Carla Lazarte

As an enabler and strategic partner, Carla leads the strategic direction and global execution of the HR function across IRRI’s operations in Asia and Africa. She works closely with IRRI’s senior leadership and the CGIAR People & Culture community to ensure HR strategies are fully aligned with the institute’s mission. Her role focuses on fostering a high-performing, inclusive, and agile workforce to support IRRI’s global research agenda while ensuring operational excellence, consistency, and compliance across all locations.

Prior to joining IRRI, she was Director of Global Talent Development and Performance at One CGIAR, where she led system-wide initiatives on Learning and Development. Carla also held progressive leadership roles at the International Potato Center (CIP), serving as Director, Head, and Manager of People and Organizational Development from 2009 to 2023. Earlier in her career, she spent over a decade with the World Bank Group, including as HR Business Partner for the ECA and MENA regions, and began her professional journey with the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington D.C.