The World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg) is a non-profit, autonomous international agricultural research center with headquarters in Taiwan and five regional offices around the globe. WorldVeg conducts research and development programs that contribute to realizing the potential of vegetables for healthier lives and more resilient livelihoods. For more information, please visit our website: worldveg.org
WorldVeg is seeking a highly experienced individual to fill the position of Project Manager for the IKEA Foundation-funded project entitled 'Enabling Vegetable Business Development in East Africa for more Jobs and Better Human and Environmental Health' (in short, V4P&P). The project will contribute to enhanced youth employment, healthier ecosystems, and better nutrition through increased vegetable production and trade and provide leadership to activities related to strengthening of vegetable business networks.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Oversee and plan project operations, organize workshops, maintain project schedules, deliverables, and evaluation activities, and prepare and submit project reports in the two focus countries for submission to the donor.
2. Manage project finances and staff (recruitment, compensation, and performance).
3. Supervise and coordinate the work of the staff and the subcontracted partner organization in the project sites in Kenya and Ethiopia to implement field activities and meet program targets.
4. Facilitate training for M&E data collection and database management and serve as lead field monitor when necessary.
5. Liaise and coordinate closely with colleagues managing other complementary programs in the Eastern and Southern Africa region for sharing knowledge and cross-learning.
6. Record and document site and national-level experiences, best practices, and program performance.
7. Ensure high‐quality science and research delivery as per the research agenda of the V4P&P project.
8. Promote gender equity within the project as well as in its outcomes and impacts.
9. Identify and pursue additional funding opportunities to strengthen the project's impact and leverage the donor's investment.
10. Represent the Center on project and related issues.
The Person:
• Master's degree or PhD in agricultural economics, agribusiness, horticulture/agronomy/agroecology, or another agricultural discipline but with a strong interest and proven expertise in business development.
• At least 5 years of experience in managing multi-country agri-food systems projects in Eastern and Southern Africa
• Extensive knowledge of agriculture, food systems, agri-business, rural networks and organizations, cultural practices, etc., in Eastern and Southern Africa.
• Strong communication skills in spoken and written English.
• Able to work with multidisciplinary teams in a multicultural and multinational environment.
The Reward:
This is an Internationally Recruited Staff (IRS) position with competitive pay and benefits. The initial appointment is for three years. The recruitment is conditional on a project funding agreement between WorldVeg and the project donor.
The candidate we hire will embody WorldVeg's Five Core Values:
1. Dedication to Innovation and Knowledge Sharing Supports the conduct of world-class science, respects ethical standards, and is committed to sharing results in a transparent manner.
2. Commitment to Impact Aspires to achieve positive, tangible, and lasting impact contributing to Sustainable Development Goals.
3. Commitment to Partnerships Believes in the value of partnerships to advance research for development.
4. Respect for People Respect the diversity of gender, culture, ethnic origin, religion, age, beliefs, and views.
5. Respect for the Environment Strives to minimize its environmental impact and to introduce greener technology and practices.
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 to human.resources@worldveg.org before 15 November 2024. Applications should be submitted in English and as a single PDF file. Please mention the position title in the subject line.