The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the internationally recruited position of Project Manager - Soils4Liberia.
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a not-for-profit institution that generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa\u2019s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation. Working with various partners across sub-Saharan Africa, we improve livelihoods, enhance food and nutrition security, increase employment, and preserve natural resource integrity. IITA is a member of CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership for a food-secure future. Please visit http://www.iita.org/ for more information on IITA.
The project manager will take on the responsibility for project management, scientific coordination, and reporting to the EU. The project leader will be an internationally recruited professional with proven experience in managing similar projects and EU-funded initiatives in general. In the role as scientific coordinator, a good overview of technical and scientific aspects will be needed to ensure the project's scientific and technical integrity.
In order to successfully manage and deliver project outputs and outcomes, it is essential for the individual to possess strong administrative skills, collaborative teamwork abilities, and the capacity to develop and enhance skills within the team. The successful candidate will also be working as part of a team of experts for the Regional Hub for Fertilizer and Soil Health in West Africa and the Sahel.
Requirements
\u00b7 Lead the Liberia land knowledge project in terms of project management and coordination, communication and outreach, and stakeholder engagement across Europe and Africa.
\u00b7 Develop annual work plans and budgets in collaboration with all partners that are directly involved in project implementation, monitor their implementation, and take corrective action when the implementation is not done according to plan.
\u00b7 Facilitate the design of the land and soil information system (LSIS) and data and information services and collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify the requirements and design specifications for the LSIS, the field campaign and land use inventory, tools and applications for land suitability assessment, and soil quality monitoring.
\u00b7 Establish the scientific and technical advisory group (STAG) and the project steering committee (PSC), consult STAG regularly for the scientific coordination of the project, and convey bi-annual PSC meetings.
\u00b7 Develop strong partnerships with national public partners in Liberia and the EU-Liberia programme \u2013 \u2018Productivity to Product\u2019 to collaboratively identify critical soil information products needs by different stakeholders in Liberia.
\u00b7 Coordinate the development of use cases for soil information and establishment of a land and soil information system and centre in Liberia.
\u00b7 Lead the generation of information products for land and soil health and the co-design of application of soil fertility decision support framework along with the Regional Hub for Fertilizer and Soil Health in West Africa and the Sahel.
\u00b7 Develop, coordinate and co-facilitate capacity building programmes and mentorship for staff, partners and graduate students on land evaluation and soil science methodologies, data analysis and scientific communication.
\u00b7 Manage project partner agreements, establish and manage service agreements with third parties, and manage procurement.
\u00b7 Contribute to or lead the development of research proposals and other fundraising activities.
\u00b7 Financial management, including timely payment of partners in the project, budget management and preparing periodic and final financial statements.
\u00b7 Coordinate reporting to the donor, prepare periodic and final activity reports using the templates provided, and hold meetings with the project officer at the EU delegation on technical and administrative matters when and if required.
\u00b7 Establish and implement a communication strategy for stakeholder engagement in the project; ensure EU funding visibility and alignment with the EU communication strategy.
\u00b7 Organize and conduct annual project meetings for review of progress and planning of activities, hold regular meetings of the project management team (project director, work package and task leaders) and stakeholder meetings.
\u00b7 Facilitate interactions with the Regional Hub for Fertilizer and Soil Health for West Africa and the Sahel, including the identification of technical assistance opportunities from the Hub.
Educational Qualifications
The candidate should have a PhD in soil science, agronomy, or a related field with a strong understanding of spatial data and visualization.
Core Competencies
\u00b7 Demonstrated experience in soil science and digital soil mapping
\u00b7 At least 10 years of experience in soil science or agronomy with a minimum of 5 years in a management position.
\u00b7 Evidence of significant management and leadership skills including change management and management of successful field campaign teams.
\u00b7 Experience working with partners from academia, NGOs, CGIAR centers, and national agricultural research centers in the context of smallholder farming systems in Africa.
\u00b7 Experience working in West Africa will be considered favorably.
\u00b7 Demonstrated ability to work in multicultural and diverse environments.
\u00b7 Excellent interpersonal, analytical and organizational skills with evidence of good relationships with diverse stakeholder groups.
\u00b7 Evidence of extensive experience in resource mobilization.
\u00b7 Demonstrated ability to build and lead a diverse team of experts including building a consortium of both internal and external experts to achieve a common purpose.
\u00b7 Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; French would be a plus.
\u00b7 Strong computation skills in geospatial analyses and modelling will be an added advantage
\u00b7 Experience with EU funded projects is highly desirable
\u00b7 Strong demonstrated skills in financial management
Benefits
General information: The contract will be for an initial period of three years. IITA offers an internationally competitive remuneration package paid in US Dollars.
Applications: Applications must include a cover letter which should address how the candidate\u2019s background/experience relates to the specific duties of the position applied for, curriculum vitae, and names and addresses of three professional referees (which must include either the Head of the applicant\u2019s current or previous organization or applicant\u2019s direct Supervisor/Superior at his/her present or former place of work). The application should be addressed to the Head of People and Culture. Please complete our online application form using this link: https://apply.workable.com/iita/#jobs
Closing Date: 7th September, 2024
IITA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse workforce, particularly welcoming applications from women.
While all applications will be acknowledged, please note that only shortlisted candidatezs will be contacted.