Reports to: Deputy Director General-Research
Location: Preferably in Rabat, Morocco with some flexibility to work from other project sites in UAE, Egypt, India and Nairobi, Kenya.
The Project Manager will oversee the successful planning, execution, and completion of a multi-country Research for Development (R4D) project focused on delivering innovations in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for palm production systems. The role requires strong coordination between multidisciplinary research teams, strategic partners, and funding institutions. The Project Manager will ensure project deliverables are met within scope, budget, and timelines while maintaining high scientific standards, stakeholder engagement, and compliance with institutional and donor requirements.
The position will report directly to ICARDA\u2019s Deputy Director General \u2013 Research (DDGR) and work closely with ICARDA\u2019s research teams, national partners, and international collaborators.
The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) is a treaty-based international non-profit research organization supported by CGIAR.ICARDA\u2019s mission is to reduce poverty, enhance food, water, and nutritional security, as well as environmental health in the face of global challenges including climate change. We do this through innovative science, strategic partnerships, linking research to development, and capacity development that take into account gender equality and the role of youth in transforming the dry areas. ICARDA works in partnership with governments, universities, civil society, national agricultural research organizations, other CGIAR Research Centers, and the private sector. With its temporary Headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon, ICARDA operates in regional and country offices across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. For more information: www.icarda.org.
All CGIAR Centers are currently engaged into a reform process (\u201cOne CGIAR\u2019\u201d) that will help ICARDA and CGIAR achieve better impact through more strategically integrated research, unified governance, an integrated structure, and new research modalities across participating Research Centers. This transformation is supported by CGIAR donors who have committed to increased funding as a result of these reforms.
Project Coordination & Management
\u00b7 Lead the day-to-day operations of the project in collaboration with multidisciplinary research teams across six countries.
\u00b7 Work with the Project Leader to recruit and manage project staff, including researchers, consultants, and technical specialists.
\u00b7 Ensure effective communication and collaboration among project teams, partner institutions, and funding agencies.
\u00b7 Oversee the procurement of research materials, field equipment, and services essential for project implementation.
\u00b7 Organize and facilitate scientific workshops, stakeholder consultations, and project review meetings as needed.
Technical & Research Oversight
\u00b7 Support research teams in the design, execution, and analysis of field trials related to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in palm production.
\u00b7 Ensure alignment of research activities with project goals, funding requirements, and scientific best practices.
\u00b7 Work with project scientists to synthesize findings into technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, and policy briefs.
\u00b7 Track scientific and technological progress, ensuring results are translated into actionable recommendations for end-users.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
\u00b7 Develop and implement the Project Performance Measurement Framework (PMF) in collaboration with the Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Specialist.
\u00b7 Track and assess project milestones, key performance indicators (KPIs), and impact metrics.
\u00b7 Identify risks, challenges, and corrective actions needed to ensure successful project execution.
\u00b7 Ensure timely submission of progress reports, financial reports, and donor compliance documents.
\u00b7 Manage project delivery and facilitate regular review meetings as per agreed timelines while ensuring ongoing adoption of any suitable developments.
Stakeholder & Partnership Engagement
\u00b7 Work with the Project Leader, Legal Advisor, and Partnership & Resource Mobilization (PRM) team to draft and manage legal agreements with funding agencies and implementing partners.
\u00b7 Maintain strong relationships with national and international research organizations, extension services, and policymakers.
\u00b7 Ensure the project's outputs are effectively communicated to key stakeholders in scientific, policy, and farming communities.
Financial & Administrative Management
\u00b7 Develop and manage the project budget, ensuring efficient use of resources.
\u00b7 Forecast financial needs and ensure adherence to procurement and fund utilization policies.
\u00b7 Support financial audits, procurement close-outs, and project closure activities, ensuring compliance with funders\u2019 requirements.
Requirements
\u00b7 Master\u2019s or Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences, Entomology, Plant Protection, Environmental Sciences, Agronomy, or a related field.
\u00b7 At least 7 years of experience in managing large-scale Research for Development (R4D) projects, preferably in Integrated Pest Management (IPM), sustainable agriculture, or crop protection.
\u00b7 Strong knowledge of project management frameworks, particularly in scientific and donor-funded environments.
\u00b7 Experience working in multi-country, multi-stakeholder projects with international research institutions, preferably in the Gulf and Northern African region.
\u00b7 Familiarity with Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) methodologies, including data collection, impact assessment, and reporting.
\u00b7 Proficiency in MS Project, Excel, Word, and project management tools (e.g., Gantt charts, logical frameworks).
\u00b7 Strong written and verbal communication skills in English (knowledge of Arabic or French is an advantage).
\u00b7 Ability to travel internationally to project sites as needed.
\u00b7 Experience working with CGIAR centers, international organizations, or donor-funded projects.
\u00b7 Strong leadership and problem-solving skills with the ability to adapt to diverse cultural and research environments.
\u00b7 Knowledge of pest control strategies, biological control agents, and sustainable agriculture practices is an advantage.
Benefits
This is an internationally recruited position for which ICARDA offers an attractive compensation package including a competitive salary, housing allowance, non-contributory retirement plan, medical insurance and leave provisions. All benefits are denominated and paid in US Dollars. The successful candidate will be offered an initial contract of three (3) years, renewable subject to satisfactory performance. The first year of appointment will be probationary period.