Project Management Officer at International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is an international non-profit research-for-development (R4D) organization created in 1967, governed by a Board of Trustees, and supported primarily by the Consultative Group of International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). Our R4D is anchored on the development needs of sub-Saharan Africa. We develop agricultural solutions with our partners to eliminate hunger and poverty by reducing producer and consumer risks, enhancing crop quality and productivity, and generating wealth from agriculture. We have more than 100 internationally recruited scientists from about 35 countries and 900 nationally recruited staff based in various stations across Africa.

IITA is seeking an experienced Project Management Officer with a high level of commitment to assist the CGIAR Research Program on Roots, Tubers and Bananas (RTB) and the IITA Cassava Breeding Unit in project management.

Job Title: Project Management Officer (2-year renewable contract)

Duties
Successful candidate will among other things perform the following duties:

• Assist IITA RTB Focal Point in timely and correct preparation of RTB Product Portfolio
• Monitor timely completion and reporting of RTB product delivery and annual milestones in Product Portfolio and complementary funding grants
• Set up a IITA RTB database to track progress in completion of products and milestones and contribution to outcomes
• Coordinate with the RTB Program Management Officer of the lead Center (CIP, Lima) and ensure the application of a common platform and a shared databases
• Follow up with IITA Theme Leaders, scientists and project partners to ensure high quality reports are submitted in timely manner to RTB Program Management Officer
• Develop and maintain an efficient filing system and databases for print and electronic files/documents on RTB activities and projects.
• Assist in implementation of evaluations/impact assessments
• Carry out the above functions for other projects managed in the IITA cassava breeding program.
• Any other duties related to project management and program development as may be determined by the supervisor

Qualification and Experience

• Masters degree in Business Administration, Project Management and other related fields. Minimum of Six (6) years’ experience in Project Management/Administration. Experience working in agriculture research organization and good knowledge of French language will be an added advantage.

The ideal candidate must possess:

• Good understanding of budgeting and financial management procedures
• Excellent computer skills with good grasp of spreadsheets, word processing and other MS office applications, and ability to learn new applications quickly
• Excellent English reporting, writing and oral communication skills
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word and Power Point)
• Strong ability to co-ordinate, prioritise and organize workload; take initiative and work under pressure
• Good team spirit and also participate as a team member in accomplishment of duties.

General information: Initial appointment is for two years. Subsequent renewal of the contract will be decided based on research outputs and productivity, and continued need for the position.

Remuneration:
We offer highly competitive salary with equally attractive fringe benefits and excellent working conditions in a pleasant campus environment.

Application Closing Date
26th June, 2013

Method of Application
Interested applicants should forward their applications with detailed curriculum vitae, the names and e-mail addresses of three professional referees which must include either the Head of applicant’s current or previous organization or applicant’s direct Supervisor/Superior officer at work and evidence of current remuneration package and photocopies of credentials, to IITA Website.

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