International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) Recruitment

International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) is a public international organization addressing critical issues such as international food security, the alleviation of global hunger and poverty, environmental protection and the promotion of economic development and self-sufficiency. IFDC focuses on increasing productivity across the agricultural value chain in developing countries. This is achieved by the creation and transfer of effective and environmentally sound crop nutrient technology and agribusiness expertise. IFDC is governed by an international board of directors with representation from developed and developing nations. The non-profit Center is supported by bilateral and multilateral aid agencies, private foundations and national governments. The non-profit Center was established in 1974 in response to global food and energy crises. To date, IFDC has provided assistance in nearly 100 countries.

Job Title:Chief of Party - Cassava+

Tracking Code:20110030
Job Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Position Type: Full-Time/Regular

Job Description

Africa is the largest cassava producing area in the world. About 93% of cassava is consumed as food, in contrast to Latin America and Asia where less than half is utilized for food consumption.  Nigeria also imports more than 60,000 mt of starch for industrial purposes (equivalent to 300,000 mt of cassava roots) and more than 150,000 mt of starch derivatives (equivalent to 750,000 mt of cassava roots) such as sugars (high fructose syrup) for the soft drink industry. DADTCO’s state-of-the-art technology has been developed and piloted in Nigeria and has proven that a paradigm shift can be introduced for the cassava value chain and that high quality cassava flour (HQCF) can be produced at a competitive price.

The main duties of the Chief of Party - Cassava+ will be overall project planning, implementation and management and maintain close working relationships with the private sector partner, DADTCO. The Chief of Party - Cassava+ must ensure the smooth functioning and coordination of all project functions: program development and implementation, provide technical guidance and management to the field teams, project finances and administration, outreach and reporting, monitoring and evaluation. The Chief of Party - Cassava+, in close collaboration with the project teams, consultants and DADTCO staff, will seek to ensure the technical quality and appropriateness of the technical services provided through the project and the quality of the results generated.  The Chief of Party - Cassava+ will have technical and management responsibility for all project personnel and will be the IFDC representative to the donor, line ministries, multinationals, technical agencies and other participating organizations as required.

Desired Skills & Experience

Program and Technical

• Setting strategic and technical directions
• Provide overall technical and agronomic leadership in the cassava project at the highest standard to achieve the results of the project
• Review and approve all project deliverables and documents
• Monitor program indicators, evaluate program results and make recommendations for improvement in program implementation
• Prepare annual work plans and progress reports, and monitor the implementation of these plans. Prepare and submit quarterly reports on progress of activities and achievement of program results to DGIS
• Initiate, coordinate and participate in communication and outreach functions.
• Maintain close contacts with DADTCO on project management and implementation issues
• Represent the project publically
• Establish, maintain and strengthen relationships with DADTCO, Governors, FGN, DGIS, and other collaborating partners

Overall responsibility for addressing contract-related issues, including ensuring that financial controls and systems comply with generally accepted accounting practices that meet donor standards, and that all activity-procured materials and equipment are safeguarded and prudently and responsibly used:

• Develop and implement project strategies and procedures
• Maintain a professional and productive office environment.
• Implementing all project activities in accordance with IFDC’s established rules and procedures.
• Administer the project’s financial oversight and procedures, ensuring compliance with established IFDC procedures and donor regulations.
• Oversee and be responsible for financial and administrative aspects of the project including managing the budget.
• Provide supervision, support, and direction to long- and short-term staff.
• Participate in regular field visits to the project areas to assure project progress towards activity objectives and goals.
• Organize regular project management team meetings between IFDC and DADTCO staff
• Coordinate and communicate on a regular basis with Division Director and Program Leader

Required Experience

• Master’s Degree in agronomy, tropical agriculture, or a related field
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in Africa
• Proven and extensive project management experiences, preferably in a public-private partnership setting in Africa
• Knowledge of cassava production practices
• Ability to successfully perform multiple tasks
• Ability to work independently and to take initiative
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently in the region
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal and communication skills in English
• High level of initiative and enthusiasm

Application Deadline
23rd Novemeber, 2011

Method of Application
Interested Candidate should:
Click here to apply online