Project Manager

International Potato Center POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Ref: 16-95 PM/IRS/SSA

Project Manager

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking an experienced Project Manager with a high level of commitment to assist with identification of donors, project-start up and overall management during implementation for a nutrition activity in Ghana.

The Center: CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research for development institution with a focus on potato, sweet potato, and Andean Root and Tuber Crops. Its vision is to enhance the use of roots and tubers crops to improve the livelihoods of the poor. 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 headquartered in Lima, Peru with staff and activities in over 20 locations across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. CIP is a member of the CGIAR Consortium, a network of 15 research centers that are mostly located in the developing world and supported by more than 50 donor members.

The Project: CIP is implanting the Going to Scale with Orange-fleshed Sweetpotato (OFSP) for Health and Wealth Project in order to improve vitamin A intakes in rural and urban households, especially among young children and women of reproductive age, and to improve revenues for producers, consumers and other actors along sweetpotato value chains. The project is led by CIP in partnership with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) of Ghana and includes a wide spectrum of stakeholders.

The position: The incumbent will lead the Project Unit with responsibility of convening potential investors to contribute to the initiative, leading the writing of supplementary proposals according to specific donor requirements, organizing stakeholder workshops to bring different stakeholders together for the implementation process, and making decisions in terms of which work packages could move to implementation first according to availability of resources. This position will be based in Accra, Ghana and will report directly to the Principal Scientist and Project Leader.

Duties and Accountabilities:

The Project Manager will have overall responsibility for the project management and implementation, as well as

• In collaboration with CIP staff, identify, lead the writing of specific proposals and help secure financial commitments from potential donors.
• Steward these donor relationships to ensure that they continue over the lifetime of the project; Manage project implementation, including challenging timelines. Share financial responsibility for project management and implementation with senior CIP finance representatives.
• Lead overall communication efforts related to the project and with internal project partners.
• Assist in the identification, negotiation of implementation agreements and financial contributions to national and any international project implementation partners.
• Take the lead in the definition of roles and responsibilities with regards to implementation.
• Coordinate policy advocacy interventions via-a-vis Government.
• Identify strong candidates and staff the project as required.
• Interact with potential investors, Government, CIP, internal and external stakeholders as necessary in a professional and timely fashion.
• Any other duties required to ensure smooth implementation and maximum project impact.

Selection Criteria:

• Strong academic credentials, preferably a Ph.D. in relevant agricultural science or social science, with demonstrable expertise in value chain work in Africa and experience on roots and tubers preferable.
• Strong experience of at least 10 years as a filed- based project manager, with at least 5 years working as a project leader on large-scale agricultural development projects.
• Knowledge and experience working in Ghana and/or, more broadly, West Africa.
• Strong engagement with the private sector.
• Project management skills in the context of large, complex agricultural and/or rural development projects in Africa.
• Experience identifying potential donors, securing their commitments, and stewarding the relationships over time.
• Strong team leadership skills and an ability to work in a multicultural environment.
• Native language ability in English and a working knowledge of French.

Conditions:

Employment contract will be for an initial one–year term with a three-month probation period with possibility of renewal, subject to availability of funding. Salary will be commensurable with experience. CIP prides itself on its collegial and supportive working environment, which allows space for personal and professional growth. Applications:

Applicants should apply online through our CIP’s Job Opportunities website

(http://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/), including a cover letter, a full C.V. with the names and contact information of three references that are knowledgeable of the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience. Screening of applications will begin on February 6, 2017 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.