CIMMYT is a cutting edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. CIMMYT is a core CGIAR Research Center, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security and improving natural resources.
We are seeking an experienced Administrative Assistant to provide advanced administrative, logistical, and operational support to supervisors and science groups into Science & Innovations Chapter . This role is responsible for managing complex administrative processes, including travel coordination, expense verification, procurement support, contract monitoring, payment processing, and high-level meeting coordination. The position plays a key role in ensuring efficient workflow management, accurate recordkeeping, and smooth day-to-day operations, enabling scientific teams to focus on research and innovation priorities. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, initiative, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
Principal Duties:
- Provide advanced administrative support to supervisors and science programs (correspondence, document preparation, travel/ logistics, expense verification).
- Draft and manage routine correspondence independently; route inquiries appropriately.
- Assist in preparing basic reports and presentations (as needed)
- Register and process payment requests, expense reports, purchase orders, and project/ science program records in accounting systems and other institutional systems
- Manage petty cash for small science program purchases.
- Provide logistical support to supervisors, group scientists and visitors (housing, transportation, reservations, tours)
- Maintain, control/ manage and monitoring of staff/ consultants contracts
- Prepare and/or proofread sub-agreements with collaborators
- Coordinate high-level meetings (rooms, catering, participant communication)
- Support procurement processes (gather product information, obtain quotes)
- Support science program functions and special projects as assignedss
Requirements
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More than 3–5 years of experience in similar administrative positions, preferably in research or program support environments.
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Proficiency in MS Office proficiency, experience with financial/accounting systems (e.g., ERP or SAP), procurement and vendor management, report preparation, translation (English/Spanish), and meeting coordination tools (Teams, Zoom, SharePoint).
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Attention to detail, strong organizational and coordination skills, ability to draft and manage correspondence independently, experience with financial systems and procurement processes, customer service orientation, teamwork, adaptability, communication skills, problem-solving and initiative in handling complex tasks, and reliability.
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Proficiency in spoken and written English
Benefits
CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package and support for continuous professional development. In addition to the provisions of the Mexican Labor Law our package of benefits includes year-end bonus (40 days), vacation premium (56%), life and medical insurance, supermarket coupons, savings fund, social Mexican benefits (IMSS, SAR / Infonavit).
