Project Coordinator

The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) seeks to hire a Project Coordinator based at Debre Zeit Agricultural research center, who will be a member of ICARDA-Ethiopia team.

The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) is an international autonomous, non-profit, research organization temporarily based in Beirut, Lebanon supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). ICARDA is committed to the improvement of livelihoods of the resource-poor in dry areas by enhancing food security and alleviating poverty through agricultural research, and the equitable use of natural resources. For more details: http://www.icarda.org

Key Responsibilities:

The Project Coordinator coordinates a three-year project entitled ‘Better livelihoods for small holder farmers through knowledge based technology interventions in the highlands of Ethiopia: Increasing the productivity of chickpea in wheat-based cropping system’. The project is implemented by the ICARDA –Ethiopia Office and Sub-Saharan Africa Program with technical support from the Seed Section and Chickpea Group at ICARDA Headquarters.

• Coordinates in liaison with Ethiopian partners the implementation of USAID funded project on ’Better livelihoods for small holder farmers through knowledge based technology interventions in the highlands of Ethiopia: Increasing the productivity of chickpea in wheat-based cropping system’
• Works with a multi-disciplinary team from ICARDA and Ethiopia to coordinate technology dissemination and out scaling activities within the joint research for development project;
• Prepares in liaison with partners annual work plans to address project objectives, output and activities;
• Conducts field trials in her/his field of expertise to solve key challenges identified in the project proposal;
• Prepares and submits technical and financial reports as per ICARDA and donor schedules and guidelines;
• Prepares technical publications, field manuals, brochures and flyers about the project;
• Ensures the use and disbursement of project finance strictly as per agreed budget procedures;
• Provides technical support to NARS, public sector, private sector, farmer groups and organizations, development agencies, extension services, NGOs etc involved in the project;
• Organizes annual project planning meetings, training courses, field days, travelling workshops
• Develops effective monitoring and evaluation plans for the project implementation
• Performs other assignments related to this and other ICARDA projects as assigned by the Country Manager and Coordinator of ICARDA- Sub-Saharan Africa Program Ethiopia Office

Education:

• PhD in Plant Breeding, Seed Science and Technology or other related fields

Experience:

• At least 2 (Two) years of relevant experience in agricultural research for technology generation, seed sector development and project management is required.
• Demonstrated experiences in coordination and management of project with many partners and stakeholders at national or regional levels;
• Knowledge and practical experience in seed sector development and innovative approaches in small-scale seed enterprise development and seed business skills
• Practical knowledge and ability to conduct on-farm trials, interpret results such as yield gap analyses, integrated crop management on       chickpea based cropping system;
• Practical knowledge of on-farm surveys for data collection on seed system and socio-economic studies;
• Knowledge and experience in training of farmers, development agents, extension officers, research technician, etc in legume technology and seed system
• Demonstrate originality, creativity and innovation in solving problems and introducing new directions and approaches in narrowing yield gaps of chickpea
• Evidence of publishing the results of scientific research in peer-reviewed scientific journals;
• A valid Grade-3 driving license is an added advantage

Skills:

• Ability to write concise reports frequently and fluency in oral and written English
• Skills in statistical software like GenStat, SAS, SPSS
• Team player with excellent organisational, communication and networking skills
• Ability to work with rural communities and technical experts
• Sound knowledge of participatory and field demonstration methods
• Ability to take decisive action when faced with problems
• Fluency in English and computer literacy

Location:      Debre Zeit Agricultural research center with frequent travel.

Grade: 3B 

Minimum Base: Birr 34,128 (Negotiable, depending on experience, skill and salary history of the candidate)

Terms of appointment:  This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position, initial appointment is fixed term for one year with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon individual performance and the availability of funding. The ILRI remuneration package for nationally recruited staff in Ethiopia includes very competitive salary and benefits such as life and medical insurance, offshore pension plan, etc. The ILRI campus is set in a secure, attractive campus on the outskirts of Addis Ababa. Dining and sports facilities are located on site.

Applications: Applicants should provide a cover letter and curriculum vitae; names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to be included in the curriculum vitae. The position and reference number: REF: A/055/14should be clearly indicated in the subject line of the cover letter. All applications to be submitted online on our recruitment portal: http://ilri.simplicant.com/ on or before 25 September 2014.

Suitably qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply.