# Senior Portfolio Manager > CGIAR · Nairobi, Kenya · Full-time · Posted 2026-11-12 **Workplace:** on_site **Department:** CGIAR System Organization ## Description **Location:** Nairobi, Kenya **Date Published: 12** November 2026 **Closing Date for Applications:** 3 December at 6pm CET. ![](https://workablehr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/photos/336403/c242519d7387078b4d94d65261a086ee.jpg) ### **About CGIAR** CGIAR has an ambitious agenda to deliver science and innovation and advance the transformation of food, land, and water systems to deliver diverse, healthy, safe, sufficient, and affordable diets, and ensure improved livelihoods and greater social equality. CGIAR operates as a matrix with each Center having its own governance and leadership structure operating alongside the integrated governance and leadership arrangements of CGIAR as a whole.  **About the position** The CGIAR System Organization’s [Office of the Chief Scientist](https://www.cgiar.org/global-science-team#Office+of+the+Chief+Scientist) enables the CGIAR Integrated Partnership to work together to deliver relevant and impactful science and innovations. Working closely with [CGIAR Centers](https://www.cgiar.org/our-centers-across-world), our shared [Programs and Accelerators](https://www.cgiar.org/cgiar-research-portfolio-2025-2030#Programs+and+Accelerators), and other [System Organization](https://www.cgiar.org/system-organization) teams under the leadership of the [CGIAR Chief Scientist](https://www.cgiar.org/profile/sandra-cristina-kothe-milach), we look after: - CGIAR’s shared science and innovation [Strategy](https://cgspace.cgiar.org/items/f5fb41f0-6ea8-4583-b96d-b72a3fc96187) and [Portfolio](https://www.cgiar.org/cgiar-research-portfolio-2025-2030); - science and innovation planning, adaptive management, and budgets; - monitoring and reporting on our performance and results; and - engagement with our governance, assurance, and advisory bodies. Alongside pooled funding from CGIAR Trust Fund Windows 1 and 2 (W1/2) towards CGIAR’s Programs and Accelerators; the Office of the Chief Scientist enables the effective supervision and management of bilaterally funded activities where the System Organization acts as financing, implementing, or oversight entity; aiming to unlock additional, diversified resources in support of CGIAR science and innovations. These include current and future projects overseen by the System Organization as an accredited entity to mechanisms such as the [Green Climate Fund (GCF)](https://www.google.com/goto?url=CAESYAHrOzAV2eYtUEvrfqP7gQA_ih8dYmZkJgcZ-R1mkaeHJIuntIySmEvvtmjpEGpjNzb2rXXEpua0rjUXptL5_wzJlu43VQ13DuYmluaDPBs6JjhUMxm7ldEC4Oe2c0ot3g) and the [Fund for responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD)](https://www.google.com/goto?url=CAESTQHrOzAVDkgDA8r6G3c5YOe5zCZZ9mjVWPuVq2Dhk9A-5uR6kCxGGFbh1JaaFkVBaUNvaCnhGCqeZ8Z5GkMw8vQZIZKFgMJed9fiBR2N). As a member of the Office of the Chief Scientist; and in close collaboration with other teams across the Office and the System Organization, Programs and Accelerators, as well as CGIAR Centers and partners; the Senior Portfolio Manager provides overall coordination and management of the portfolio of System Organization-led bilaterally funded activities. The Senior Portfolio Manager reports to the Practice Lead, Program Delivery and Special Advisor to the CGIAR Chief Scientist. ### **Duties and Responsibilities** **1.      Create an enabling environment for effective delivery** -  Lead the design, implementation, and continuous review and improvement of frameworks, policies, procedures, guidelines, systems, and tools to enable the effective approval, delivery, oversight, as well as performance management of System Organization-led bilaterally funded activities. - Contribute to the upstream opportunity analysis for and identification and design of System Organization-led bilaterally funded activities as part of the System Organization’s institutional pre-award process. -  Seek internal alignment, synergies, and shared learning across relevant CGIAR and System Organization functions, internal rules, systems, and tools in support of a culture of accountability, transparency, and excellence. **2.      Ensure responsiveness to and compliance with organizational commitments and funder requirements** - Ensure compliance with relevant CGIAR, System Organization, and funder-specific rules and contractual terms for System Organization-led bilaterally funded activities by project teams. - Provide effective and timely engagement with funders, independent evaluators, and auditors on System Organization-led bilaterally funded activities and coordinate actions in response to external and independent recommendations. - Lead the development and submission of the System Organization’s institutional responses to funder surveys and compliance reviews – e.g. under the GCF’s updated monitoring and accountability framework. **3.      Engage with partners and stakeholders to drive effective delivery** - Lead the System Organization’s engagement with CGIAR Centers and other executing partners in connection with System Organization-led bilaterally funded activities. - Ensure effective and timely upstream partner identification and due diligence. - During implementation, provide continuous supervision of System Organization-led bilaterally funded activities and work with executing partners to identify and address emerging opportunities and risks. **4.      Manage for performance and impact** - Provide end-to-end performance and results management of System Organization-led bilaterally funded activities. - Ensure that System Organization and funder-specific monitoring, reporting, and performance management requirements are met on time and to agreed standards for all System Organization-led bilaterally funded activities. - Enable the effective collection, management, and use of data, information, and insights from System Organization-led bilaterally funded activities in support of learning and decision-making. **5.      Promote learning and capacity sharing** - Facilitate continuous learning and capacity sharing on System Organization-led bilaterally funded activities across System Organization teams, CGIAR Centers, and external executing partners. - Seek regular stakeholder feedback and ensure the continuous review and improvement of relevant internal rules, systems, tools, and practices for the coordination and management of System Organization-led bilaterally funded activities. ## Requirements _**Education**_ - Advanced degree (Master’s or equivalent) in project management, economics, international development, public administration, or a related field _**Experience**_ - Extensive experience and expertise in portfolio coordination and/or project management in an international applied research or development context. - Experience and understanding of relevant development and climate finance mechanisms and their policies, procedures, and practices; e.g. the GCF and the FRLD - A demonstrated track record of managerial and technical leadership in a diverse, geographically dispersed setting - Proven ability to design, roll out, and oversee the effective implementation of organizational policies, procedures, guidelines, and systems in an international organization and/or multi-stakeholder partnership setting - Proven ability to influence, persuade, advocate, and align across organizations, teams, and people with diverse views - Excellent interpersonal skills and a track record of effective communication, convening, and facilitation in a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary context _**Languages**_ - Fluency in English is essential to communicate in writing and speaking. - A working knowledge of French is an advantage. **Term of Employment** **Reports to:** Practice Lead, Program Delivery and Special Advisor to the Chief Scientist **Grade:** CG11 ## Benefits The selected staff member will be offered terms and conditions commensurate with the grade of the position ### Submitting Your Application 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 recruitment@cgiar.org 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. 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 offer a multicultural, multigenerational, and multidisciplinary working environment, with a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and flexible working arrangements. We are intentional about creating an inclusive organization that reflects our global character and our commitment to gender equity. 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 smo-hr@cgiar.org 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. If you face challenges in submitting your application, please email SMO-HR@cgiar.org with the position title in the subject line. ## Apply [Apply at CGIAR](https://apply.workable.com/cgiar/j/940D5E2D3F/apply) --- Powered by [Workable](https://www.workable.com)