The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a Project Coordinator with a high level of commitment to coordinate an 18-month project that will be implemented from July 1, 2023 through December 31, 2024 in Madagascar.
The goal of the project coordinator is to assist drought-affected households in Southern Madagascar re-establish sweetpotato production and build forward better towards a more climate-resilient production system, by providing access to quality planting material (“seed”) of adapted vitamin A rich orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) varieties and knowledge of how to store and prepare roots for enhanced food security and use as seed.
In the first phase of the effort, over 80,000 households have been provided access to improved vitamin A rich, drought tolerant OFSP varieties in 9 districts in three regions (Atsimo Andrefana, Androy and Anosy). In the second phase, efforts will focus on assuring the sustained adoption and use of the OFSP varieties and the network of seed multipliers and improving household diets, knowledge of all improved practices, and food security. Solid evidence of varietal performance and project impact will be obtained.
**Theposition:**This position will be based in Ambovombe, Madagascar and will have to travel frequently to Ampanihy and Bekily and will report directly to the Project PI.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Manage project interventions
- Support the Project PI to refine the content and timelines for the work plan through interactions and dialogue with partners and other stakeholders and define responsibilities and commitments for its implementation.
- Ensure compliance with the agreed work plans through implementation of a monitoring, evaluation and learning system.
- Facilitate the establishment of a cohesive, proactive project team and a strong, mutually respectful partnership of implementing organizations with clear accountability, transparency in its operations and efficiency targeting towards food insecure and poor households.
- Develop collaborative relationships with direct project partners and the larger sweetpotato stakeholder community.
- Ensure longer term viability of the partnership implementing the project through frequent interactions with senior managers of the participating organizations.
- Ensure that there is a dynamic outreach program, communicating project achievements.
- Ensure the timely preparation and high quality of all reporting requirements.
Project Management
- Support the project PI to lead all management aspects for a timely project implementation.
- Supervise and lead the technical (field coordinators in the project implementation regions) and administrative team.
- Monitor project partner activities and reporting.
- Ensure that project implementation is responsive to communities and partners and aligned with CIP’s principles, values and strategic plan.
- Work with administrative and finance units at CIP, oversee the development of sub-agreements and works plans.
- Monitor adherence to grant agreement, CIP policies and procedures and relevant external rules and regulations.
Staff Management, Professional Development and Team Building
- Create a work atmosphere conducive to professional growth and development of excellent personnel at all levels.
- Promote accountability by conducting staff annual performance reviews with direct supervisees and ensuring that all staff members are effectively using the performance planning and management system.
- Contribute to project team-building efforts and ensure the integration of all team members into relevant decision-making processes.
- Put into effect CIP’s policies among supervised staff
- Accountable for compliance according to the delegation of authority assigned to the position.
- Comply with national and international health and safety laws, regulations and standards.
What are we looking for?
- PhD in Agricultural Economics or related field or master’s degree with 5 years international experience
- At least 2 years of international experience required in similar position.
- Strong experience in project implementation and coordination, in an emergency response setting.
- Strong expertise in relevant research methodologies, either in agricultural economics, or crop improvement, varietal evaluation, agronomic trial and seed system development or nutrition.
- Experience developing and strengthening partner relations.
- Experience working with private and public sector within the Africa region (desirable), particularly in Madagascar
- Experience implementing and adhering to workplans, and monitoring interventions.
- Strong knowledge in sweetpotato cropping systems in particular in Africa, particularly in Madagascar would be an asset.
- Fundraising research
- Experience managing USAID funds
- Ability to work in difficult conditions
- Demonstrated leadership, integrity and versatility.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Advanced written and oral communication skills in English and French
- Knowledge in Malagasy is highly preferred.
Why should you consider this opportunity?
- CIP is a global and reputable international organization that has a strong, state-of-the-art R&D background.
- CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved nutrition and well-being, and gender equality for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world.
- CIP is a member of the CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.
What are we offering?
- Exciting career opportunity in an international organization.
- The contract duration is for an average of 18 months up to Dec 2024 which is the project end date.
- Internationally competitive salary, paid in US dollars, and commensurate with experience. Internationally competitive pension and health plans.
- Work in an equal and diverse workplace.
Why should you consider this opportunity?
- CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved nutrition and well-being, and gender equality for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world. CIP’s mission contributes to the SDGs: 1,2,3,5,8,13 and 15.
- CIP is a member of the CGIAR, a network of 15 research centers that are mostly located in the developing world and supported by more than 50 donor members.
What are we offering?
- Exciting career opportunity in an international organization.
- Internationally competitive salary, paid in US dollars, and commensurate with experience.
- Comprehensive international insurance coverage.
- Attractive retirement plan.
- Work in an equal and diverse workplace.
Condition: Any offer made with regards to this vacancy is conditional to the formal award of the afore-mentioned grant
Visit the link and submit your cover letter and a full C.V. with your references (3 recently supervisors). Screening of applications will begin on June 12, 2023 and will continue until the post is filled. All applications will be acknowledged; however only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
This position WILL have contact with children or vulnerable adults.
CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply.
