The World Vegetable Center is a non-profit, autonomous international agricultural research center with headquarters in Taiwan and regional offices in Africa and Asia. The Center conducts research and development programs that contribute to improved incomes and diets in the developing world through increased production and consumption of safe vegetables. For more information, please visit their website: avrdc.org
The Center is seeking to fill the position of Project Manager for a USAID funded project entitled “Deploying Improved Vegetable Technologies to Overcome Malnutrition and Poverty” in Mali. The project aims to contribute to reduced malnutrition, especially of women and children, in Mali, through diet diversification, by promoting the production and consumption of vegetables as affordable sources of essential vitamins and micronutrients. This will be achieved through the accelerated deployment and use of market-attractive and diet-enhancing improved vegetable technologies. The project will improve vegetable varieties and seed supply systems, enhance crop management practices and develop postharvest handling and processing options across the Sikasso, Mopti and Timbuktu regions of Mali. The position will be based at AVRDC’s Regional Office for West and Central Africa in Bamako, Mali with frequent travels.
The Job: The Project Manager is responsible for the management of the project; planning, implementation and technical expertise as well as monitoring and reporting of progress, including ensuring quality data collection and evaluation of outputs, outcomes and impacts and donor reporting. The Project Manager is responsible for the financial management and accountability of the project. S/he will work closely with project partners from several different partner institutions and stakeholders, the Center’s scientists and support staff, USAID-Mali and other affiliated organizations. The Project Manager will foster a collaborative, supportive and well?coordinated project team across several partner organizations. S/he will ensure effective communication within the project, with other AVRDC staff, with USAID Mali and with relevant external parties. S/he must be able to ensure high?quality research and development delivery and promote gender equity within the project as well as in its outcomes and impacts. Within the framework of the project’s scaling?out and outcome dissemination, the Project Manager will promote sharing of experiences and best practices among the target beneficiaries and partners, and identify and pursue funding opportunities to strengthen the impact of the project and USAID’s investment. The incumbent is also expected to lead team efforts in diversification of the funding base to complement funding received from the current USAID-Mali funded project. The Project Manager will report to the Regional Director for West and Central Africa.
The Person: Applicants must have at least a M.Sc., or preferably a Ph.D., in Agricultural/Development Economics or related discipline with expertise in agriculture, knowledge of food and nutrition with a minimum of five years of project management experience with demonstrated capacity to lead projects in an international and multi-disciplinary/cultural environment. Expertise in gender issues in agriculture is desirable. Work experience in Africa (West and Central) and experience in networking with donors, national governments and non?governmental organizations are distinct advantages. The candidate must be willing to travel regularly within country and occasionally in the region. Proficiency in written and verbal English and French are required, as well as the ability to communicate complex subjects succinctly.
The Reward: This is an Internationally Recruited Staff (IRS) position with competitive pay and benefits. The initial appointment is for three years and may be extended depending on performance of the incumbent and availability of resources.
How to Apply: Submit a letter of application with curriculum vitae, a recent passport-size photograph, names and addresses (including telephone/fax/e-mail) of three referees, and date of availability. Please send the application by email, stating the job title in the subject line, to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., before 5th November 2016 or until a suitable candidate is found.