National Coordinator CATALIST DRC

Tracking Code 20120062

Job Description In Central Africa’s Great Lakes Region (CAGLR) agricultural production and crop yields are far below their potential. The CAGLR also is challenged by the highest population density in Africa and small farms that limit opportunities to use improved agricultural practices and mechanization. CATALIST-2 follows the successful CATALIST agricultural intensification project (2007-2012). CATALIST-2 builds on CATALIST activities in the CAGLR, specifically in Burundi, Rwanda and the North and South Kivu provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). CATALIST-2 will continue a strategy of promoting agribusiness cluster development, market integration and agricultural intensification.

The five-year project (2012-2016) is funded by the Netherlands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Rwanda and by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and implemented by IFDC in partnership with the Centre for Development Innovation of Wageningen University and Research Centre (WUR-CDI). Improved planting materials and seeds are key to improving crop yields and product quality, and WUR-CDI will establish systems to increase availability of quality germplasm. The project has a regional approach with operationalisation at national level in the three countries through national teams who work in close collaboration with national partners and the Kigali-based regional team and COP.

A National Coordinator CATALIST DRC is currently needed for the project activities in North and South Kivu regions in the DRC. Candidates should have experience in the region and combine knowledge of tropical agriculture and value chain development with strong organizational, planning and management skills. The candidate must be flexible, being able to adapt to a dynamic and challenging environment, being able to manage a project team, maintain good relations with government agencies and partners, and assure that the DRC operations are an integral part of the regional program. The position is posted in Goma for a period of 3 years with extensive travel to Bukavu and Butembo regions.

Specific Duties The National Coordinator CATALIST DRC will work in partnership with the private agribusiness sector (input producers, suppliers, agro-dealers, and processors), local partners and the government to implement the agriculture intensification and value chain approach in both project regions. The National Coordinator CATALIST DRC is responsible for the elaboration and implementation of the project’s work plans. He/she maintains relations with government agencies and relevant national and international organizations. The National Coordinator manages the project team and directly supervises the technical support team comprised of national experts. He/she assures that the project’s activities in DRC are an integral part of the regional CATALIST 2 project and works closely with the COP and the regional team. The National Coordinator reports to the CATALIST 2 COP. The National Coordinator supervises the financial and administrative team and assures timely and adequate financial and administrative management, adherence to procedures, budgeting and financial reporting.

Required Skills

Technical Support Creating and supporting a strong, creative, innovative and productive technical support team that will lead to significant ground-breaking results in the areas of agriculture production increase, input supply and agricultural value chains. The National Coordinator (i) oversees the clear distribution of roles and responsibilities; (ii) oversees work planning, monitoring and reporting, in close collaboration with the COP and the regional project team; (iii) identifies and addresses in a timely fashion challenges and opportunities at implementation and staffing levels; (iv) is responsible for staff appraisal and performance monitoring.

External Network Link the project with relevant national and international network of contacts. Specific responsibilities include: (i) liaise with actors in the respective areas of overlap to stimulate greater efficiency of activities; (ii) assure good linkages with national and international counterparts and partners (governmental, non-governmental and private sector).

Project Finances and Administration Effectively allocate and account for funds in accordance with the contract signed with the contractor. Activities include: (i) work with technical team on budget planning and monitoring and if necessary in budget re-allocation; (ii) assure proper application of all financial and administrative rules (audit proofing); (iii) work with finance and administration staff in timely liquidity planning for the project.

Required Experience •At least a Bachelor’s degree in a field related to tropical agriculture and/or agricultural economics; advanced degree (Master’s, Doctorate, etc.) desired. •At least 10 years of responsibility in international development, mainly in (Francophone) Africa. •Project and/or Team Leader experience in managing complex projects (multiple partners). •Proven ability to work in a challenging environment. •Excellent French and English language skills both in written and spoken forms. •Knowledge of agriculture production system and integrated solid fertility management. •Knowledge of issues pertaining to agricultural input and output supply and value chains. •Good team worker, inspirational supervisor and excellent leader. •Willing and able to think out of the box when it comes to agricultural and market innovation. •Mature and responsible person able to representative IFDC at all levels. •Committed and results oriented. •Demonstrated ability to work and coordinate effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders, including national and local government, donors, community-based organizations, think tanks and universities, and the private sector.

Position: Internationally recruited staff

Post: Goma-DRC

How to apply:

http://www.ifdc.org/employment