About ACIAR

ACIAR's diverse, high quality program of collaborative research, development and training, focused on the Asia-Pacific region, contributes to the goals of the Australian aid program and cultivates Australia's research strengths. ACIAR's program is developed and implemented in close collaboration with relevant Australian government agencies, especially AusAID and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, overseas and Australian research partners. Operating under the ACIAR Act 1982, ACIAR is part of Australia's development assistance program, fostering international agricultural research and development partnerships that will result in more sustainable agricultural systems, higher incomes and strengthened food security, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. ACIAR's headquarters is located in Bruce (Canberra). Further information on our current projects, programs and priorities can be found on our website at www.aciar.gov.au.

About the Position

The purpose of the Cropping Systems and Economics (CSE) program is to utilise collaborative R&D partnerships to improve food security through enhanced productivity and sustainability of field crop farming systems through biophysical and economic research and development in developing countries and Australia.

The position has responsibility for developing and overseeing a major proposed program with a food security focus in Africa, and managing a portfolio of research and development projects commissioned by ACIAR in crop management and farming systems economics and in related areas. The projects involve research institutions in Australia, developing countries and International Agricultural Research Centres within ACIAR's mandate area. The position also plays a wider corporate role including peer review of ACIAR projects, advice on economics and public policy issues, contribution to submissions and reviews, and contribution to internal committees.

This position is one of a team of senior research managers who share similar responsibilities, and have direct linkages and accountability to ACIAR's Executive. The position will work in a small team of Research Program Managers, supported by program assistants at the APS 4 level.

Duties:

Manage ACIAR's Cropping Systems and Economics program and contribute to ACIAR corporate activities through the following duties:

1. Have a leadership role in the design and implementation of a major new initiative on food security in eastern and southern Africa.
2. Contribute to initiatives in food security in rice-based farming systems in South and South-East Asia.
3. Synthesise literature relevant to ACIAR's mandate and periodically publish in peer reviewed journals.
4. Manage field cropping systems, agronomy and related farming systems economics and related activities in selected countries.
5. Research program management responsibilities through:
   • Identification, assessment and prioritisation of problems and needs in a systems context in designated ACIAR partner countries and the extent to which these can be addressed through scientific research, particularly where Australian expertise can contribute.
   • Development, implementation, monitoring, review and evaluation of the programs by:
     * producing original and innovative ideas for projects which involve research, development and capacity building in priority areas;
     * assisting in the preparation and appraising proposals for R&D projects;
     * having a key role in developing the technical basis of contracts for projects;
     * coordinating and monitoring progress of implementation of projects;
     * managing budget and reporting aspects of the program in a competent and timely manner; and
     * analysing and evaluating the results of research in programs and projects, and identifying initiatives for the extension of project results to end-users.
     
   • As required, interact with other ACIAR program areas to develop multi-disciplinary projects and/or project clusters to address identified high priority issues.
6. Corporate representational and management responsibilities through:
   • Maintaining effective liaison and communication with ACIAR's clients and representation of ACIAR as required.
   • Contribution to peer review of ACIAR and related projects, provision of economics advice, contribution to submissions and reviews, and contribution to internal committees.
   • Supervision of program support staff in accordance with ACIAR's Collective Agreement, Government policy and overarching legislation. Contribution to corporate development of ACIAR by assisting in the induction, training and mentoring of staff.