AVRDC – The World Vegetable Center is an international non-profit research and development center committed to alleviating poverty and malnutrition in developing countries through the increased production and consumption of nutritious and health-promoting vegetables. Founded in 1971 with headquarters in Chinese Taipei, the Center's global network today covers East and Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Central and West Asia and North Africa. For more information about AVRDC ‐ The World Vegetable Center, visit www.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 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 and Mopti 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. 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 institutions, 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 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. It is a fixed‐term appointment for three years, subject to funding availability and performance of the incumbent. The position will be available on or preferably before 1 January 2016.
How to Apply: Applicants should submit a letter of application explaining their suitability for and interest in the position along with a curriculum vitae, a recent passport size photograph, names and addresses (including telephone/fax/e‐mail) of three referees, and date of availability. Please send applications stating the job title by e‐mail to human.resources@worldveg.org, before 13 December 2015.