Project Coordinator-Cameroon (17-84)

International PotatoCenter POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Ref: 17-84/PC/GRS/SSA

Project Coordinator

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a Project Coordinator to lead a GIZ-funded agricultural project to develop the potato value chain and stakeholder engagement in Cameroon.

The Position: The selected candidate will lead a GIZ funded project that involves facilitating creative partnerships across public and private sectors to strengthen the contribution of potato to incomes and nutritional health. Through supporting uptake of productivity-enhancing technologies, interventions focus on introducing new varieties, seed system development, value chain innovations and in particular knowledge transfer through Farmer Field and Business Schools. The successful candidate will be expected to travel frequently in the project region and supervise field and administrative staff. S/he will report to CIP’s Potato for Africa program leader and the regional director for sub Saharan Africa, and will be expected to liaise closely with GIZ-ProCISA, local project implementation partners and potential resource organizations. The position will be based in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Manage project interventions

• 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 potato stakeholder community.

• Ensure longer term viability of the partnership implementing the project through frequent interactions with senior managers of the participating organizations.

• Ensure the timely preparation and high quality of all reporting requirements to GIZ of the main project components:

o Coordinate and foster potato stakeholder sensitization and engagement within the framework of the GIZ Green Innovation Centers program and in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MINADER) potato crop programs; o Technical training and backstopping of partners implementing Farmer Field and Business School training;

o Ensure improved access to quality seed of high yielding, disease resistant, and market demanded varieties for increased productivity and resilience; and

o Evaluation and implementation of innovative cropping, storage, and marketing methods with farmer cooperatives and model farmers.

• Providing technical backstopping to potato stakeholders in Cameroon cross-cuts all activities.Project Management • Lead all management aspects of 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 and the host IITA, 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.

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.

What are we looking for?

• PhD level degree in relevant discipline in in agronomy, seed technology, plant sciences, pathology or a closely related discipline. MSc degree in relevant field with formal training in innovation/cropping systems will be considered. 


• Strong experience of at least 5 years in project management, preferably within a challenging international development context.

• Experience working in Cameroon or other sub-Saharan countries.

• Experience developing and strengthening partner relations

• Experience implementing and adhering to workplans, and monitoring interventions

• Strong knowledge in potato cropping systems in particular in Africa would be an asset. • Ability to prioritize responsibilities and manage multiple activities

• Demonstrated leadership, integrity and versatility

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Fluency or at least good working knowledge in English and French required.

• Willingness to travel frequently and work under field conditions.

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, and is a recent World Food Price Winner and awarded with the Al-Sumait Award for our Orange Flesh Sweet Potato work in Africa.

• 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.

• Three-year term contract with the possibility of renewal.

• Work in an equal and diverse workplace.

Conditions: The employment contract is subject to funding and will be for a two-year term with the possibility of renewal. The salary will be internationally competitive, paid in US dollars, and commensurate with experience.

How to apply?

Visit the following link: https://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/ and submit your cover letter and a full C.V. with your references (3 recently supervisors). Screening of applications will begin on December 01, 2019 and will continue until the post is filled. All applications will be acknowledged; however only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at http://www.cipotato.org

CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply.