IITA Vacancies For Action Area Co-ordinator

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is one of the world’s leading research partners in finding solutions for hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. IITA’s award-winning research for development (R4D) addresses the development needs of tropical countries. IITA works with partners to enhance crop quality and productivity, reduce producer and consumer risks, and generate wealth from agriculture.
The organization is currently recruitng as seen below:

Position: Action Area Coordinator (Ref: DDG – R4D/AAC/02/13)

Background: The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the position of Action Area Coordinator of the African Western Humid Lowland Action Area of the Humidtropics .
Humidtropics is the IITA-led CGIAR Research Program on Integrated Systems for the Humid Tropics. This exciting new global research for development (R4D) program targets systems that affect up to 1.5 billion rural people, most of whom operate within smallholder farming systems in which livestock and production are intimately linked. The program focuses on increasing the available options and strengthening the capacity of poor and vulnerable people to improve their livelihoods and living environment. The strategy is based on promising innovations and technologies for agricultural systems in the humid tropics that will result in vibrant communities, economic success, educated people, and environments that encourage health and well-being.
We are looking for a suitably qualified and enthusiastic person to fill the challenging position of Action Area Coordinator of the African Western Humid Lowland Action Area of the Humidtropics . The Action Area Coordinator will be responsible for implementing the Humidtropics research for development agenda in above Action Area, comprising parts of Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon. The Action Area Coordinator will be part of the Humidtropics Management Committee and will report to the IITA Directors for West Africa and NRM.
 
Position/Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of the Action Area Coordinator will include:

• Facilitate the implementation of the research for development agenda of the Humidtropics in the Western Humid Lowland Action Area in cooperation with the Action Site contacts.
• Engage in monitoring and evaluating progress against project milestones and impact indicators in above Action Area.
• Report Action Area activities within the Humidtropics reporting templates.
• Lead the development of sub-agreements and budgets to partners for above Action Area and ensure proper technical and financial feedback from partners.
• Implement the Humidtropics-wide communication and knowledge management strategies within above Action Area.
• Represent Humidtropics as needed.

Educational Qualifications
The candidate should have a PhD degree in a field related to management or dissemination of best practices.
 
Core Competencies:

• At least 10 years of experience in a relevant management area with increasing responsibilities.
• Extensive experience in strategic communication with a demonstrated track record of success.
• Experience with planning, monitoring and evaluation of projects, including participatory methods.
• Significant experience with and knowledge of agricultural research and/or development work in the humid tropics.
• Excellent leadership skills and sensitivity to cross cultural issues and ability to work with multicultural and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking, planning and management skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in French and English.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and gender awareness.
• Commitment to gender equity and diversity.
• Willingness to travel.

Duty Station: Accra, Ghana (nearly certain – could also be Ibadan, Nigeria or Yaounde, Cameroon).
 
General information: Initial appointment is for three years. IITA offers a competitive remuneration package paid in US dollars.
 
Applications: Applications including curriculum vitae, names and addresses of three referees should be addressed to the Human Resources Manager. Please complete our online application form using this link: http://www.iita.org/irs-online-application
 
Closing Date: 16th April 2013.
 
Please visit http://www.iita.org/ for more information on IITA.