The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization at the forefront of solving tomorrow’s agricultural challenges today. With a mission to improve the livelihoods of millions of resource-poor farmers, CIMMYT leverages cutting-edge agricultural science, fosters global partnerships, and builds climate-resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agrifood systems.
Our work focuses on strengthening food security, increasing crop productivity, and enhancing agricultural resilience across the Global South. We strive to build stronger, science-led farming systems through our research and partnerships across borders.
As part of our continued mission to drive global agricultural impact, CIMMYT is seeking a seasoned and dynamic individual for the position of Manager – Global Mobility & IRS Management. This critical role will lead the organization’s global mobility strategy and ensure a compliant, efficient, and strategically aligned approach to managing our internationally mobile workforce.
Refer to the attached PDF for more information and detailed insights.
Position: Manager – Global Mobility & IRS Management – Nairobi
Location: Global (with international scope)
Duration: Fixed term – three (3) years, renewable subject to performance and funding
Reference Code: IRS25118_Global Mobility and IRS Manager
Start of Screening: May 12, 2025
Application Status: Open until filled
Job Overview
As the Manager – Global Mobility & IRS Management, you will be responsible for developing and overseeing CIMMYT’s global mobility framework. Your role will be key in ensuring that international assignments are efficiently managed, compliant with labor laws and international regulations, and support CIMMYT’s overarching global strategy. You’ll play a strategic role in refining processes, ensuring policy alignment, and managing a seamless mobility experience for international staff and their families.
Key Responsibilities
1. Leadership & Global Mobility Strategy
- Develop and lead a comprehensive global mobility strategy aligned with CIMMYT’s international mission and talent requirements.
- Act as a key advisor to HR and organizational leadership on trends, risks, and best practices related to global mobility.
- Design cost-effective and scalable policies for short-term and long-term international staff deployments.
- Continuously monitor industry developments to enhance CIMMYT’s competitiveness in global talent attraction.
2. End-to-End Assignment Management
- Manage the full international assignment lifecycle, including relocation, onboarding, insurance, payroll, compliance, and offboarding.
- Collaborate with recruitment teams to ensure smooth transitions for internationally hired employees.
- Enhance the international employee experience by ensuring high-quality service throughout the assignment duration.
- Drive process improvement and adopt technologies to streamline assignment workflows.
3. Policy Design, Risk Management, and Compliance
- Develop and implement global mobility policies that comply with immigration, tax, and labor laws in both host and home countries.
- Conduct policy reviews and develop training materials for internal stakeholders.
- Maintain compliance with audit, legal, and donor requirements across jurisdictions.
- Stay current on mobility regulations and update internal processes accordingly.
4. Stakeholder Engagement and Vendor Management
- Serve as the escalation point for complex international HR matters including immigration, tax, and labor concerns.
- Foster and manage partnerships with relocation and mobility service vendors.
- Promote internal collaboration and foster continuous improvement with globally mobile employees and HR teams.
5. Data Management & Systems Oversight
- Ensure integrity and accuracy of mobility records in CIMMYT’s HR systems.
- Leverage data analytics to monitor program effectiveness, costs, and satisfaction levels.
- Identify opportunities for automation and digital transformation within global mobility operations.
6. Team Leadership & Capability Building
- Manage and mentor the global mobility team to deliver high-quality service.
- Foster a culture of innovation, learning, and excellence in customer service.
- Set performance objectives and coach the team toward meeting departmental and organizational goals.
- Promote strategic thinking and global HR acumen within the team.
Candidate Profile
Education:
- Master’s degree in Human Resources, International Business, Law, or a related discipline.
Experience:
- 10–15 years of progressive experience in HR, with at least 8 years in global mobility and international assignment management.
- Proven leadership in managing international HR programs in multicultural settings.
- Strong background in international assignee administration, relocations, and cross-border compliance.
Skills & Attributes:
- Strong understanding of international labor laws, expatriate taxation, immigration rules, and compensation frameworks.
- Exceptional interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, influence, and collaborate across regions and teams.
- Fluent in English; Spanish is an added advantage.
- Strategic, detail-oriented, and proactive in identifying solutions.
Core Competencies:
- Global HR leadership and strategic thinking
- International compliance and policy development
- Employee experience management
- Risk mitigation and change management
- Analytical decision-making and systems optimization
- Vendor and stakeholder management
Why Work with CIMMYT?
CIMMYT offers an opportunity to work at the intersection of science, innovation, and social impact. You will join a team of passionate experts making a real difference in global food systems. This position offers the chance to directly shape global HR strategy, impact employee experiences across continents, and contribute to one of the world’s most respected agricultural research organizations.
Compensation and Benefits
The position offers a competitive international salary package with the following benefits:
- Housing allowance and a company car
- Comprehensive health and life insurance
- Children’s education assistance
- Paid vacation and annual home travel airfare
- Retirement plan contributions
- Relocation and shipment support
How to Apply
Candidates interested in applying for the Manager – Global Mobility & IRS Management role (Ref: IRS25118) should ensure their application includes:
- A cover letter expressing interest and outlining their suitability for the role
- A detailed CV
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Screening of applications begins May 12, 2025, but the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
CIMMYT is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive, respectful workplace that values diversity and promotes gender equality. Women are highly encouraged to apply.
