Practice Lead, Data Science

Job description

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 food-secure 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 CGIAR's institutional data strategy—ensuring data is findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR), while driving data-driven impact across both science and operations.

CGIAR's Digital Transformation Accelerator (DTA), part of its P25 portfolio, is driving the digital transformation of CGIAR and it's 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 small-holder 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 CGIAR's science programs, Centers, partners, and technology actors, offering direct access to key players in the global technology ecosystem.

Through collaborations, the Hub will co-develop innovations such as, agriculture-specific LLMs and computer-vision-assisted phenotyping approaches.

Based in Abu Dhabi at the Hub and hosted by the UAE's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), the Practice Lead for Data Science will work at the forefront of CGIAR's global data ecosystem transformation.

The role will be instrumental in leading CGIAR's shift toward federated, AI-ready, and user-centric data systems—bridging innovation and inclusion to support science, decision-making, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Purpose

• Lead the development and implementation of CGIAR's institutional data strategies, spanning research, operations, governance, and knowledge systems.
  
  
• Oversee the design and governance of CGIAR's federated data ecosystem, ensuring alignment with FAIR principles and enabling AI-readiness across Centers, platforms, and programs.
  
  
• Advance data, interoperability, and stewardship, supporting cross-program collaboration, science delivery, and institutional performance.
  
  
• Champion responsible data governance, ensuring data ethics, protection, equity, and inclusivity are embedded across CGIAR's data lifecycle.
  
  
• Mobilize partnerships and funding to support CGIAR's 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

Delivery

Requirements

Education and Experience

Key Competencies

Language

Benefits

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 multi-cultural, multi-color, multi-generational, and multi-disciplinary, 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

Required Skill Profession

Other General