Program Coordinator for CIAT Africa

The International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) – a member of the CGIAR Consortium (www.cgiar.org) – develops technologies, innovative methods and new knowledge that better enable farmers, especially smallholders, to make agriculture competitive and profitable as well as sustainable
and resilient. CIAT conducts research for development in tropical regions of Latin America, Africa, and
Asia (www.ciat.cgiar.org).

The Position:
The Program Coordinator will have the overall responsibility to perform a wide variety of technical /
administrative support tasks contributing to the efficient operation of the Office of the Africa Regional Coordinator. The Program Coordinator will work closely with the Scientists, Research Directors and
Assistants, DG’s Office and the Head of Corporate Services for Africa in facilitating the integration of
activities.

Main responsibilities include:
• Provide support to the Regional Coordinator in the in the day-to-day management and coordination of CIAT research activities in the region.
• Provide support in integration of CIAT programs in Africa and in strengthening linkages and participation in CRPs and inter-centre initiatives.
• Manage follow ups of meetings where regional research strategies are discussed, including monitoring overall follow up on the implementation of agreed recommendations.
• Support and coordinate strategic visioning processes with Research Area Directors, Regional Coordinator and project leaders in decision making related to project implementation and development of new initiatives.
• Work closely with Resource Mobilization Officer to support development of a strong pipeline of proposals and facilitate timely reporting to donors and partners.
• Provide leadership in facilitating communications and information sharing within CIAT Africa and between research areas/programs, other regions, headquarters, and to donors and partners.
• Represent CIAT at national and regional technical workshops and meetings.
• Liaise with CIAT Africa Corporate Services to ensure efficient use of resource.

Requirements:
• Advanced degree (MSc) in Agricultural Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Rural Development, international Development or other related fields.
• Relevant work experience (national, regional or international) for more than 2 years and wellversed
in research processes, but content to manage research rather than engage in the science itself.
• Ability to manage professional relationships, working in a complex, multi-cultural and highly dynamic working environment and demonstrated pragmatism in finding solutions, and initiative in establishing systems and processes to enable the effective management of the CIAT Africa Coordination office
• Excellent written and spoken English. Knowledge of French is desirable.

Terms of employment:
The position is nationally recruited and based at CIAT Offices in Nairobi, Kenya. The initial contract will
be for two (2) years, subject to a probation period of three (3) months, and is renewable depending on
performance and availability of resources. CIAT offers a multicultural, collegial research environment with competitive salary and excellent benefits; we believe that the diversity of their staff contributes to excellence.

How to apply:
Applicants are invited to send a cover letter illustrating their suitability for the above position against the listed qualifications, competencies, skills together with a detailed curriculum vitae, including names and addresses of three referees. All correspondence should be addressed to the CIAT Human Resources Office, PO Box 823-00621, Nairobi, Kenya and email applications to ciatkenyainfo@cgiar.org and should clearly indicate “The Program Coordinator” on the subject line. Email applications and CV’s should be saved as one file using the applicant’s last name and first name for ease of sorting.
Closing date for applications: 25th September, 2012
All applications will be acknowledged; only short listed candidates will be contacted.
We invite you to learn more about us at:
http://www.ciat.cgiar.org/
A remarkable record of science for change since 1967