IITA Nigeria Job Vacancy for Project Manager

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Job Title: Project Manager
Ref: DDG-R4D/PMN/10/11
Location: Ibadan, Nigeria
Organisation: International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)
Sector: International Non-Profit Research-For-Development (R4D) Organization

Description:
The Project Manager will work in close collaboration with the Objective leaders (agronomic, breeder, plant health and social scientists) and country managers, in addition to national and international partners, to efficiently coordinate and monitor project activities and take functional guidance from, and report to the IITA R4D Director-West Africa.

Position/Responsibilities:
•   Provide effective and efficient management, guidance, cohesion, accountability, and profile to the project.
•   Coordinate an inter-disciplinary, international and culturally diverse project team; and financial assets in concordance with the Terms of Reference of the project and organizational procedures.
•   Be the main contact for communications with donor and administrative divisions of participating organizations.
•   Develop project implementation, monitoring, delivery and communication plans together with the Coordinators for Project Objectives and cross cutting activities (Gender; Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning; and Communication), as well as the Task Leaders,
•   Apply best practices and tools for project management, monitoring progress and budget, procurements, data reposition and troubleshooting.
•   Manage contracts between IITA and project partners.
•   Serve as liaison person between IITA and project partners and ensure budget management and payments as per the contracts.
•   Proactively involve in team building, strengthening and building partnerships.
•   Prepare and submit technical, financial and other documents to IITA administration, donor and stakeholders.
•   Organize annual project planning and review meetings, and technical workshops outlined in the project.
•   Implement recommendations of the project Technical Advisory Committee (TAC).
•   Ensure effective communication within the project team, identify shortfalls and devise contingency plans.
•   Represent the project at scientific and other regional meetings.
•   As the project manager for Nigeria, coordinate all the in-country project activities including ensuring collaboration between various partners and stakeholders, and review of project progress.
•   Prepare project performance report for Project Director and TAC.

Educational Qualifications:
The candidate should have a PhD degree in plant or agricultural sciences from a recognized university.

Core Competencies:
•   At least 10 years of experience in agriculture R&D and project management.
•   Strong project and team management experience (demonstrated success in managing at least two multi-country agricultural projects of significant duration)
•   Working experience / exposure to international organizations and interdisciplinary agriculture research.
•   Familiarity with agriculture and farming systems in West Africa, particularly Nigeria and Ghana. Working experience with yam (Dioscorea spp.) is desirable.
•   Working experience in agribusiness management with Value Chain approach
•   Proficiency in use of computers, database management software, internet-based tools and other electronic communication tools
•   Fluency in oral and written English; working knowledge of French would be an asset
•   Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Duty station: IITA-Ibadan, Nigeria but with extensive travel within the region.

General information: Initial appointment is for three years. IITA offers a competitive remuneration package paid in US dollars.

Method of Applications:
Applications including curriculum vitae, names and addresses of three referees should be addressed to the Human Resources Manager.

Please complete IITA online application form using this link: IITA Online Job Application Portal.

Closing Date: The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

Source: IITA Career Portal.