Maize is Africa’s most important cereal crop, with more than 300 million people depending on it for their food security and livelihoods. When recurrent droughts in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) ruin harvests, many lives and livelihoods are threatened or even lost. The development, deployment and cultivation of drought tolerant maize varieties are highly relevant interventions to reduce vulnerability to drought and food insecurity in SSA.
To address these challenges through the implementation of the DTMA Project, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) is looking for a highly motivated, experienced and results-oriented Project Leader. Besides developing elite maize germplasm that produces at least 1 ton per hectare yield increase under drought stress conditions in SSA, the DTMA Project lays strong emphasis on seed production as well as promotion and delivery of adapted drought tolerant maize varieties to the African farmers. Apart from working with a committed and experienced team of Project scientists, the Project Leader will work with a range of partners in the 13 target countries (Angola, Benin, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe), including the National Agricultural Research and Extension Systems (NARES), non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and seed companies.
The primary objectives of this position are:
- Provide leadership for successful implementation of the Project.
- Coordinate the development and implementation of impact-oriented, realistic work plans for the Project members and partners, aligned with available resources and priorities.
- Timely compilation, editing and submission of annual reports to the donor(s).
- Organize the annual project, management, and oversight committee meetings.
- Coordinate the development of Project communication, M&E, and knowledge management strategies, and facilitate their effective implementation.
- Execute Project agreements (subcontracts, collaboration agreements) with the partners.
- Represent the Project, in terms of internal and external communication with relevant stakeholders, including the donor(s), NARES, NGOs, seed companies, policymakers, and the general public.
- Any other responsibility assigned by the Director, CIMMYT Global Maize Program
- Ph.D. in agricultural sciences, international development or related fields.
- Successful track record in managing major agricultural research-for-development projects, with a minimum of 10 years of professional experience.
- Excellent facilitation skills to manage interdisciplinary, multicultural, and inter-institutional teams of project scientists and partners using a pragmatic and team-based approach, and project management know-how.
- Good knowledge of the structure and operations of NARES and seed companies in SSA.
- Knowledge and good understanding of the agricultural production systems, development challenges and priorities, and social values in SSA.
- Knowledge of the role of maize research and development to effectively contribute to increasing food security, reducing poverty, and enhancing the environmental sustainability in SSA.
- Excellent oral and written skills in English; knowledge of other major languages used in SSA will be an advantage.
- Good communication and negotiation skills.
- Willingness to travel extensively.
CIMMYT is a non-profit agricultural research institute committed to ensuring food security and reducing poverty in developing countries. Through strong science and effective partnerships, CIMMYT creates, uses and shares knowledge and technology to improve the productivity and profitability of wheat and maize farming systems and to sustain natural resources. With a budget of approximately US$ 90 million and 800 employees, CIMMYT has a significant impact in the developing world. It is the center of excellence for work on two of the world’s three most important food crops, maize and wheat.
The position will be based at CIMMYT-Nairobi and requires extensive travel. The position is for an initial fixed-term contract of 3 years, after which further employment is subject to performance and availability of funds. CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package paid in US dollars, with a range of benefits including housing allowance, life and health insurance, education allowance (to Grade 12), home leave, retirement fund, and relocation shipping assistance.
CIMMYT is an equal-opportunity employer and strives for staff diversity in gender and nationality.
Apply online no later than January 15th, 2012, go to www.cimmyt.org. Click on “About us – Job Opportunities-2011/30 Position”. Please complete on-line application, including your Cover Letter, competencies and experience for the position and a detailed CV/Resume.
For further information, contact Dr. B.M. Prasanna, Director, Global Maize Program, b.m.prasanna@cgiar.org or the Human Resources Office jobs-cimmyt@cgiar.org. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted
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