The Deputy Director – Research and Development will assist the Director of Research and Development (DRD) in leading the research team in developing, prioritizing and implementing high-quality, actionable research and providing technical support for delivery and scaling. This position is located at the Institute’s headquarters in Benguérir, Morocco and reports to the DRD.

Major Responsibilities:

1. Collaborate with the DRD to define R&D priorities, guidelines, standard operating procedures, research integrity, and other relevant processes supporting the operationalization of APNI’s strategic plan.
2. Assist to manage our multidisciplinary research staff, provide advice and relevant guidance and information, and ensure that the institutional priorities are clear and understood.
3. Lead and support institutional staff in developing and publishing quality peer-reviewed journal articles, manuscripts and other technical publications to enhance APNI’s scientific credibility.
4. Build strong relationships and effective communication with other research groups, higher education Institutions, research consortiums, networks and other external organizations to enhance research capacity and capability.
5. Support the implementation of activities for disseminating research findings to influence scaling of practices, investments and policies.
6. Assist the Director for Operations, DRD and Director of Business Development and Partnership in overseeing APNI’s research budget
7. Contribute to the development of APNI’s MELIA framework, and monitor research performance within the framework of the Institute’s strategic plan to enhance the effectiveness and competitiveness of the R&D endeavors of APNI.
8. Identify appropriate research partners/cooperators, including placing and overseeing research grants, monitoring projects and securing annual results.
9. Assist in compiling and finalizing periodic research reports for submission to donors, APNI’s Scientific Advisory Committee, and the Board of Directors.
10. Communicate research outputs through research summaries, and converting research results into information that benefits farmers, agricultural and environmental leaders, public policy makers, and agribusiness.
11. Develop and facilitate high quality agronomic training and educational programs directed to farmers, extension workers, students, researchers, fertilizer industry agronomists, and NGOs.
12. Support the Communications Group with the farm press, social media, Institute publications and websites, and maintain and update our research database.
13. Work in conjunction with the Business Development and Partnership group to identify emerging business opportunities, develop or assist in writing research project proposals and solicit outside funding through writing grant applications.
14. Contribute to developing and strengthening collaborative research and academic programs with the University Mohammed VI Polytechnic.
15. Represent and promote APNI’s interests at high-level meeting and conferences.
16. Demonstrate the highest standards of integrity and ethics in the conduct of APNI business and representation at all times, and perform other tasks as assigned by the Director General.