The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a dynamic Project Manager to oversee the operations of the “Integration of Orange-fleshed Sweetpotato Value Chain Development–“ into MIONJO project funded by World Bank and ensure its goals and objectives are met.

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.

·       Contribute to project team-building efforts and ensure the integration of all team members into relevant decision-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.

Requirements

·       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.

Benefits

Exciting career opportunity in an international organization.