Project Manager

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

CIMMYT is seeking a dynamic and results-oriented Project Manager. The selected candidate will work as a member of CIMMYT’s Genetic Resources Program (GRP), and will work in close other relevant programs at CIMMYT.

The position will be based in CIMMYT HQ at Texcoco, Mexico.

Specific duties:

• Responsible for the day-to-day management of the assigned project/s in line with CIMMYT’s project management standards and processes, including compliance with the project terms and conditions of contracts and internal administrative rules.
• Coordinate annual planning of project activities, compile detailed implementation (technical, budgets), communications, and procurement plans, and monitor implementation.
• Coordinate the development of an update (in collaboration with the project leader and team) of key project management documents, including project charter, work plan, budget, human resource, and procurement plans, communication plan, monitoring and evaluation plan, financial and technical reports, sub-grant contracts, project deliverables, and end-of-project transition plan.
• Coordinate and manage non-technical aspects of consultancies and subgrant agreements, including the execution of the contracts, liaison, quality control, disbursement of payments, and performance evaluation.
• Coordinate the timely submission of high-quality documents (e.g., work plans, financial and technical reports) to the funder in collaboration with the Project Management Unit and Program Financial Management Unit.
• Coordinate the management of the project budget, including budget allocation, review, and realignment.
• Liaise with appropriate donor representatives to ensure the timely delivery of quality project technical and financial reports meeting all donor requirements as well as responding punctually to donor queries in this space.
• Generate and/or ensure the production of content for the project´s communications platforms, potentially including websites, news features, success stories, research notes, reports, and social media posts.
• Coordinate the project/s related events, including inception, planning, progress and closing meetings, workshops, training, Field days, project team meetings, and other project events, including annual planning and reflection meetings, and ensure effective minute-taking and follow-up as applicable.
• Oversee monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities in line with project requirements, including the capture and use of knowledge and lessons
• In close consultation with the Project Lead, support additional resource mobilization efforts that foster project objectives.
• Develop, routinely update and execute RACIQ structure for all elements of project activity including front-facing activities with funders and external stakeholders.
• Foster good working relationships and effective communication with internal and external project stakeholders, including the project team, partners, and CIMMYT units supporting the project implementation.
• Perform other related tasks as may be requested by the immediate supervisor.

Required academic qualifications, skills, and attitudes:

• Master’s Degree in Project Management, Business Administration, or Project Administration.
• Excellent understanding of project management principles with a minimum of 5 years of experience in project management in a non-profit setting.
• Experience in managing research for development or development projects is desirable, preferably in agriculture
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or similar.
• User Advanced level in using MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.)
• Fluency in the use of verbal and written English language. English may be tested, and the candidate should score C1 on CEFR.
• High level of responsibility, confidentiality, leadership, and accountability.
• Good understanding of monitoring, evaluation and learning standards, practices, and processes for effective implementation of projects
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment.
• The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Critical thinking, Creative thinking, Teamwork, Communication, Analytical Skills, Problem Solving and Decision Making, Effective Communication, and Conflict Resolution and Negotiation.

The position is for an initial fixed-term of 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 home travel airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.

Candidates must apply online for IRS23111_Project Manager. Screening and follow-up of applications will begin on Thursday, 2^nd March 2023. Applications must include a CV, with contact details (telephone and email address) of 3 work-related references along with the confirmation that we can contact them) and a cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration. For further information on the selection process, please contact Yessica Castillo, at y.castillo@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.