Associate Chief of Party – Andhra Pradesh

Reference number: 2410
Job status: In-progress
Job category: Local Position
Duty station: Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India
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CIFOR-ICRAF
The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.

Overview

The Associate Chief of Party will implement the TOFI work plan across Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu. This role involves leading state project teams, engaging with stakeholders, and managing project operations. The individual will collaborate with government institutions, private sector companies, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to support TOFI's goals. Responsibilities include overseeing financial management, supporting field activities, organizing capacity development programs, and contributing to strategic planning and evaluation. Based in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, this position requires strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills to coordinate and manage the TOFI program effectively.

Duties and responsibilities

• In coordination with the COP, lead and supervise the state project teams in the allotted geography to roll out TOFI's Program Delivery Model. The core focus is to work with stakeholders to identify, prioritize, and pursue promising public and private good-leaning TOF expansion opportunities while ensuring oversight of all technical and operational aspects of the project, including planning and implementation.
• Convene and facilitate the successful functioning of the state's TOF Innovation Platform (IP) and conduct monthly/weekly meetings with relevant state departments.
• Liaise with local government institutions, relevant private sector companies, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to ensure they engage effectively in support of TOFI's objectives.
• Oversee state-level project financial management and reporting on project deliverables.
• Extend support to field staff in executing field activities, selecting farmers, distributing inputs, collecting data, cleaning data, monitoring, and submission.
• Lead the organization of project workshops, training sessions, and other capacity development programs, network development, knowledge sharing for mutual learning, and all TOFI initiatives.
• Work with the COP on the development of the annual implementation plan, budgets, and other project deliverables.
• Support the rollout of the project's Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Plan; Gender Analysis Plan; and Environmental Monitoring and Mitigation Plan, with a focus on capturing Activity Location Data.
• Prepare and maintain records and draft reports regarding state-level activities as per TOFI.
• To implement TOFI work plan in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha & Tamil Nadu

Education, knowledge and experience

• Master’s degree in agriculture, Agroforestry, Environmental Sciences, Forestry, Social Sciences, Natural Resource Management, etc.
• At least 5 years of field experience in implementing donor-funded projects and/or development programs, with demonstrated experience leading a team to achieve development results.
• Previous working experience in CGIAR centres/international organizations or other Indian states is preferred.
• Proven experience with state officials and ICAR institutes is highly desirable to support strategy development, implementation plans, and decision-making.
• Fluent in written and spoken English. Knowledge of state languages is highly desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, along with networking and interpersonal skills, are critical for this role.
• Fluency and residency in the language (reading, writing, and spoken) spoken in the preferred state is essential.
• Familiarity with standard software packages (MS Office).

Terms and conditions

• This is a local position. CIFOR-ICRAF offers competitive remuneration in local currency commensurate with skills and experience.
• The initial appointment will be for 1 (one) year, with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources.
• The duty station will be in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India
• Salary 18 Lakhs Indian Rupees per annum, negotiable

To apply, please visit our career site at: https://www.cifor-icraf.org/about/work-with-us/
To learn more about CIFOR-ICRAF, please visit our websites at: https://www.cifor-icraf.org
CIFOR-ICRAF promotes Gender Diversity – Applications from women professionals are encouraged.
CIFOR-ICRAF is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity.

Application process

The application deadline is 30 Jun 2024
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.