VACANCY JOB FOR PROJECT COUNTRY MANAGER , TUESDAY 31, JANUARY 2012

PROJECT COUNTRY MANAGER – Ghana (Ref: DDG-R4D/PCMG/10/11)

BACKGROUND: The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the position of Project Country Manager - Yam Improvement for Income and Food Security in West Africa (YIIFSWA) project.
IITA is an international non-profit research-for-development (R4D) organization created in 1967, governed by a Board of Trustees, and supported primarily by the Consultative Group of International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). Our R4D is anchored on the development needs of sub-Saharan Africa. We develop agricultural solutions with our partners to tackle hunger and poverty by reducing producer and consumer risks, enhancing crop quality and productivity, and generating 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.

The Project Country Manager will work closely with Objective Leaders (specialists in agronomy, plant health, plant breeding, postharvest technology, and social science) as well as national and international partners to efficiently coordinate and monitor project activities. Responsibilities will include coordination of partner relations and contracts; oversight of the delivery of project outputs as well as the preparation and timely submission of technical, financial and other reports. The Country Manager will take functional guidance from, and report to the Project Manager.

POSITION/RESPONSIBILITIES
Be the main contact for YIIFSWA project in Ghana.
Provide effective and efficient management, guidance, cohesion, accountability, and profile to the project activities in Ghana.
Facilitate the work of an inter-disciplinary, international and culturally diverse project team; and manage financial assets in concordance with the results framework of the project and organizational procedures.
Coordinate all project activities in Ghana including detailed planning and regular review of progress with Objective Coordinators and implementation teams; and ensure collaboration and communication between various partners and stakeholders.
Apply best practices and tools for project management, including monitoring of progress and budget, procurements, data reposition and troubleshooting.
Manage contracts between IITA and project partners in Ghana.
Proactively participate in building / strengthening of teams and partnerships.
Prepare and submit technical, financial and other reports to the Project Manager.
In collaboration with the Project Manager, organize annual project planning and review meetings, monitoring tours, and technical workshops in Ghana.
Ensure effective communication within the project team, identify shortfalls, and devise contingency plans.
Be the liaison person for consultations with national R&D leaders, private sector, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders on project related matters.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
The candidate should have a Masters/PhD degree in plant or agricultural sciences from a recognized university.

CORE COMPETENCIES:
At least 5 years of experience in agriculture R&D and project management.
Working experience / exposure to international organizations and interdisciplinary agriculture research.
Familiarity with agriculture and farming systems in Ghana. Working experience with yam (Dioscorea spp.) will be an asset.
Experience in team management skills.
Proficiency in use of computers, database management software, internet-based tools and other electronic communication tools
Fluency in oral and written English; working knowledge of popular Ghanaian languages.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
DUTY STATION: IITA-Ghana but involves substantial time outside duty station, domestic and some international travel.
GENERAL INFORMATION: Initial appointment is for three years. IITA offers a competitive remuneration package.

TO APPLY
Please complete our online application form using this link: http://www.iita.org/nrs-online-application.
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.