Practice Lead, Data Science

Reports to: Chief Digital Transformation Officer

Location: Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates

Grade: SO7 / CG12

Date Published: 13 May 2025

Closing Date for Applications: 4 June 2025 at 16:00 CEST

About CGIAR

CGIAR is a global research partnership for a foodsecure future. CGIAR science is dedicated to reducing poverty enhancing food and nutrition security and improving natural resources and ecosystem services. Its research is conducted closely with hundreds of partners including national and regional research institutes civil society organizations academia development organizations and the private sector.

About the position

Data is the foundation of scientific innovation and institutional transformation. As CGIAR advances a bold agenda to transform food land and water systems the Practice Lead for Data Science will be responsible for designing and delivering CGIARs institutional data strategyensuring data is findable accessible interoperable and reusable (FAIR) while driving datadriven impact across both science and operations.

CGIARs Digital Transformation Accelerator (DTA) part of its P25 portfolio is driving the digital transformation of CGIAR and its mission. With strong institutional and human capacity the DTA aims to harness the power of ML LLMs and other AI approaches robotics data science and cybersecurity to create global public goods that enable smallholder farmers to benefit from the digital revolution the DTA therefore aims to pave the way for a more equitable sustainable and inclusive transformation of smallholder production systems.

A key enabler of the DTA is strategic partnerships with leading technology companies and experts. The UAE Presidential Court has pledged support for the establishment of a CGIAR AI Hub in Abu Dhabi (Hub). The Hub will provide essential AI data cyber security capacities to CGIARs science programs Centers partners and technology actors offering direct access to key players in the global technology ecosystem. Through collaborations the Hub will codevelop innovations such as agriculturespecific LLMs and computervisionassisted phenotyping approaches.

Based in Abu Dhabi at the Hub and hosted by the UAEs Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) the Practice Lead for Data Science will work at the forefront of CGIARs global data ecosystem transformation. The role will be instrumental in leading CGIARs shift toward federated AIready and usercentric data systemsbridging innovation and inclusion to support science decisionmaking and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Purpose

• Lead the development and implementation of CGIARs institutional data strategies spanning research operations governance and knowledge systems.
• Oversee the design and governance of CGIARs federated data ecosystem ensuring alignment with FAIR principles and enabling AIreadiness across Centers platforms and programs.
• Advance data interoperability and stewardship supporting crossprogram collaboration science delivery and institutional performance.
• Champion responsible data governance ensuring data ethics protection equity and inclusivity are embedded across CGIARs data lifecycle.
• Mobilize partnerships and funding to support CGIARs data transformation agenda working with governments philanthropic actors multilaterals and technology providers.
• Identify communicate and mitigate potential risks associated with institutional data systems and data management in line with the CGIAR System risk management framework.

Engagement

• Work closely with the DTA leadership particularly the data ecosystem area of work to ensure alignment of datarelated investments strategies and governance models across CGIARs science and enabling functions.
• Advise and support research programs and accelerators to codevelop and scale dataintensive solutions and decisionsupport tools aligned with CGIARs 2030 Research and Innovation Strategy.
• Collaborate with ATRC the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and CGIARs global network of Digital Transformation Hubs contributing to publicgood data infrastructure standards development and frontier data innovation.
• Represent CGIAR in global data and digital transformation fora contributing to shaping global norms and thought leadership in open responsible and impactdriven data systems.

Delivery

• Establish and lead a CGIARwide Data Science Function and Community of Practice fostering best practices capability building and standardization in data science analytics and infrastructure management.
• Ensure the timely implementation of the CGIARs institutional data strategyincluding the development of workplans and budgets
• Strengthen internal data capabilities for operational excellence including integration with enterprise resource planning (ERP) human resources information systems and Monitoring Evaluation Learning and Impact Assessment (MELIA) platforms enabling evidencebased decisionmaking across functions such as MELIA Finance People and Culture (P&C) and Strategic Planning.

Education and Experience

• Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in Data Science Information Systems Statistics Computer Science or a related discipline with a focus on data architecture governance or applied analytics.
• Minimum 10 years of experience leading institutional or programmatic data strategies and platforms ideally in research publicgood or international development organizations.
• Proven track record in building and managing complex data ecosystems and driving dataenabled innovation across disciplines and functions.
• Strong understanding of FAIR data principles data governance frameworks and digital public infrastructure.
• Experience working with low and middleincome countries including knowledge of equity access and capacity challenges in digital transformation.

Key Competencies

• Leadership skills with the ability to bridge data technology science and institutional strategy.
• Deep expertise in data architecture standards platforms governance and analytics.
• Strategic thinking and delivery orientation with strong program management and organizational change skills.
• Excellent interpersonal facilitation and communication skills capable of engaging diverse stakeholders from scientists to policymakers.
• Ability to develop and lead highperforming crossfunctional teams in multicultural and distributed environments.
• Strong commitment to inclusivity responsible data practices and publicgood data innovation.

Language

• Fluency in English is required.
• Proficiency in Arabic French or other UN languages is desirable.

The successful candidate will be employed by the CGIAR System Organization.

The CGIAR System Organization is an equal opportunity employer and offers competitive compensation with favorable taxation arrangements and subject to eligibility comprehensive employee benefits comprising extensive insurance coverage a retirement plan an education grant and relocation support at the start of the appointment and upon conclusion of appointment for staff members and eligible dependents.

System Organization appointments are typically for a fixed term of three years with a possibility of renewal subject to effective performance operational needs and funding.

Submitting Your Application

All applications must be submitted online by clicking the Apply button below. If you require assistance or face challenges in submitting your application please email with the position title in the subject line. Please note we will not accept applications through this email.

Please ensure that your resume and cover letter are in English and do not contain your marital status age or photograph. Documents provided in a language other than English will not be considered.

CGIAR is committed to fair safe and inclusive workplaces. We believe that diversity powers our innovation contributes to our excellence and is critical for our mission. We offer a multicultural multicolor multigenerational and multidisciplinary collegial working environment with a competitive salary excellent benefits and flexible working arrangements. We consciously create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character and commitment to gender equity. We therefore encourage applicants from all cultures races ethnicities religions sexes national or regional origins ages disability status sexual orientations and gender identities. If you require accommodation due to a disability please email your request to and include Diversity and Inclusion Accommodation in the subject line.

All received applications will be acknowledged; however only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

We look forward to hearing from you!