Director of Research and Innovation , Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA)

The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa

VACANCY Announcement
FARA is the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa, an umbrella organization bringing together and forming coalitions of major stakeholders in agricultural research and development in Africa. FARA complements the innovative activities of national, international and sub-regional research institutions to deliver more responsive and effective services to its stakeholders. It plays advocacy and coordination roles for agricultural research for development, while the national agricultural research systems (NARS), advanced research institutions (ARIs) and international agricultural research centres (IARCs) develop and promote the adoption of improved technologies and policies along the research-to-development continuum in their respective countries and jurisdictions. Since it was established in 2002 FARA has been able to develop several African-wide initiatives through consultation with stakeholders.

During the last five years, FARA and the sub-regional research organizations have gained considerably in strength, and have shifted implementation away from fixed networks to a more flexible programme approach using responsive networking. From 2014 onwards the work of FARA i.e. its Programme, will be structured into three Strategic Priorities.

In view of the foregoing, FARA is seeking to recruit highly qualified professionals for the position of Director of Research and Innovation

Director of Research and Innovation: Ref: FARA/adv./DRI/2014
Main PurposeThe Director of Research and Innovation leads the Management and Implementation of

FARA’s Programmes, Grant cultivation and Programme development, and makes a major contribution to corporate strategy and the institutional and organizational development of FARA. While providing complementary support to the Executive Director’s Unit, the Director of Research and Innovation contributes to the Strategic Leadership of FARA. In addition to providing strategic leadership of FARA’s programme the successful candidate will be a hands-on and participative manager of Science, Technology and Innovation professionals to ensure the delivery of FARA’s mandate on the African Union’s Science, Technology and

Innovation Strategy for Africa (AU-STISA), the FARA 2014-18 Strategic Plan and the associated Medium Term Operational Plan. As the immediate direct report to the Executive Director, the Director of Research and Innovation will assist the Executive Director in the execution of his functions and also play a critical role as a member of the FARA Secretariat’s Management in strategic decision making and operations as FARA continues to enhance its quality programming and build capacity.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Research and Innovation (DRI) shall perform inter-alia the following duties and responsibilities:

Duties and responsibilities
As the main coordinator of the Strategic Priority Managers, the core responsibility of the DRI is oversight on Programme management and development. The DRI will also manage the Programme and other Programme-related matters of FARA, including:

•      Programme Management and Implementation
•      Quality Assurance, Monitoring and Evaluation

•      Supervision of Strategic Priority Managers

•      Management of the Programme Support Unit

•      Resource Mobilization

•      Stakeholder relationship management

•      Participation in the Secretariat’s decision making as a member of Management

Required
Interested Applicants must have a Minimum of a PhD in Agriculture or related fields from a recognized institution. At least 10 years of overall post-qualification professional experience; ideally 6+ years of proven leadership in Research Management in a complex agricultural research environment in Africa. Experience of donor compliance mechanisms and Programme Management cycle. Commitment to capacity development programs that maximize individual and organization goals across the organization including best practices in science, Technology and innovation including Agricultural Extension. A successful track record in setting priorities and delivering concrete results, keen analytic, organization and problem solving skills which support and enable sound decision making. Excellent communication and relationship building skills with an ability to negotiate, and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders. A multi-tasker with the ability to wear many hats in a fast-paced environment. Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and dedication to the mission of FARA. Track record in people and financial management

Essential
•      Proven track record in Agricultural research and development in Africa including a solid understanding of the CAADP initiative

•      A track record in grants cultivation and management and good rapport with traditional and potential development partners/donors is a significant advantage

•      Highly professional in outlook and approach, tenacious and results focused with a commitment to and passion for quality, and the energy to contribute to the institutional shift, development and growth of FARA in particular and African agriculture in general.

•      The ability to report authoritatively to the Board and key stakeholders on FARA’s achievements and performance and to win the trust and confidence of Development Partners.

•      Familiarity with the World Bank and EU-support grants and funding mechanisms (e.g. MDTF), international development and current issues in international aid and finance mechanisms.

Compensation
This recruitment is pegged on full time Professional Staff salary and benefits, according to experience and qualifications.

Location
The successful candidates shall be based at the FARA Secretariat in Accra with occasional overseas travel.

Proposed assumption date
1 April 2014 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Applications
Qualified candidates are invited to submit via email comprehensive Curriculum Vitae together with a cover letter and names/contact details of three referees to: Dr. Yemi Akinbamijo, Executive Director, FARA, PMB CT 173, Cantonments, Accra, Ghana. Email:  recruitment@fara-africa.org. Applications will be assessed against the required skills,experience and aptitudes set out above. Applications will be accepted up to28th February 2014. Interviews will be held in Accra in March 2014.
Due to anticipated high volume of applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

FARA Affirmative Action Statement on Employment: there is no discrimination on thebasis of gender race, religion, ethnic orientation, disability or health status.

NB: Please quote in your application the reference code of the vacancy for which you are applying.