Country Coordinator

About CABI

By sharing knowledge and science, CABI tackles global issues like poverty, hunger, education, equality, sustainability, climate change and biodiversity. We do this by helping farmers grow more and lose less of what they produce, combating threats to agriculture and the environment from pests and diseases, protecting natural habitats from invasive species, and improving access to scientific knowledge.

CABI is an international, inter-governmental, not-for- profit organization that improves people’s lives worldwide by providing information and applying scientific expertise to solve problems in agriculture and the environment. Our approach involves putting information, skills, and tools into people’s hands. CABI’s 48 Member Countries guide and influence our work which is delivered by scientific staff based in our global network of centres.

CABI is committed to making a difference, playing its part in creating a brighter, more equitable and sustainable future.

You can learn more at:www.cabi.org

Background

The PlantwisePlus Burundi project aims to empower smallholder farmers to produce more food using sustainable crop production practices, with a vision to reach 75% of these farmers across the country. The project focuses on embedding a farmer advisory approach while addressing existing weaknesses in Burundi’s plant health system. Key initiatives include integrating plant clinic network operations into the national plant health system, linking these with other advisory approaches, and mainstreaming gender-inclusive methods to enhance women’s access to plant health services. Additionally, the project will promote lower-risk pest management practices, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides, and developing the capacity to identify, test, and scale cost-effective biological control solutions for priority pests. Given the scope and complexity of the project, there is a critical need for a dedicated Country Coordinator based in Burundi.

Purpose of the Role

This role is essential to ensure efficient and effective delivery of project outputs by coordinating with national stakeholders, government institutions, and local partners. Additionally, having an in-country coordinator will facilitate timely decision-making, enhance stakeholder engagement, and ensure the project aligns with the national agricultural and plant health priorities. As the project aims to make a lasting impact, a Country Coordinator has a role in ensuring sustainability, continuity, and long-term collaboration with local institutions.

THE ROLE:

The CABI Country Coordinator will lead the in-country implementation of the PlantwisePlus Burundi project. The coordinator will be the primary liaison between CABI and local partners, including government agencies, research institutions, and NGOs. The coordinator will ensure that the project activities are delivered according to the agreed timelines and in alignment with CABI’s goals and donor requirements. A crucial part of the coordinator’s role will be the primary connection between the project’s team- based outside of Burundi—and local partners on the ground. This will require the coordinator to effectively communicate project updates, needs, and challenges while ensuring that any decisions or strategies formulated by the project team are translated into actionable plans within the local context. The coordinator will also oversee field operations, ensuring that resources are managed efficiently and project activities are delivered with high quality and impact. In addition to managing internal processes, the coordinator will represent the project at local and national forums, including donor-convened meetings and initiatives. Given that these engagements often arise on short notice, the coordinator must be able to quickly prepare for and attend such meetings, ensuring that CABI’s work, and the project’sprogress are well-communicated. This representation will be vital for ensuring continued donor support and for fostering collaboration with key stakeholders.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Lead the day-to-day implementation of the PlantwisePlus Burundi project.
• Manage and coordinate activities with local partners, including ISABU, government ministries, and local agricultural organizations.
• Serve as the primary liaison between CABI and Burundian stakeholders.
• Coordinate and ensure the quality of project outputs.
• Support the monitoring and evaluation of project activities, ensuring that outcomes are aligned with project goals.
• Lead public relations efforts to raise awareness of PlantwisePlus and its impacts in Burundi.
• Ensure compliance with CABI’s internal policies, financial regulations, and local laws.

ABOUT YOU:

• Master’s degree in agriculture, crop protection, or a related field.
• In-depth knowledge of Burundi’s agricultural sector and the challenges farmers face. Experience with plant disease diagnosis and management.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in agricultural project management, preferably in Burundi.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills, with experience managing multi-stakeholder projects.
• Fluency in French and English is essential. Knowledge of Kirundi is desirable.
• Demonstrated experience managing partnerships with government agencies, donors, research institutions, and NGOs.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to represent CABI nationally and internationally.

Personal Characteristics:

• Unquestionable integrity
• High initiative and self-driven requiring little or no supervision
• Adaptive and pro-active
• An effective, creative, innovative, and team player with the ability to work in multidisciplinary, multi-institutional, and multicultural environment.

ROLE DETAILS:

Grade: HAY Band 6

Reporting to: Project Manager, PW+ Burundi

Direct reports: Project Officer, Finance Officer, Scientist

Key peer group: Country coordinators, Project Managers

WHAT WE OFFER:

We aim to recruit and retain passionate people with the necessary skills, knowledge, and commitment to help us achieve our mission. Our benefits are designed to make our lives easier, improve our work-life balance, save money, and safeguard our well-being.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES:

We are a thriving international organisation that attracts a diverse range of talented people worldwide. Our staff currently comprises over 30 nationalities. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or marital status. No applicant will be disadvantaged by conditions that cannot be justified, and selection will be based on merit.