Ref No: DDG-R4D/PM/FTF/MRA/01/15

Background: The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the internationally recruited position of Project Manager, Feed the Future Malawi ReSeed Aflasafe.

IITA is an international non-profit agricultural research-for-development (R4D) organization established in 1967, governed by a Board of Trustees, and a member of the CGIAR Consortium. Our R4D approach is anchored on the development needs of the tropics. We work with partners to enhance crop quality and productivity, reduce producer and consumer risks, and generate wealth from agriculture. We have more than 100 internationally recruited scientists from about 35 countries and 900 nationally recruited staff based in various stations across Africa. Please visit http://www.iita.org/ for more information on IITA.

IITA seeks a highly qualified and experienced Project Manager for a project to develop and scale-up a novel and highly effective biocontrol technology (www.aflasafe.com) for aflatoxin mitigation in Malawi. One of the objectives of this grant is to develop national capacity for aflatoxin research and management. The project is part of a larger project—Reseeding Malawi’s Smallholder Agriculture with improved Maize, Groundnut, Pigeonpea and Soybean, Sweet potato and Aflatoxin Management Technologies Development Project (ReSeed)—funded by USAID/Feed the Future and implemented by a consortium of four CGIAR centers (CIP, CIMMYT, ICRISAT, and IITA) in partnership with public and private sector. As a team member of the larger ReSeed project, the project manager will provide leadership, guidance, cohesion, accountability, and profile to this project. S/he will have an overall responsibility for project planning, implementation, and evaluation as well as for strengthening partnerships and timely submission of budgets and technical and financial reports to IITA administration, USAID/Malawi, and other stakeholders.

This is a unique opportunity for a gifted individual to contribute to the reduction of aflatoxin burden of Malawian people and economy. The project manager will become member of IITA’s highly motivated multidisciplinary team working on aflatoxin mitigation in more than a dozen countries in Africa. 

Position/Responsibilities:

• Provide overall leadership and a results-based project management function to ensure that project targets are achieved (see under specific responsibilities) within the set timelines.
• Coordinate project planning, implementation, and evaluation with CGIAR centers implementing the other components of the ReSeed project for effective harmonization of approaches and integrated reporting.
• Organize regular planning and review meetings with all stakeholder and implementing partners.
• Prepare and submit quality technical and financial reports to the donor in a timely fashion. Work with IITA’s Finance Office and Project Administration Office to obtain technical and administrative support with the preparation and submission of reports.
• Work closely with the M&E specialist to develop a performance management plan for the project and monitor the implementation processes to track milestones and report on selected standard performance indicators, as well as custom indicators and outputs.
• Publish research results and success stories and contribute to dissemination of results to stakeholders.

Specific Technical Responsibilities:

Perform the following specific tasks to ensure that project outputs, milestones and deliverables are met on schedule:

• Conduct surveys to determine the prevalence and severity of mycotoxins in Malawi;
• Identify and test atoxigenic strains for aflatoxin biocontrol development in Malawi;
• Evaluate the efficacy of aflatoxin biocontrol strains on maize and groundnut in Malawi;
• Contribute to the formulation of the best atoxigenic strains into products, and engage in product stewardship and market development for regional biocontrol products;
• Pursue biocontrol product registration in Malawi and advise on IP management;
• Nurture national capacity in aflatoxin research and monitoring;
• Raise awareness on aflatoxin contamination and engage in advocacy for aflatoxin management;
• Foster public-private partnerships for linking farmers using aflatoxin management practices (including biocontrol) to value-added markets.

Educational Qualifications

The candidate should have a MSc/PhD in Agricultural Sciences, Microbiology, Food Science (including Food Microbiology, Food Technology, Food Nutrition, etc.), or equivalent degree.

Core Competencies:

• Training or understanding of aflatoxin or microbiology and field research is desirable, but a strong managerial skills is essential   

• Experience of at least 3 years as a project manager of large-scale agricultural development projects, preferably in sub-Saharan Africa

Skills and abilities

• Good understanding of the agricultural sector and its development challenges in Africa, such as those affecting technology dissemination, adoption, and impacts.
• Ability to work collegially and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary and multi-cultural environment.
• Demonstrated communication & organizational skills and ability to prepare high quality reports.
• Demonstrated ability in stakeholder and partner engagement and policy dialogue.
• Excellent leadership and team building skills.
• Strong interpersonal relationships and communication skills.

Duty station: The position will be based at IITA-Malawi, Chitedze Research Station, Lilongwe.

General information: The contract will be for an initial period of three years with possibility of renewal based on performance and availability of funding. IITA offers internationally competitive remuneration package paid in U.S. Dollars.

Applications: Applications must include covering letter which should address how the candidate’s background/experience relates to the specific duties of the position applied for, curriculum vitae, names and addresses of three professional referees (which must include either the Head of the applicant’s current or previous organization or applicant’s direct Supervisor/Superior at his/her present or former place of work). The application should be addressed to the Head, Human Resources Service. Please complete our online application form using this link: http://www.iita.org/careers      

Closing Date: The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found

IITA is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from women candidates.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.