
• Strong grounding in ethics and business conduct
• Commitment to sound governance frameworks and accountability

Organizational Leadership

• Experience in people management, organizational culture, and change management
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion at Board and institutional levels

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Exceptional political acumen and diplomatic capability
• High personal integrity and independence
• Humble, servant leadership mind-set with the ability to build consensus
• Clear, diplomatic communication and excellent conflict resolution skills
• An inclusive leadership style that is decisive when required

Benefits

Further details regarding the appointment process, remuneration, term, and time commitment will be provided to shortlisted candidates. The closing date is 9am CEST on Monday 6 April 2026.

Submitting Your Application

Distinguished leaders who meet the above criteria are invited to submit an expression of interest via including:

• A cover letter outlining suitability and motivation
• A current CV with details of Board-level experience

All applications must be submitted online by clicking the “Apply” button below. If you require assistance or encounter any issues when submitting your application, please contact [email protected] and include the position title in the subject line. Please note that applications sent to this email address will not be considered.

Please ensure that your resume and cover letter are in English and do not include your marital status, age, or photograph. Documents submitted in any language other than English will not be reviewed.

Shape the future of global food, climate, and science systems leadership.
We welcome expressions of interest from candidates reflecting the diversity of the global communities CGIAR serves.

CGIAR is committed to building fair, safe, and inclusive workplaces. We believe that diversity drives innovation, strengthens excellence, and is fundamental to our mission.

We therefore encourage applications from individuals of all cultures, races, ethnicities, religions, national or regional origins, ages, disability statuses, sexual orientations, and gender identities. If you require an accommodation due to a disability, please email [email protected] with “Diversity and Inclusion Accommodation” in the subject line.

Candidates should ensure that all communications with CGIAR are sent only to email addresses ending in cgiar.org. CGIAR staff will never charge fees or request payment from candidates at any stage of the recruitment process.