Project Coordinator at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

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 100 internationally recruited scientists from about 35 countries and 900 nationally recruited staff based in various stations across Africa.

We invite applications for the internationally recruited position of:

Job Title: Project Coordinator

Ref: DDG-R4D/PC/05/15
Locations: Abuja or Ibadan, Nigeria

Position Responsibilities
We are seeking a project coordinator for an upcoming 5 year BMGF -funded project in 5 countries in Africa (Nigeria, Tanzania, DRC, Ghana and Kenya) that aims to increase the availability of appropriate and affordable technologies to sustainably improve short and
long-term agricultural productivity in cassava in the target countries. The project is composed of six Work Streams

• Strategic cassava agronomy research,
• Geo-spatial information,
• Cassava agronomy decision support tools,
• Facilitating use of these tools,
• Capacity development, and
• Project management] ) and will operate primarily by improving the capacity of both the public and private sector actors in their respective roles in development and dissemination of cassava agronomy technologies. The Project will be closely integrated with other IITA and BMGF initiatives and development partner projects in the region. The position is contingent upon IITA being awarded the project.

The Project Coordinator will:

• Provide overall program management support, help to develop a strong, coherent technical vision and initiate innovative strategies across the project.
• Establish and operate a project management system and supervise program operations, personnel, M&E, and/or preparation of periodic written reports to BMGF.
• Design and manage interventions that aim to build capacity of various institutions, private businesses, public organizations, and researchers across the six project components.
• Identify and manage technological innovations within the cassava agronomy sector, and disseminate findings through, among other venues, stakeholder meetings (advocacy), print, radio and cell phone based systems.
• Design and manage increasingly localized research programs on cassava agronomy
• Facilitate internal and external communication
• Monitor and evaluate progress towards project milestones.
• Contribute in ensuring effective overall contract management, reporting, communications and relationship management with donor, partners and stakeholders.
• Coordinate organization of planning meetings and training workshops.
• (Co) author scientific publications in top quality agronomy journals.
• Country contact for Nigeria and Ghana (with a colleague playing this role for Ghana, Uganda, and East DR Congo).

Qualification and Experience

• The candidate should possess the intellectual leadership and strong management skills necessary to develop, articulate and carry out a vision for the project.
• S/he must have a minimum of PhD degree in Agriculture related fields, with 10 years of progressively responsible experience managing complex agricultural.
• development programs and expertise to successfully achieve meaningful and sustainable results in the areas of agriculture technology transfer.

General Information

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

Remuneration
Initial appointment is for three years (renewable) starting as soon as possible. IITA offers a competitive remuneration package paid in US dollars.

Application Closing Date
30th June, 2015.

Method of Application
Interested applicants should forward their applications with detailed curriculum vitae saved with their names in Microsoft word format. The application must include 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.

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Note: Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.