Project Manager (24-47)

International Potato Center POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Ref.: 24-47 PM/AFRICA

Project Manager

Toliara, Madagascar

TheInternationalPotatoCenter(CIP)isseekingadynamicProjectManagertooverseetheoperationsofthe“IntegrationofOrange- fleshed Sweetpotato ValueChainDevelopment” intoMIONJOproject fundedbyWorld Bankand ensure its goals and objectivesare met.

About CIP

CIP is a member of the One CGIAR Integrated Partnership, a global research partnership for a food-secure future. One CGIAR science is dedicated to transforming food, land and water systems in a climate crisis, and it is carried out by 13 CGIAR Centers/Alliances in close collaboration with hundreds of partners, including national and regional research institutes, civil society organizations, academia, development organizations and the private sector.

CIPworkswith partners inover20countriestoimprovediets andincomesofpoor peoplein Africa,Asiaand Latin Americathrough scientificresearch,innovation,andcapacitystrengthening. Focusingonpotato,sweetpotato,and other root and tuber crops,CIP’s science and innovation programs seek to strengthen biodiversity, crop improvement, regenerative agriculture, and urban food systems. CIP’s programs generate economic, social and nutritional benefits for farmers, agri-food enterprises, and consumers, supporting the priorities of women and youth in particular.

About the project

The MIONJO project in Southern Madagascar seeks to build resilience in this drought-prone region through investment in infrastructure and value chain development. The goal is to improve livelihood opportunities and resilience of community-based organizations with women and youth members through the establishment of sustainable seed systems and profitable value chains of orange-fleshed sweetpotato with a strengthened enabling environment.

The position: The position will report to the Country Manager & Senior Scientist and be co-supervised by the Principal Scientist. This position will be based at Toliara, Madagascar.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Project Management

• Supervise and lead the technical team and the administrative arm of the project

• Lead the refinement of the content and timelines for the workplan through interactions and dialogue with partners and other stakeholders and define responsibilities and commitments for its implementation.

• Ensure that project implementation is responsive to communities and partners and aligned with CIP’s principles, values, and strategic plan.

• Facilitate the establishment of a cohesive, proactive project team and a strong, mutually respectful partnership of implementing organizations with clear accountability, transparency in its operations and efficiency targeting towards food insecure and poor households.

• Develop collaborative relationships with direct project partners and the larger sweetpotato stakeholder community. • Ensure longer term viability of the partnership implementing the project through frequent interactions with senior managers of the participating organizations.

• Ensure the timely preparation and high quality of all reports.

• Provide management in all aspects of project implementation.

• Work with administrative and finance units at CIP and other CGIAR partners to oversee the development of sub- agreements and workplans.

• Monitor adherence to grant agreements, CIP policies and procedures and relevant external rules and regulations. • Represent and advocate for the project within the region and at the national level.

Staff Management, Professional Development and Team Building

• Foster a positive work environment for all staff working in this project.

• Create a work atmosphere conducive to professional growth and development of excellent personnel at all levels. • Promote accountability by conducting staff annual performance reviews with direct supervisees and ensuring that all staff members are effectively using the performance planning and management system.

• Contributetoprojectteam-buildingeffortsandensuretheintegrationofallteammembersintorelevantdecision-making

processes.

• Assure compliance in performing duties are aligned with the delegation of authority assigned to the position.

• Comply with national and international health and safety laws, regulations and standards.

Who are we looking for?

• At least MSc in Agricultural Sciences or related field plus 7 years of relevant professional experience.

• Strong experience in project and staff management, preferably within a challenging international development context.

• Strong expertise in relevant research methodologies concerning harvest and post-harvest management and processing

of crops as well as value chain development.

• Experience developing and strengthening partner relations.

• Experience implementing and adhering to workplans, and monitoring and reporting interventions.

• Strong knowledge of root and tuber production and processing preferred.

• Experience managing World Bank funds preferred

• Advanced written and oral skills in English and French.

• Knowledge of Malagasy will be an advantage.

• Leadership competencies:

o Focus on bigger picture and strategic vision.

o Value honesty, integrity and diversity.

o Building and maintaining partnerships and relationships.

o Creating a respectful work environment that fosters personal development, learning, and knowledge sharing.

How to apply?

Please Visit the following link: https://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/ and submit your cover letter and a full C.V. with your

references(preferablerecentsupervisors).Screeningofapplicationswillbeginon September18 2024 andwillcontinueuntil

the post is filled. All applications will be acknowledged; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

This position will work or have contact with children and/or vulnerable adults

Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at http://www.cipotato.org

CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are particularly

encouraged to apply.