Project Manager – Fall Armyworm R&D Portfolio

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its Spanish acronym, CIMMYT®, is a not-for-profit agricultural research for development organization with partners in over 100 countries. Please refer to our website for more information: www.cimmyt.org

CIMMYT is seeking a dynamic, self-motivated, innovative, and results-oriented candidate for the position of Project Manager – Fall Armyworm Portfolio. The selected candidate will work as a member of CIMMYT’s Global Maize Program (GMP). The main role of this position shall be to effectively manage and implement, in a timely manner, Fall Armyworm (FAW) projects/initiatives led and implemented by CIMMYT in sub-Saharan Africa, based on an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy, in close collaboration with international research centers, national partners, and development partners.

The position will be based at CIMMYT’s regional office in Nairobi, Kenya.

Specific duties:

• Day-to-day management of CIMMYT’s projects on FAW, in close collaboration with international and national research and development partners.
• Coordinate development of detailed, high-quality work plans and results frameworks for the projects in the assigned portfolio, and facilitate their implementation in the target countries/geographies while maintaining compliance with the agreed scope, time, and budget for each project.
• Participate in the monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of progress made towards achieving project targets, objectives and outcomes.
• Establish and maintain strong linkages between partner institutions and effectively manage stakeholder expectations, while ensuring clarity about roles and responsibilities among institutions and project team members.
• Ensure timely preparation and submission of high quality, consolidated technical and financial reports for projects/initiatives in the assigned portfolio.
• Clearly communicate the activities, results, outcomes, and impacts of the project(s) in meetings with the funding agencies and other stakeholders.
• Provide support to relevant public and private sector partners in the target geographies and ensure that they are fully and actively engaged.
• In close collaboration with internal and external partners, develop and submit high-quality project proposals on FAW management in Africa.
• Carry out any other duties as may be assigned by the Program Director/Supervisor to effectively tackle the challenge of FAW to the food security and livelihoods in Africa.

Required academic qualifications, skills and attitudes:

• PhD in entomology, crop protection or a closely related field under IPM.
• At least 10 years of professional work experience in IPM in the cropping systems.
• At least 3 years of demonstrated experience in project management, and familiarity with standard project management principles, tools and techniques.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Demonstrated ability to write, publish, and disseminate technical reports, success stories, and promotional materials.
• Experience in proposal development including successful track-record of resource mobilization.
• Experience in implementing, monitoring, technical and financial reporting for donor-funded R&D projects.
• Demonstrated experience in efficient management of financial resources.
• In close collaboration with internal and external partners, develop and submit high-quality project proposals on FAW management in Africa.
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional, and multi-cultural environment.
• The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Pro-activity, Problem Solving, Decision-making, Achievement Orientation and Teamwork.
• Desired qualifications:
  • Formal training and/or certification in Project Management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2, PMD Pro, etc.)
  • Good working knowledge of French.
  • Experience of establishing and maintaining partnerships with various stakeholders.
  • Experience of facilitating and organizing multi-stakeholder workshops.
  • Ability to deal with high workload and to work under pressure.

The position is for an initial fixed-term for three (3) years, after which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds. CIMMYT’s internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children’s education, paid vacation, annual airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.

Candidates must click on APPLY below for IRS18121 Project Manager – Fall Armyworm R&D Portfolio. Screening and follow up will begin on Wednesday, 16 May 2018. Applications must include a CV and a letter of interest. Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration. For further information on the selection process, please contact Yessica Castillo, at y.castillo@cgiar.org. For further technical details about the position, please contact:
Dr. B.M. Prasanna, Director, Global Maize Program CIMMYT & CGIAR Research Program MAIZE at b.m.prasanna@cgiar.org
Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
This position will remain open until filled.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.