Main purpose of position

Providing administrative and secretarial support to the teams of breeding and genetic resources.

Reports to: Research Team Leader – Breeding and Scaling Improved Varieties of dryland cereals and pulses / Morocco Research Platform Manager and Research Team Leader – Genetic Resources, conservation, characterization, and use (GRS)

Location: Rabat, Morocco

About ICARDA

The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) is a treaty-based international non-profit research organization supported by CGIAR.

ICARDA’s mission is to reduce poverty, enhance food, water, and nutritional security, as well as environmental health in the face of global challenges including climate change. We do this through innovative science, strategic partnerships, linking research to development and capacity development that take into account gender equality and the role of youth in transforming the dry areas. ICARDA works in partnership with governments, universities, civil society, national agricultural research organizations, other CGIAR Research Centers, and the private sector. With its temporary Headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon, ICARDA operates in regional and country offices across Africa, Asia and the Middle East. For more information: www.icarda.org

All CGIAR Centers are currently engaged into a reform process (“One CGIAR’”) that will help ICARDA and CGIAR achieve better impact through more strategically integrated research, unified governance, an integrated structure and new research modalities across participating Research Centers. This transformation is supported by CGIAR donors who have committed to increased funding as a result of these reforms.

Main responsibilities

• Assisting with the logistic organization of team meetings, international and local conferences, training courses, etc., preparation of minutes and follow-up.
• Independently manage routine correspondence of the teams and act on them.
• Maintain an open and accessible office for both teams’ staff members.
• Assisting with the schedules, travel, and logistics for the staff.
• Handling travel authorizations and expense claims for the team staff.
• Developing and maintaining a filing and MIS (Management Information System) system.
• Assisting with office supplies and equipment for the teams’ staff.
• Performing any other duties assigned by the supervisors.

Requirements

Education, qualifications, and experience

• Bachelor’s degree or Master’s in business administration or related disciplines.
• At least 3 years’ experience in secretarial work and office management.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English including drafting skills are required.
• Proficiency in French and Arabic languages is highly desirable.
• Competency to use software packages (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and ability to use corporate ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems and other computer applications; databases, filing systems and general office equipment.
• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills.
• Capacity to work independently and with minimum supervision.
• Ability to be work effectively under pressure to meet tight deadlines and willingness to work extra hours when needed.
• Experience in working in an international, multi-cultural environment will be an advantage.

Benefits

Terms of appointment, salary, and benefits

This is a nationally recruited position for which ICARDA offers an attractive compensation package including a competitive salary, medical insurance, 30 days of annual leave, five months’ maternity leave, 15 days’ paternity leave. The successful candidate will be offered an initial contract of 3 years, renewable subject to satisfactory performance, continuous need of the position and availability of fund. The first year will be probationary period.

ICARDA is committed to increasing women representation in its workforce and strongly encourages applications from women.

All applications will be acknowledged, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.