Job Title: Project Coordinator (initial appointment – 2 years)
Ref: DDG-R4D/AfDB/PC/06/2012
Location: IITA Headquarters, Ibadan, Nigeria
Organisation: International Institute of Tropical Agriculture – IITA
1.0 Background
This invitation for applications follows the general procurement notice (Reference No. AfDB43-04/12) for this project that appeared in UN Development Business online on 27 April, 2012
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) (the Executing Agency) and its partners Africa Rice Centre and the International Centre for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (the Implementing Agencies) has received a grant of about US$ 63 million from the African Development Fund (ADF) to finance the Multinational-CGIAR Project on Support to Agricultural Research for Development of Strategic Crops In Africa (SARD-SC). The strategic crops within the context of the project are Cassava, Maize, Wheat and Rice.
The overall objective of SARD-SC is to enhance food and nutrition security and contribute to poverty reduction in Bank's low income Regional Member Countries (RMCs). Its specific objective is to enhance the productivity and income of four CAADP's priority value chains (cassava, maize, rice, and wheat) on a sustainable basis.
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, the Executing Agency for the SARD-SC, wishes to use a portion of the grant to engage the services of a project management specialist as the Project Coordinator. Thus, the IITA would liketo invite project management experts with track records to apply for the post of Project Coordinator under the SARD-SC Project.
Duties: The Project Coordinator will lead the Project Implementation Team. In that capacity, he/she will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of all project activities and ensuring the delivery of expected project results. He will coordinate project activities, supervise and manage project personnel. S/he will be the Secretary of the Project Steering Committee (PSC). S/he will report to the PSC through the Director
General of IITA. The successful candidate will among other assignments:
• oversee day-to-day implementation of project activities;
• prepare and submit project work plans and budgets;
• arrange timely transfer of project resources to relevant implementing partners in support of eligible interventions;
• prepare and submit mandatory project reports, including quarterly activity reports, annual activity reports, and audit reports
• elaborate an administrative and financial management manual of procedures and ensure its implementation;
• ensure that funding eligibility criteria are followed by the implementing partners;
• ensure implementing units/partners accurately and timely account for funds;
• monitor and report on implementation progress and the use of project resources;
• review the performance of project staff and make contract renewal/non-renewal recommendations;
• ensure project procurement is efficiently undertaken and according to the Bank's rules;
• coordinate project activities including procurement, financial management, special studies, mid-term and project completion reviews;
• liaise and follow up with the four Commodity Specialists to develop annual work plans for all four value chains and monitor progress towards outputs and ensure their timely completion;
• liaise between other projects with similar objectives to ensure coordination of related activities;
• represent SARD-SC in meetings and conferences;
• be the contact for interaction with major stakeholder groups, including local and regional policy makers;
• take lead towards improving inter-center collaboration;
• be an advocate to broaden project donor base, including linkages with similar projects.
• organize SARD-SC meetings;
• liaise with Project Commodity Specialists for publication of results; and
• undertake any other project-related task assigned by the Director General of IITA or his designated representative.
3.0 Qualification/Selection Criteria
Education: MSc or PhD in Agriculture or related field.
Working Experience: At least 15 years of continuous work experience, of which at least five years will be at managerial level with track records in Africa.
The ideal candidate must: i) have the capacity to work effectively in a team; ii) be competent in the use of Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint; iii) be conversant with rules of procedures for project management of the AfDB and / or other multilateral donors; iv) good knowledge of African national research and extension systems; and v) knowledge of regional and international research organizations active in Africa.
Key Competencies Required: (i) Excellent leadership, management, interpersonal, and team building skills; (ii) Proven skills in project coordination and management; (iii) Demonstrated success in working with multi-disciplinary teams and partnerships in a cross- cultural environment; (iv) Excellent social skills, a collaborative style, proactive and innovative attitudes; (v) Willingness to travel extensively; (vi) Good experience of collaboration with NARS scientists in Africa; (vii) Capacity to pay attention to details and accuracy; viii) Planning and organizing capacity; and iii) Capacity to analyze and resolve problem.
4.0 Remuneration:
An internationally competitive remuneration package will be offered. IITA offers excellent working conditions in a pleasant campus environment.
5.0 Language:
The candidate should communicate fluently (orally and in writing) in English or French with a good working knowledge of the other language.
If you are interested in working with the company, visit the link below to submit your open application online.
Please complete our online application form using this link: IITA Ibadan Job Portal.
Please note that application letters not accompanied with evidence of current remuneration and age will not be treated.
Only short listed candidates will be contacted.
Deadline: 19 June 2012.
Project Coordinator Job (http://www.jobnavy.com/job/4195/project-coordinator-job-at-international-institute-of-tropical-agriculture-iita/)