Head of Advocacy and Resource Mobilization at IITA

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is an international non-profit agricultural research-for-development (R4D) organization established in 1967, governed by a Board of Trustees, and a member of the CGIAR Consortium. Our R4D approach is anchored on the development needs of the tropics. We work with partners to enhance crop quality and productivity, reduce producer and consumer risks, and generate wealth from agriculture. We have more than 180 internationally recruited scientists from about 35 countries and 1200 nationally recruited staff based in various stations across Africa. Please visit http://www.iita.org/ for more information on IITA.

IITA is looking for a suitably qualified person to fill the position of Head of Advocacy and Resource Mobilization.

Job Title: Head of Advocacy and Resource Mobilization

Location: Ibadan

Job Description
He/she will be responsible for the management of strategic partnerships and advocacy at a high level with African governments and together with the Director General will engage in resource mobilization within and outside Africa with both traditional and non-traditional donors. He/she will work directly under the Director General of IITA and collaborate with the R4D and Partnerships and Capacity Development Directorates.

• Use various types of donor intelligence to facilitate the development of successful proposals for funding.
• Identify and cultivate rapport with potential foundations and private sector corporations whose mission would support IITA.
• Develop new partnerships with government, public and private entities, grantee organizations, universities, think tanks, government agencies and other relevant organizations and individuals.
• Communicate country/regional priorities to IITA management to ensure internal alignment with these priorities.
• Contribute to the design of new strategies, collaborations and implementation plans to ensure IITA’s long-term sustainability and impact.
• In conjunction with Partnerships and Capacity Development, engage in the mentoring and capacity strengthening of the youth and local partners in agriculture in the focus countries.

Minimum Qualification & Experience:
The candidate should have a PhD in agricultural science or related field.

Skills & Abilities:
Core Competencies:

• Deep knowledge of the SSA region - cross-cultural knowledge, donor knowledge, socio-political knowledge of relevant geographies, governments and government protocol.
• At least 5 years’ experience in resource mobilization for a non-profit organization with an international focus.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills and the ability to communicate with a broad and diverse audience.
• Documented expertise in agricultural science with a particular emphasis on the SSA region.
• Ability to prioritize, focus and achieve results in a fast paced and complex environment.
• Demonstrated flexibility, aptness for problem-solving, and identification and development of synergies and solutions.
• Demonstrated management and leadership skills and experience in the region. Duty station: The position will be based at the IITA Regional Hub for Eastern Africa in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, but will involve extensive travel within and outside Africa.

Terms & Conditions:
The contract will be for an initial period of three years with the possibility of renewal based on performance and the availability of funding. IITA offers an internationally competitive remuneration package paid in U.S. dollars.

Application Closing Date:
30th October 2014

Method of Application:
Applications must include a cover letter, which should address how the candidate’s background/experience relates to the specific duties of the position applied for, curriculum vitae, names and addresses of three professional referees (which must include either the Head of the applicant’s current or previous organization or applicant’s direct Supervisor/Superior at his/her present or former place of work). The application should be addressed to the Head, Human Resources Service. Please complete our online application form

Click here for more details on the job