International Institute of Tropical Agriculture
Background
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), with headquarters in Ibadan, Nigeria, invites applications for the nationally recruited position of Project Coordinator, Malawi Digital Plant Health Service (MaDiPHS) project.
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture is a not-for-profit institution that generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation. Working with various partners across sub-Saharan Africa, we improve livelihoods, enhance food and nutrition security, increase employment and preserve natural resource integrity. IITA is a member of CGIAR, a global agricultural Research partnership for a food secure future. Please visit http://www.iita.org/ for more information about IITA.
The Program Coordinator will assist NIBIO (Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research) ― the Project “Owner”/Lead Institution ― and IITA Management with coordination of consortium partners and administrative oversight of activities in Malawi.
Position Responsibilities
The Project Coordinator will:
Coordinate the implementation of project activities in Malawi in consultation with NIBIO, IITA Management and other consortium partners.
Assist in preparing a draft project Workplan to be submitted to the Project Leader for approval.
Assist the Project consortium in monitoring progress, provide support and control quality of the project in accordance with the workplans, and its milestones and deliverables.
Act as IITA’s Focal Point, responsible for organizing logistics for project consortium meetings and other events in Malawi and ensure that IITA activities under Work package 1 of the project (Communication and Extension) are implemented satisfactorily and timeously.
Manage and disburse funds to project partners.
Be involved in the preparation of extension materials and their dissemination in collaboration with partners.
Participate in data collection and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) to assess progress made towards set targets and goals of the project.
Assist in the documentation of success stories.
Compile quarterly and annual project reports and submit to the Project Leader.
Prepare and submit annual financial reports to the Project Leader.
Perform any other duties as may be assigned by IITA Management to meet the objectives of the MaDiPHS Project.
Requirements
Education and experience required
A PhD degree in Agriculture, Biological Sciences or related discipline.
Significant experience at senior level in the management of insect pests and diseases and agricultural extension.
Key competencies
At least 6 years of professional work experience in agricultural research or extension, integrated pest management (IPM), university teaching and supervision of postgraduate student projects, or a closely related role.
Demonstrable knowledge of setting up and managing field trials, training of extension workers and farmers, and packaging of extension messages.
Work experience with public and private institutions, strategic stakeholders and local delivery actors on pest management activities (e.g., field trials, assessment of pest incidence and effectiveness of different management strategies, farmer training, M&E data collection, etc.).
Demonstrated ability to write technical reports and publishing in referred journals.
Excellent computer skills (MS Word, Excel, Power Point).
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and fluent in at least one of Malawi’s national languages.
Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills and ability to work collaboratively with people at all levels in a decentralized, respectful, multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary organization.
Experience in budget monitoring.
Duty Station: IITA-Malawi, Chitedze Research Station, Off Mchinji Road, Lilongwe 3, Malawi.
Supervision: Although under the direct supervision of the IITA-Malawi Country Representative, this position reports to Dr David Chikoye, Director R4D Southern Africa Research and Administration Hub.
Terms and Conditions of Employment
The successful candidate will be offered an initial three-year contract, renewable depending on availability of funds and satisfactory performance. IITA offers a competitive remuneration package paid in local currency. Kindly note that this position is open only to citizens of Malawi.
Method Of Application
Interested applications should forward a covering letter detailing how the candidate’s background/experience relates to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position applied for, and a curriculum vitae by email to IITA-Malawi@cgiar.org or by post to: The Station Administrator, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Chitedze Research Station, Off Mchinji Road, P.O. Box 30258, Lilongwe 3, Malawi. Kindly note that you must also attach scanned copies of your educational and professional qualifications.
Closing Date of Applications: 18th July 2022
Contact for Information: For further information, please contact:
Doreen Munthali
IITA-MALAWI
Email: d.munthali@cgiar.org
Telephone: +265 884 38 94 15
Or
Dr. Peter Chinwada
IITA, Southern Africa Research & Administration Hub (SARAH) Campus, Lusaka, Zambia
Email: p.chinwada@cgiar.org
Tel.: +260 970 636 436
IITA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse workforce, particularly welcoming applications from women.
While all applications will be acknowledged, please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.