Project Manager - Timor Leste Drums for Maize Project Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries

The Government of Timor-Leste (GoTL) has established a Project Management Unit (PMU) within the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) in Dili. The objective of the PMU is to implement the Timor-Leste Maize Storage Project (TLMSP) referred to as “the Project”, with due diligence within the framework of the laws, rules and regulations established under the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, and the rules and regulations stipulated in the Financing Agreement signed between the GoTL and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).


BRIEF EXPLANATION OF ROLE

Responsible to: the Director of MAF’s Directorate of Agriculture and Horticulture.

Works together with: In addition to leading the PMU team based in MAF, the PM will be expected to develop and maintain a close working relationship with the Director General (DG) of MAF who will Chair the PSC and be responsible for overall Project implementation. The PM will report to the Director of MAF’s Directorate of Agriculture and Horticulture. On a day-to-day basis the PM’s direct counterpart will be the Head of the Post Harvest Management Division in the Directorate. He /she will also liaise with various MAF Divisions which have roles in food production and storage, and with the National Food Security Unit which is based in MAF.

Location: Dili, with frequent travel to districts as required.

Duration: Approximately three years


GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The PM will:

• provide strategic and operational leadership to the Project, ensuring it is implemented in accordance with the intention of the PDR, the agreement between GoTL (MAF) and IFAD, and the approved Annual Work Plans and Budgets;
• ensure the overall quality of Project implementation, PMU management, personnel development, stakeholder relations, reporting, and adherence to contract conditions; and
• pay particular attention to establishing a strong working relationship with the DG of MAF and Director of the Agriculture and Horticulture Directorate.


KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The PM will:

1. Ensure the strategic direction of the Project is maintained in accordance with the PDR and AWPBs.
2. Guide and mentor Project personnel in the planning and implementation of field activities.
3. Ensure collaborative working relationships are developed amongst primary stakeholders, including key GoTL agencies (especially MAF), related projects (e.g. Seeds of Life), and other projects embedded in MAF (e.g. Rural Development Programme IV).
4. Liaise with MAF’s National Food Security Unit to ensure that TLMSP’s data and information on food supplies are integrated into this system.
5. Establish and maintain a close working relationship with the DG of MAF as the Chair of the PSC, with the Director of MAF’s Agriculture and Horticulture Directorate as his/ her direct counterpart, and on a day-to-day basis the Head of MAF’s Post Harvest Management Division within the Directorate.
6. Coordinate periodic (every two weeks) management meetings to be held with the DG, MAF’s Procurement and Finance Divisions, the Director of the Agriculture and Horticulture Directorate, and the Head of the Post Harvest Management Division; and coordinate the implementation of decisions arising from these meetings.
7. Oversight the establishment and operation of Project planning, reporting and M&E systems, ensuring that these are appropriately integrated with relevant MAF systems; including finalization of the Project’s Monitoring and Evaluation Framework – with the short-term Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist.
8. Under the guidance of the short-term Post Harvest Storage Specialist (PHSS), assist (through the District Coordinators and Deputy District Coordinators) with field-level R&D into alternative types of maize storage containers, and conduct surveys, etc., on drum use, etc., as planned by the PHSS.
9. Over-seeing all M&E activities, with support from the long-term Monitoring and Evaluation Officer.
10. Establish robust financial and administrative systems for the Project, with support from the Financial Officer and the Logistic/ Procurement Officer. Monitor the use and acquittal of Project funds, ensuring funds are applied in line with the PDR and approved AWPBs.
11. Manage the human and financial resources of the Project in accordance with GoTL’s and IFAD’s Guidelines, and relevant GoTL and IFAD policies, and be responsible for OH&S, and quality assurance.
12. Coordinate the preparation of all reports, workplans and manuals; including Six-Monthly and Annual Reports – for presentation to the Project Steering Committee and IFAD. As part of the six-monthly report, the PM will also be required to monitor and provide a brief analysis of major risks.
13. Monitor management performance in terms of learning; and improvements to the implementation approach, and management systems; and report in the six-monthly Progress Reports.
14. Liaise with other donors working in Timor-Leste and actively investigate opportunities for linking with other initiatives involved in improving food security.
15. Analyse and synthesise Project experiences and actively contribute to the on-going refinement of GoTL’s strategy for on-farm food storage, with the objective of laying the foundation for scaling up in subsequent phases.


SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

The successful candidate should have:

1. A post-graduate degree from a recognized University in a relevant field (or other professional
qualifications)– preferably rural development.

2. At least 8 year’s experience working in international development (with minimum of 5 years working
in Timor Leste).

3. A general understanding of the process and issues involved in on-farm storage of staple food
crops, especially maize; and in the identification and promotion of improved grain storage systems
which are suitable for subsistence farmers.

4. Proven managerial skills, particularly in:
a. Planning, administration and financial management of donor projects;
b. Working with and coordinating a team of professionals;
c. Coordinating geographically dispersed development activities;
d. Leading IFAD or other donor development activities; and
e. Liaising with government and non-government organizations.

5. Demonstrated ability to establish strong working relationships with national counterparts at a senior
level.

6. Well developed skills in: inter-personal communication; report writing; numeracy; analysis; and
networking.

7. Good computer literacy.
8. Fluency in English and some Tetum preferred

Job Email id: risonlia1(at)yahoo.com