Pilot Program Manager: Applied Research from the Lab to the Field

About the Program
MIGAL is launching a groundbreaking pilot aimed at shortening the path between agricultural research and real-world application in the field. The pilot will bring together MIGAL researchers, farmers, agricultural advisors, technology experts and other partners, and will explore how research knowledge can be turned into solutions that deliver measurable value to farmers and to agriculture in northern Israel. In its first phase, the pilot will focus on the avocado sector and combine three initiatives: shade nets, avocado varieties more resilient to changing climate conditions, and an AI-based data platform. Alongside the research and field demonstrations, we will build a complete working method that includes recruiting growers, professional support, data collection, measurement and continuous learning between the field and research, with the goal of building a model that can later be expanded to other crops and regions.
Why MIGAL?
MIGAL’s unique value lies in the way we connect academia, agriculture, industry, government and community. On the one hand, MIGAL brings scientific depth and excellence; on the other, the ability to move fast, make decisions, adjust course based on what happens in the field, and drive results, turning knowledge into impact and growth. This pilot is a direct expression of that way of working. That is why we are looking for a manager who not only knows how to run a work plan, but also knows how to connect different people and worlds, build something new, identify what is stuck, move things forward and stay focused on results.
About the Role
The Program Manager will be responsible for the overall leadership of the pilot, from planning through implementation, measurement and learning. The role includes managing and working closely with the pilot team and a wide range of partners, and mobilizing them around shared goals, even without direct reporting lines. This is a role of integration and leadership: being the hub that connects farmers, researchers and advisors; field needs and solutions; and data and actual results.
Key Responsibilities
* Build a detailed work plan for the pilot (goals, milestones, timeline, areas of responsibility and budget) and define shared success metrics for assessing future expansion of the model.
* Coordinate the work of the pilot team and steering committees, maintain alignment and information flow, present status updates, and raise required decisions through to full implementation.
* Lead a multi-sector partner network (researchers, farmers, advisors, technology experts, consultants and public bodies), building agreement and collaboration even across differing interests.
* Maintain ongoing contact with farmers and the field to surface needs and problems in real time, and translate research results and data into practical recommendations for growers.
* Identify barriers and problems early, take ownership of resolving them, and drive the relevant parties through to execution.
* Set up a measurement and reporting mechanism from day one (tracking implementation, adoption and economic impact), ensuring that data systems and AI tools support the work and decision-making.
* Build an ongoing learning loop connecting the field and research: generating insights, making adjustments in research or implementation, and re-testing in the field.
What We’re Looking For
* Significant professional experience leading complex projects or initiatives in agriculture involving many stakeholders
* Proven experience building and managing a new activity, program or process from setup through to steady operation
* Strong familiarity with Israeli agriculture and the ability to connect field needs with research, products or solutions
* Ability to lead people, engage partners and build trust without relying solely on formal authority
* A systems view combined with attention to detail, analytical thinking, and comfort working with data and metrics
* Ability to manage budgets, timelines and multiple tasks in parallel, with a practical approach to problem-solving
* A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required. A relevant master’s degree (agriculture, life sciences, environment, engineering or economics) is a significant advantage, as is experience in applied research, agricultural advising or AgTech, or familiarity with the avocado sector and perennial crops.
* High-level Hebrew and very good English
This is a full-time position (combining work at MIGAL’s offices with a significant presence in the field), reporting to MIGAL’s CEO and supported by the program’s steering committee.
To apply, please send your CV to [контакт скрыт]. Application deadline: November 22, 2026.