Project Specialist – Power of Diversity Funding Facility

The Global Crop Diversity Trust is an international organization with headquarters in Bonn, Germany whose mission is to ensure the conservation and availability of crop diversity for food security worldwide. For further information about the Global Crop Diversity Trust, consult the web page at http://croptrust.org  

 

The Global Crop Diversity Trust is seeking an outstanding candidate for the position of:

 

Project Specialist – Power of Diversity Funding Facility

 

Under the overall supervision of the Crop Trust Director of Programs and under the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator – Power of Diversity Pilot (PoD Pilot), a new position that is currently being recruited, the Project Specialist – Power of Diversity Pilot will be responsible for implementing the Crop Trust’s Vision for Adapted Crop and Soils (VACS) Funding Facility Project and PoD Pilot. PoD falls under the umbrella of the multi-donor Power of Diversity Funding Facility (PDFF), a mechanism to secure, enhance and enable the wider adoption of underutilized agricultural plant species to provide opportunities to diversify the global agrifood system and help meet the food and nutritional needs of a growing global population on a hotter planet. The PoD Pilot will serve as a proof of concept starting with seven countries and is designed to be rapidly ‘scaled out’ to additional countries and “opportunity crops.”

 

The PoD Pilot is a 5-year project that will be implemented starting in January 2025 and ending in 2029. It aims to increase nutrition security in Africa, Asia and Latin America through the enhanced conservation, production and consumption of nutritious but currently underused, climate resilient and environment-friendly crop species (“opportunity crops”). 

 

The responsibilities of the position include the following:

 

• Engage with partners to establish cooperation agreements and negotiate project contracts for the PoD Pilot.
• Liaise with partners, troubleshoot problems, and provide scientific advice and technical backstopping as appropriate, including site visits. Duty travel to sites in Africa, Asia and Latin America, as well as other locations, is required.
• Develop report templates and support report submission of partners using the Crop Trust’s Partner Reporting Tool.
• Conduct regular monitoring and evaluation of grantee performance/reporting to ensure that project targets are achieved.
• Coordinate capacity building activities of PoD Pilot partners.
• Support the procurement of agreed equipment and consumables.
• Support the procurement, identification of consultants and management of consultancy contracts to ensure that the proposed activities are completed as per the agreement.
• Work with Crop Trust’s Quality Management System Coordinator to develop and curate a robust knowledge base for the sustainable conservation, production, and use of opportunity crops. This includes documenting best practices and approaches, as well as working closely with stakeholders to ensure that their knowledge and insights are integrated into the knowledge base.
• Write, or contribute to, reports, peer-reviewed publications, documents, and presentations as necessary.
• Assist with partner financial management (e.g. review of partner expenditure and supporting documents) and ensure they are compliant with the Crop Trust’s and the donor’s financial rules and regulations.
• Support responding to donor requests and in organizing the meetings of the PDFF Strategic Advisory Group (SAG).
• Represent the Crop Trust and the PoD Pilot Project as necessary.
• Stay abreast of scientific developments and institutional players in the area of responsibility.
• Stay abreast of relevant policy frameworks (Plant Treaty, CBD, etc.).
• Contribute to the smooth and coordinated functioning of the Programs Team, liaising with other Crop Trust teams as necessary for effective institutional cohesion.

 

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience 


• BSc in the biological/agricultural sciences, agricultural economics, or related field. An advanced degree in these areas will present an advantage.
• At least 6 years of relevant work experience in project coordination and monitoring and evaluation, preferably in an international environment.
• Experience in managing procurement processes and managing contracts with consultants is an asset.
• Experience working in a multicultural, international environment is preferred.
• Strong computer skills, including good knowledge of databases, MS Office, and project management applications.
• High degree of initiative, judgement, creativity, and analytical abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and ability to interact effectively with a wide range of collaborators from different cultural backgrounds.
• Excellent English written and spoken required; knowledge of other languages will be an advantage.
  

 

Terms and Conditions: The Crop Trust offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary, non-contributory retirement savings plan, medical insurance and leave provisions. This is a General Service position classified as Level 3, with Level 3 being the highest Level in the General Service Grade Levels. The salary range for this level starts at Euro 40,000. Staff of the Global Crop Diversity Trust (including German nationals) are exempt from host country income tax. All benefits are denominated and paid in Euros. Relocation costs are not covered. The initial contract duration will be 3 years and will be subject to a probationary period of 12 months.

 

Applications: Interested candidates should submit the following (incomplete applications will not be considered):

 

1. A one-page motivation letter including summary of your qualifications and experience, indicating how you meet the expected set of skills and competencies for the position and your drivers for applying.
2. Your Curriculum Vitae in English (please include your current residence address, telephone, and email address, date of birth, gender and nationality).
3. Names and full contact details of at least three referees.

 

Deadline for applications is 13 October 2024.

 

By submitting your application, you agree to the Crop Trust processing your personal data as

described here.

 

The Trust is an equal opportunity employer and strives for staff diversity in gender and nationality.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.