The proposed changes in funding could create greater job security and offer better long-term career opportunities for the CGIAR’s younger scientists, says Nadia Manning-Thomas, IWMI Research scientist and Project Leader of the CG Knowledge Sharing in Research Project.
In addition, the new program-based working structures should help to break down barriers and promote greater networking. At present, collaboration can be blocked by the need to account for the time and pay for the overheads spent on inter-center initiatives, she says.
By simplifying the current complex overlay of reporting and funding relationships, the CG hopes to reverse the current trend towards restricted funding and promote longer-term funding security. This should allow the Centers and the new mega-programs to be more involved in making decisions on funding allocation.
However, Nadia believes that many of the CG’s young scientists have little knowledge or understanding of what the changes will mean to them. Although the DGs have given presentations, there is a need for consultation in smaller groups in which the younger scientists and local staff can feel more comfortable in asking questions and giving feedback.
Filed under: CGIAR AGM08, CGIAR Change Management, Stakeholder Reactions on CGIAR Change Management
