Country Manager Potato Projects - Mozambique (Ref:12-96 CMPP/IRS/SSA)

Job Description

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a dynamic Country Manager for Potato Projects in Mozambique, to lead and implement project activities to strengthen potato seed systems and adoption of improved varieties, including capacity building of national partners in a PPP approach in alignment with CIP’s priority setting in the Sub-Saharan Africa region.

The Center: CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweetpotato, and Andean roots and tubers. Its vision is of roots and tubers improving the lives of the poor. CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved well-being, and gender equity for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world. CIP works with partners to contribute high quality science, technology, and capacity strengthening for sustainable science-based solutions. CIP is headquartered in Lima, Peru, with staff and activities in over 30 locations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. CIP is a member of the CGIAR Consortium. CGIAR is a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future. Its science is carried out by the 15 research centers who are members of the CGIAR Consortium in collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations.

The Position: This position will be based in the Beira Corridor-Chimoio office in Mozambique. The scientist will be engaged primarily in the implementation of project related research activities in the region, to strengthen potato research in a holistic manner by interlinking specific disciplines into a systems approach. The scientist should be committed to using research for development in a complex cooperative environment of research and development partners, specifically focusing in capacity building of partners in a PPP approach, in alignment with CIP’s regional and the CRP’s priority setting.

Duties and Accountabilities:

• Coordinate and manage activities related to the potato projects in Mozambique, including the administrative and financial aspects of the projects
• Plan, develop, implement, and monitor budget utilization and financial report submission, by actively communicating with users, monitoring related activities, and preparing progress and financial reports as per donor’s requirements
• Establish reliable seed systems through affordable but effective practices for quality seed production and distribution of new potato varieties
• Advise and coordinate the inclusion of value chain dimension in research projects, to empower resource-poor and commercial farmers, for sustainable and market-oriented self supply in clean seed
• Develop alliances and partnerships and actively engage in fundraising, to strengthen the potato program in Mozambique
• Lead and undertake studies and capacity building activities such as planning, implementation, and development of value chains for seed and ware potatoes through key institutional and commercial innovations, with the aim to positively impact profits and increase incomes of smallholder and commercial farmers

Selection Criteria:

• PhD or MSc degree in phytopathology, agronomy, seed system or related field, preferably in potato.
• Demonstrated project management, financial reporting, and management experience
• Demonstrated success in working within inter-disciplinary teams and partnerships for research implementation;
• Experience as a team member in collaborative, multi-disciplinary proposal writing
• A good publication record consistent with years of experience;
• Experience with household surveys and value chain analysis;
• Excellent social skills and a collaborative style;
• Willingness to work in a multicultural team and being culturally sensitive;
• Proactive, innovative and creative attitudes;
• Willingness to travel extensively;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and at least the willingness to learn Portuguese are required.

Conditions: The employment contract will be for a three-year term with the possibility of renewal. The salary will be internationally competitive, paid in US dollars, and commensurate with experience.

Applications: Applicants should apply by email, sending a cover letter summarizing their relevance to this position, a full C.V. and the names and contact information of three referees knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to cip-recruitment@cgiar.org, copied to Elmar Schulte-Geldermann (e.schulte-geldermann@cgiar.org). The reference name of the position should be clearly marked on the subject line of the email message. Screening of applications will begin on 5 November 2012 and will continue until the post is filled.

CIP seeks diversity and gender balance in its staff.

Women and citizens of developing countries are particularly urged to apply.

To learn more about CIP please visit http://www.cipotato.org/cip/jobs.asp