About IFDC

IFDC is a public international organization active in 27 countries in Africa, Asia, and America. IFDC uniquely approaches the global issues of food security and poverty by bridging the gap between research and impact, combining science-based innovations, holistic market systems development, an enabling policy environment, and strategic partnerships to assist farmers and countries to identify and scale sustainable agricultural solutions, including improved nutrient use efficiency. These approaches are needed to boost soil health and crop productivity while reducing the environmental impact of fertilizer use. IFDC translates research into action by using locally driven, environmentally sound, and impact-oriented solutions. With our partners, we seek to close the yield gap, eradicate global hunger, safeguard the soil on which our lives depend, and generate economic resilience for farming households and the countries in which they live.

Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership

• Provide vision and leadership in establishing LIFe-US as the premier U.S. center for fertilizer innovation;
• Align research and innovation priorities with U.S. national food security, environmental, and economic growth agendas;
• Foster multi-disciplinary collaboration among academia, industry, policymakers, and farmers.

2. Scientific and Technical Leadership

• Manage LIFe-US multidisciplinary research staff, provide advice and relevant guidance and information, and ensure that the institutional priorities are clear and understood;
• Oversee cutting-edge R&D in enhanced-efficiency fertilizers (EEFs), bio stimulants, AI-driven nutrient management, soil health, and circular economy solutions;
• Ensure excellence in laboratory infrastructure, research methodologies, and compliance with safety and environmental standards;
• Contribute to the development of LIFe’s MELs framework and monitor research performance within the framework of the Institute’s new strategic plan to enhance the effectiveness and competitiveness of the R&D endeavors of IFDC;
• Lead and support institutional staff in developing and publishing quality peer-reviewed journal articles, manuscripts and other technical publications to enhance IFDC’s scientific credibility.

3. Partnerships and Resource Mobilization

• Build and manage partnerships with U.S. universities, USDA, industry leaders, farmer organizations, and philanthropic foundations;
• Mobilize financial and technical resources through federal, state, private sector, and philanthropic channels;
• Represent LIFe-US and IFDC in national and international forums on fertilizer innovation and sustainable agriculture.

4. Policy, Outreach, and Advocacy

• Provide evidence-based policy recommendations to improve the fertilizer industry ecosystem and farmer profitability;
• Contribute to national and state-level policy dialogues on fertilizer innovation, soil health, and sustainability;
• Promote LIFe-US as a trusted platform linking science, policy, and markets.

5. Institutional Management

• Lead and manage a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and administrative staff;
• Develop and monitor annual work plans, budgets, and performance indicators;
• Compile and finalize periodic research reports for submission to donors, IFDC Research and Program Committee, and the Board of Directors;
• Ensure accountability, transparency, and effective communication across the consortium;
• Mentor the next generation of U.S. fertilizer scientists and agribusiness professionals.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, Plant Nutrition, Chemical/Process Engineering, or related agricultural/environmental sciences;
• Minimum 15 years of progressively responsible experience in fertilizer research, innovation, or industry, including at least 7 years in senior leadership roles;
• Proven track record in developing and managing large-scale R&D programs, research facilities, or innovation centers;
• Strong understanding of U.S. and global fertilizer industry trends, nutrient management practices, and emerging innovations;
• Demonstrated capacity to mobilize resources (federal/state funding, private sector partnerships, philanthropy);
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and communication skills to engage high-level stakeholders across academia, government, and private sector;
• Experience in policy engagement with USDA, state governments, and other allied organization in U.S. on agriculture/energy/food security;
• Experience working in or with the fertilizer industry (manufacturing, R&D, or commercialization);
• Expertise in precision agriculture, AI/data analytics, and sustainability assessment;
• International exposure and collaboration with global R&D institutions, multilateral agencies, or innovation networks;
• Familiarity with U.S. research and innovation funding mechanisms;
• Experience in establishing public-private partnerships and fostering innovation ecosystems (startups, incubators, accelerators);
• Recognized publications, patents, or innovations in fertilizer science, soil health, or sustainable agriculture.

Reporting and Work Relationships

The Director Fertilizer Innovation Center reports to the Vice President Research - Chief Scientist.

Location

This is a national recruitment with a duty station at the IFDC office based in Muscle Shoals & Dothan, Alabama, USA (with travel to consortium universities, and international partners).

Benefits

IFDC's benefits include annual and sick leave, health and group life insurance coverage, a 13th-month salary, social security and pension contribution in compliance with local laws and end-of-contract benefits.

Salary Clause

The salary grade for this position is BG 11 with an annual salary of USD 111,800.

The determination of new employee salaries considers numerous factors. These include the salary range linked to the assigned job grade, the candidate's qualifications in relation to the job's responsibilities and prerequisites, internal fairness, the competitive state of the job market, as well as potential organizational and budgetary considerations.

Diversity Clause

IFDC is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe in the value of bringing together people with a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. All employment decisions at IFDC are made on the basis of ability, performance, and organizational need, in alignment with our values of fairness, respect, and opportunity for all.

About Program/Project

The Laboratory of Innovations for Fertilizers in the United States (LIFe-US) is a flagship initiative led by IFDC to strengthen U.S. leadership in fertilizer science, technology, and innovation. Building on Alabama’s global legacy in fertilizer innovation, LIFe-US will establish state-of-the-art research and innovation hubs in Muscle Shoals and Dothan in consortium with U.S. universities, industry, and government agencies. The Director will provide strategic, scientific, and operational leadership to LIFe-US, ensuring it delivers on its mission to accelerate innovation in fertilizers and plant nutrition, enhance U.S. agricultural competitiveness, and strengthen food and national security while advancing sensible environmental stewardship.

Required Skills

Required Experience

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability and/or physical demands required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Ability to communicate effectively in English language, both verbally and in writing with customers and employees of the organization.

Ability to read and interpret documents such as instructions, correspondence, memos, safety rules, and procedure manuals.

Mathematical aptitude to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, set priorities and manage time effectively.

Strong customer orientation with excellent interpersonal communication skills.

Customer focus and adaptability to different personality communication styles.

Strong analytical and problem solving skills.

Must be able to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

Detail oriented with excellent organizational skills.

Working knowledge of computer operating system.

Strong knowledge of manufacturer’s warranties and policies; and demonstrated ability to sell.

Ability to adapt and remain calm under pressure in a fast paced, changing environment.

Ability to show compassion/empathy to internal and external customers.

Ability to serve a constant stream of customers.

Ability to deal with angry or frustrated customers, or customers who may not fully understand their situation. Ability to deal with people in an uplifting manner; ability to solve problems; ability to be a quick thinker, research and troubleshoot.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Regularly sit while answering phones and stand when talking to a customer in person. Regularly use hands and fingers to handle, control or feel object tools or controls; regularly repeat the same movements when entering data; regularly speak clearly so listeners can understand; regularly understand the speech of another person; frequently focus on one source of sound and ignore others. Normal amount of sitting or standing, average mobility to move around an office environment, able to conduct normal amount of work at a computer. May sit or stand for an extended period of time depending on the task being performed; uses hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs when inspecting merchandise. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

OTHER DUTIES

---

Please note this job description is not designated to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.