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: www.cimmyt.org
CIMMYT is seeking a dynamic, self-motivated, and outcome-oriented professional for the position of Project Leader (Chief of Party) for the Sustainable Agrifood Systems Approach for Sudan project supported by USAID. The project aims to accelerate innovation through demand-driven hub networks, for sustainable, inclusive agricultural development. Three states have been prioritized for this project: Greater Khartoum, Blue Nile, and South Kordofan. A project office will operate out of Khartoum, to support partners working with communities through a hub network that facilitates public-private-civil society collaboration, building on existing community organizations and CGAIR center technical expertise (ILRI, CIP, World Veg, and CIMMYT). An integrated approach that is demand-driven will support a menu of technical ‘best bet options’ and innovative approaches to sustainable agrifood systems development in collaboration with partners. Emphasis will be given to the sustainable intensification of agricultural production systems, the development of agricultural service provision and value chains managed by women and youth, the strengthening of seed systems, and conflict mediation through natural resource management and capacity building.
The Project Manager will report to Sustainable Agrifood Systems Program Director, CIMMYT. The location of this position will be Khartoum, Sudan.
Specific duties:
Technical Focus
Oversee the implementation of the project and ensure that CIMMYT procedures are adhered to. Develop the strategic direction of the project including conceptual frameworks and communication strategies in line with the principles of sustainable agrifood systems development. Ensure effective coordination put in place for effective project management, through the Technical and Management Steering Committees. Liaise with the donor to ensure adequate communication, coordination with other projects, timely progress reporting, and fund disbursements. Develop partnerships with relevant actors including national and local authorities as well as implementing partners. Support the resource mobilization strategy of CIMMYT by producing knowledge management and materials on project achievements that can be shared with resource partners, the government, and other key stakeholders.Specific Functions
Review the project budgets and prepare a procurement plan for the project in close collaboration with the relevant CIMMYT administration staff, including overseeing expenditure and staffing plans. Prepare quarterly and semi-annual project progress reports, review and monitor the outputs and results of the project against agreed work plans and identify constraints and issues that require timely resolution and corrective actions. Work with the relevant scientific and administrative staff and collaborating partners to ensure high-quality programming with periodic adjustments for improving the performance of interventions based on M&E findings and lessons learned. Prepare a detailed project annual work plan in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and make necessary arrangements for the successful implementation of the work plan in a timely manner. Oversee the designing and implementation of the capacity development training program that will assist in achieving project results. Oversee the development of manuals, guidelines, and checklists for documenting, institutionalizing, and sustaining the outputs and results of the project. Ensure coherence, synergies, and complementarities of the project with other USAID-funded projects, and with IFDC, WFP, IFAD, and UNDP projects operating within the same geographic locations. Identify opportunities for CIMMYT to expand its portfolio in the area of sustainable agriculture in particular increasing agricultural production, livelihood diversification, and NRM. Oversee cost-benefit analysis of various key deliverables Ensure that project interventions consider goals around inclusive development, including gender-differentiated needs of beneficiaries and accountability to affected populations’ commitments, working with gender scientists as needed. Prepare the project terminal report in accordance with the USAID requirements. Supervise recruitment, appraise the performance, and provide guidance to the project staff. Supervise the implementation of the project activities and outputs. Supervise conducting of project reviews, assessments, and studies. Monitor letters of the agreement signed with partner organizations. Perform other duties as requested.Required qualifications, skills, and attitudes:
Advanced university degree in agriculture/agronomy/rural economy/rural development or related field, with post-graduate qualifications, preferred. At least 10 years of relevant experience in the management of complex projects on sustainable agriculture, livelihood diversification, and natural resources management, preferably in fragile or conflict-affected states. Demonstrated experience in sustainable agriculture and livelihood resilience programming. Relevant work experience in complex environments and protracted crises. Demonstrated ability to liaise and build partnerships with UN, NGO, and government institutions. Thorough understanding of project cycle management, donor reporting requirements, and managing donor relations. Experience in the management of multi-disciplinary teams. Have a high degree of integrity and accountability. Relevant prior experience in managing USAID-funded projects. Excellent communication skills, including high-level fora and media, as well as writing and presentation skills in English. Conversation in Arabic is a plus. Experience in working in a multi-cultural, politically sensitive environment, such as in a CGIAR, UN, or international NGO organization, working with bilateral and multilateral donors. Willingness to travel frequently, both internationally as well as to rural Sudan. The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Negotiation and conflict resolution, Team Leadership, Teamwork, Creative and Critical Thinking, and Communication.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 IRS22151_Project Leader
Screening and follow-up of applications will begin on Thursday, February 23rd, 2023. Applications must include a CV 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.
This vacancy is archived.