CGIAR System Reference Group

What is the System Reference Group? The System Reference Group (SRG) was established by the CGIAR System Council in 2018 to bring together Funders, Centers, and partner countries to develop forward-looking recommendations on CGIAR’s research focus, delivery model, and institutional structure. Co-chaired by Tony Cavalieri of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Marco Ferroni, Chair of the System Management Board, the group’s membership comprised 22 persons: CGIAR Funders/partners – 11 persons drawn from the membership of the CGIAR System Council, including representation of regional constituencies where CGIAR operates; CGIAR System Management Board – nine members, including six Center-affiliated members (Center Board members or Directors General), and the Executive Director of the CGIAR System Organization; and 2019 conveners of CGIAR Center Boards of Trustees and Directors General. The System Reference Group’s work was supported by the System Organization as well as external experts and facilitators. System Reference Group’s recommendations endorsed by the System Council The CGIAR System Council, at its 9thmeeting on November 13–14, 2019, unanimously endorsed the SRG’s recommendations. These recommendations set out a unified and integrated “One CGIAR,” including: A Compelling and Aligned Mission Unified Governance Institutional Integration A New Research Modality More, and Pooled, Funding The endorsed recommendations set out key roles and responsibilities, target dates, and initial actions in the transition to One CGIAR. As part of this process, members of the SRG will join a broader Transition Consultation Forum (TCF) as well as thematic Transition Advisory Groups (TAG) to provide input and advice to CGIAR leadership to end-2020. System Reference Group process at a glance Transition to One CGIAR Implementing the recommendations endorsed by the System Council will entail profound change across CGIAR, addressing culture, values, people, policies, and systems. The System Council, the System Management Board, and the General Assembly of the Centers have discussed initial thinking on that transition, including relevant guiding principles, timelines and milestones, roles and responsibilities, resources, and risks. This draft document is provided at the request of the System Management Board as a resource for further discussion on the transition to One CGIAR: Initial Steps and Transition Support to One CGIAR: Version 3. References SRG Recommendations as endorsed by the System Council Presentation delivered by SRG Co-Chair to the System Council Chair’s Summary, 9thMeeting of the CGIAR System Council Initial Steps and Transition Support to One CGIAR: Version 3 Chair’s Summary, 6thmeeting of the System Council (decision to form the SRG) CGIAR System 3-year Business Plan (2019–2021) (sets out SRG’s role in developing a long-term plan) CGIAR System 3-Year Business Plan (2019–2021) Companion Document: Attract additional funding in support of Center Alliances CGIAR System 3-Year Business Plan (2019–2021) Companion Document: Developing an action plan on shared services CGIAR System 3-Year Business Plan (2019–2021) Companion Document: Implement a new country collaboration strategy