Dr. Elouafi holds the position of Chief Scientist at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, a new position created within FAO’s core leadership structure.  Previously, Dr. Elouafi was Director General at the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture based in the United Arab Emirates.  Dr. Elouafi has held many senior scientific and leadership positions, and also worked as a scientist with several international research organizations, including the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences, and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center. Dr. Elouafi is a strong advocate for diversifying into neglected and underutilized crops and rethinking food systems as a whole. She is also internationally known for her work on promoting the use of non-fresh water in agriculture and the empowerment of women in science.