Mozambique: Project Leader

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a dynamic and ambitious Researcher to lead its new project to scale up the production and utilization of biofortified sweetpotato for nutrition and rural economic development in Mozambique. This is a great opportunity to contribute to agricultural transformation in Mozambique working closely with government and other partners from several sectors.

About the position

The Project Leader will lead CIP’s new project on “Building Resilience to Reduce Humanitarian Need with Sweetpotato” in Mozambique. The goal of the project is to strengthen market-based opportunities and reduce dependency on humanitarian assistance for food and livelihood needs. It will promote sustainable and equitable agricultural technologies and support market systems for sweetpotato and other nutritious crops targeting women and youth in particular. The Project Leader will have overall responsibility for all technical and management aspects of project delivery, team leadership and partnership management. S/he will work with scientists and operations teams in CIP and partner organizations and will represent the project among Government and other stakeholders. The position will be based in Maputo and report to CIP- Mozambique Country Manager.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide overall technical and management leadership for the project “Building Resilience to Reduce Humanitarian Need with Sweetpotato” in central Mozambique.
• Develop and coordinate implementation of work plans including field-level research, development, training and M&E activities, ensuring high technical quality and timely implementation.
• Lead, supervise and mentor a team of researchers and other project staff, promote accountability and ensuring that all staff members are effectively contributing to relevant decision-making processes.
• Manage CIP’s partnerships with Government, research partners, and local implementation partners and ensure that it is well understood and highly regarded by the donor, Government and all stakeholders.
• Coordinate all technical and financial reporting to provide for timeliness, high quality, and responsiveness to donor requests.
• Coordinate with M&E, finance and administration staff to ensure operational systems are in place to support project implementation including field-level logistics, procurement, security, administration and human resources.
• Lead the analysis and publication of research findings and project outcomes and participate in national and regional forums to present project results.

Selection Criteria:

• A PhD Degree in Agronomy or related agricultural or social science.
• At least 10 years of relevant work experience in research and development programs in agriculture, nutrition, or rural development in Africa, preferably in Mozambique.
• Excellent and up-to-date understanding of approaches and methodologies to promote nutrition-sensitive and climate-smart agriculture.
• Direct experience applying market-based approaches to questions of nutrition and rural development.
• Strong knowledge and direct experience of gender-sensitive approaches and engagement of youth in program design and delivery.
• Proven track record of excellent project management, budget monitoring and reporting skills.
• Strong track record of research and publications in relevant areas, including as main author in peer-reviewed publications.
• Excellent leadership skills to promote effective collaboration within teams and across partner organizations.
• Experience in fundraising.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Portuguese.
• Willingness and ability to travel and work in resource-poor, rural areas in Mozambique.

What are the conditions?

The position is Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position limited to Mozambique nationals and permanent residents only. The employment contract will be for a one-year term (with a 3-month probation period).

Visit the following link: http://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/ and submit your cover letter and a full C.V. with your references. Screening of applications will begin on February 15, 2020 and will continue until the post is filled. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site athttp://www.cipotato.org

CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply

CIP does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing or training). CIP also does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.