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: Nigeria Project Manager
Ref No: DDG-R4D/NPM/YIIFSWA/04/15
Location: Abuja
Position and Responsibilities
IITA seeks a highly motivated and qualified individual with experience in management of interdisciplinary and national projects to serve as ‘Nigeria Project Manager’ for an ongoing Project ‘Yam Improvement for Income and Food security in West Africa (YIIFSWA)’ supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF). The principal focus of this project is on establishing sustainable commercial seed yam systems in Nigeria and Ghana.
The successful candidate will oversee and coordinate project activities of partners in Nigeria to ensure that outputs are delivered on time, within budget, and meet quality assurance standards according to the agreed annual work plans and budgets. The position is for 18 months and the Nigeria Project Manager will report to the YIIFSWA Project Leader.
Position Responsibilities
- Coordinate an inter-disciplinary, national project team; manage financial assets and ensure implementation of YIIFSWA in Nigeria as per the project annual work plan and budget.
- Represent the YIIFSWA Project Manager at technical or scientific events organized by the project partners or other relevant meetings in Nigeria, as directed by the Project Leader (PL).
- Facilitate implementation of project activities in Nigeria by closely monitoring project execution with partners and providing feedback to the PL on the status and advising on action to be taken with regard to project’s progress.
- Manage contracts between the Project and national partners; and ensure synergy between project national partners.
- Ensure effective communication among national partners of the project, identify shortfalls and devise contingency plans.
- Serve as liaison officer between the project management, country authorities, visitors and the project partners.
- Assist the PL with the necessary arrangements in hosting visitors, scheduling appointments and coordinating travel arrangements; planning project workshops, meetings, surveys and monitoring tours in Nigeria and responding to inquiries.
- Monitor and evaluate project activities regularly in Nigeria and report immediately on observed challenges and opportunities to PL.
- Submit monthly reports to the PL on activities conducted with a clear status of project achievements, challenges and advice on way forward.
Qualification and Experience
- The candidate should have a PhD degree in plant or agricultural sciences or other relevant discipline from a recognized university.
General Information
- We offer highly competitive salary with equally attractive fringe benefits and excellent working conditions in a pleasant campus environment.
- The contract will be for a period of 18 months. IITA offers internationally competitive remuneration package paid in U.S. Dollars.
Application Closing Date
2nd May, 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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