Use your project management skills to make a difference to maize-based food security in Africa!We are seeking a dynamic and results-oriented Project Manager for implementation of DTMASS (Drought Tolerant Maize for Africa Seed Scale-up) Project in six countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Mozambique and Zambia) in Sub-Saharan Africa. The selected candidate will be a member of the CIMMYT Global Maize Program (CIMMYT-GMP) team, based at Nairobi, Kenya, and will work closely with CIMMYT’s maize seed systems team, as well as seed companies and public sector partners for effective deployment of improved drought tolerant maize varieties. The position will involve travel to field sites in the target countries.
The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its Spanish acronym, CIMMYT®, is a not-for-profit research and training organization with partners in over 100 countries. Please refer to our website for more information: www.cimmyt.org
Specific duties of this position include:
- Prepare technical and financial reports in consultation with project leader and team members, and report timely to the donor.
- Assist in recruiting the support personnel for the project, and ensure effective deployment of staff and other resources, including staff time allocation to the project.
- Provide strong support to the project leader in developing annual work plans and monitoring their execution against the project baseline, including activities, deliverables, schedule, and associated costs, and ensure that the project work plan is updated in the CIMMYT’s Research Management System as necessary.
- Monitor and report on utilization of budget and commitments accurately and in a timely manner to facilitate informed decision making.
- Prepare necessary documentation and execute project subcontracts/consultancies, ensuring full compliance to established policy and process, monitor their implementation, and ensure smooth closure of contracts.
- Organize project workshops and follow-up on decisions related to project.
- Manage stakeholder expectations; conduct quality assurance of project deliverables, including monitoring of the project variables (cost, effort, scope, etc.) against the project management plan and the project performance baseline.
- Oversee the procurement and management of project assets, inventory and other resources, in alignment with CIMMYT’s policies and processes.
- Manage change control in the project: Influence the factors that could circumvent integrated change control so only approved changes are implemented.
- Assist the Project Leader in knowledge capture, documenting the lessons learned, and in disseminating relevant information to the project management team.
- Monitor and evaluate contributions by project team members to facilitate performance management and appraisals.
- Contribute to the visibility and impact of the project, and ensure its institutional integration under the oversight of the Project Leader, CIMMYT-GMP Director and Knowledge Manager (and others as necessary).
We are seeking candidates with the following academic qualifications, skills and attitudes:
- Master’s Degree in Business Management, Public Administration, Project Management or related field.
- At least 3 years of proven experience in Project Management, including knowledge of theories, practices and procedures within the discipline.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or similar is desirable.
- Experience in managing R&D projects, preferably in agriculture.
- Experience in International Agricultural Research and/or Development
- Ability to communicate effectively internally and externally with different staff members at different levels.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
- Advanced skills in Microsoft Office applications (advanced Excel, MS Project, and/or other database applications)
- Proven ability to organize and coordinate complex tasks and strong self-motivation and innovation skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work collegially and collaboratively in diverse, multicultural environment and good communications skills.
The position is for an initial fixed-term contract of 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 airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.
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.
HOW TO APPLY:
To apply for this position, please email cover letter and CV no later than Tuesday, 20 January 2015 to HR, CIMMYT (Email: irsrecruitment@cgiar.org / Please indicate Position Reference number: 12373 in the header of your email). In your application, please specify where you saw this position advertised.
For further information about the position, please contact Dr. B.M. Prasanna, at b.m.prasanna@cgiar.orgor Dr. Tsedeke Abate at t.d.abate@cgiar.org
For further information on the selection process, please contact Esther Mendoza, Staffing Specialist, ate.m.ramos@cgiar.org
Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
