PROJECT MANAGERS (2) – GLOBAL MAIZE PROGRAM (GMP) AND GLOBAL CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE PROGRAM (GCAP)

Vacancy Number:   A/028/2013
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Duration: 2 years with the possibility of renewal

General: The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) is an autonomous, non-profit making, international scientific organization operating under the aegis of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). More specifically its mission is:

To encourage, support and undertake activities to improve the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of maize and wheat systems in the interest of the resource poor in developing countries.

The position: The Project Managers will support Project Leaders (PLs) to facilitate informed decision making and effective project management of the Nutritious Maize for Ethiopia (NuME) and the Farm Mechanization and Conservation Agriculture for Sustainable Intensification (FACASI) Projects implemented by CIMMYT in Ethiopia and Eastern Africa. The candidates will assist the PLs with project administrative matters, including preparation of project reports, assistance in technical and financial audits, and tracking of project milestones/deliverables. The positions will be based at CIMMYT’s Office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Specific responsibilities of this position will include:

• Proposals and Reporting
• Follow up on and summarize reports from Project partners for project presentations by the Project Leader
• Collect, collate and maintain databases of M&E information, project results, milestones and deliverables from Project partners
• Draft, consolidate and edit technical reports and new proposals in collaboration with team members and Project partners.
• Interact with the CIMMYT Project Management Unit on timely donor reporting
• Budget & HR Management:
• Ensure appropriate project budget upload and revision, based on project work plans
• Extract project budgets on a monthly basis and provide feedback to project leaders; review transactions for appropriate charging and identify problems
• Adjust budgets between project members for effective use of resources
• Assist in procurement and management of project assets, inventory and other resources
• Review financial reports prepared by accounting and reconcile
• Request staff allocation from Programs
• Subcontracting: Execute subcontracts ensuring full compliance to established policies and processes implemented by the IP Unit

Research Management System (RMS):

• Manage directory structure and Project documentation in the RMS
• Manage Project details in the RMS; inform other units in case they change
• Assist Project Leader and Members in developing and uploading Project Schedule and Project Member’s work plan
• Assist Project Members in the SMART formulation of Deliverables and Outputs
• Advise Project members on how to upload data and information in the RMS
• Manage access privileges in consultation with Project Leader and Program Director
• Assist Project Leader in closing out projects including knowledge capture and lessons learned
• Organize Project workshops, develop minutes, reports or conclusions, and follow-up on decisions related to Project
• Performs other duties as directed by supervisors
• We are seeking candidates with the following qualification, skills and attitudes:

Essential:

• Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance or Public Administration or BBA in Project Management or similar field
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in project management and budget management in a corporate and non-profit environment.
• Proficiency in English, with excellent written / oral communication, presentation, and negotiation skills
• Proficiency in MS Office suite and advanced internet skills
• High level of cultural sensitivity to understand the needs of all staff and partners. High level of responsibility and discretion and ability work under pressure. Effective team leadership

Desirable:

• ERP experience and knowledge of Project Management Software (MS Project, PMP or similar); PMP Certification.
• Experience in proposal development.
• Experience in the management of agricultural R&D projects; basic working knowledge/ understanding of agriculture and agricultural sciences

Duty Station:    Addis Ababa

Grade:    3A level 3

Minimum Base Salary:     Birr 22,045.00 (depending on the skill & experience and salary history of the candidate this is negotiable).

Terms of appointment:  Initial appointment is (fixed term) for two years with the possibility of renewal appointment, contingent upon individual performance and the availability of funding. CIMMYT offers a multicultural, collegial research environment with competitive salary and excellent benefits in line with ILRI salary applicable for its Nationally Recruited Staff.  CIMMYT is an international and equal opportunity organization and believes that diversity of its staff contributes to excellence.
Applications: Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, relevant documents, testimonials, and the names and addresses (including telephone, fax and email) of three referees knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to the Human Resources Office, ILRI, P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Telephone: (251-11)-617-20-00; Fax: (251-11)-617-20-01.  The name and reference number of the position for which the application is made should be clearly marked on the envelopes if mailed, or on the fax applications.  Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

To find more about CIMMYT, visit our Website at:  http://www.cimmyt.org
CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer.