CCARDESA INFO-MASTER

The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa

On behalf of CCARDESA

Vacancy Announcement

INFO-MASTER: Ref: FARA/Adv/InfoMaster2012

FARA is the apex organization for agricultural research for development in Africa. The FARA Secretariat is the lead institution for pillar IV of NEPAD's Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) which encompasses agricultural research and technology dissemination and adoption. FARA works closely with the sub-regional organisations (SROs) and the national agricultural research and extension systems to ensure effective implementation of CAADP activities. FARA's mission is to create broad-based improvements in agricultural productivity, competitiveness and markets by supporting Africa's sub-regional organisations in strengthening capacity for agricultural innovation.

The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) has received grant resources from the African Development Bank to execute the Promotion of Science and Technology for Agricultural Development in Africa (PSTAD) project in conjunction with the SROs and implementation is carried out by the National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) in 34 countries of Africa. The PSTAD project is aimed at building the African agricultural research knowledge management capacity and to support the adoption and dissemination of proven technologies. The project intends to establish a strong information and communication infrastructure for the operation of an efficient information and knowledge management network within and among the FARA constituent members and other partners. The project is also promoting the dissemination and adoption of innovation and good agricultural practices to stimulate increased production and productivity as well as improve product value of agricultural commodities. Part of the proceeds of the grant is to be applied to engage the services of an Infomaster for the Southern Africa sub-region to be managed by the Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA)

The CCARDESA is the Sub Regional Organization for the coordination of agricultural research and development in the SADC region. Its main function is the coordination, harmonization, promotion and advocacy for agricultural research and development programmes among states parties in the SADC region.

FARA is facilitating the recruitment of the Info-Master on behalf of CCARDESA. The successful candidate will support the coordination of the PSTAD project in the sub-region. S/he will be responsible to the Director of Agricultural Research and Development in CCARDESA in carrying out the assigned duties and report quarterly to the NSF2 Director in FARA.

The Info-master will undertake inter-alia the following duties and responsibilities:

Project Liaison

• Provide support to CCARDESA in liaising between NARS and FARA
• Assist in facilitating the activities of the PSTAD project in the sub-region
• Provide relevant IT technical implementation support to project activities in beneficiary countries in Southern Africa
• Compile quarterly progress and other reports of project activities from the target NARS in the beneficiary countries and submit to CCARDESA management and to FARA.

Website management

• Establish, manage and ensure quality assurance of the contents of the e-RAILS portal at the sub-regional level
• Contribute to consolidation of agricultural information and technology databases of sub-region,
• Contribute to the identification and promotion of relevant ICT tools for use in the project
• Assist in developing and disseminating required information services and products to target audiences within the sub-region

Networking management

• Facilitate the Southern Africa RAILS network and establishment of its tools on the e-RAILS portal
• Facilitate knowledge sharing among partners within and outside the network (i.e. seeking information, persuading people to share, building trust, etc.) and link with DONATA network
• Build coherence and synergies with existing Information and communication management initiatives and related activities in the sub-region.

Capacity building

• Assist in identifying capacity building needs of Southern African NARS stakeholders and support the training of users of the e-RAILS portals at NARS and sub-regional level
• Contribute to the identification and promotion of innovative distance learning tools and facilitate online training for RAILS stakeholders
• Contribute to the dissemination of public awareness materials on the RAILS Gateways at NARS and sub-regional level

Required

Candidate should possess a Master's degree in Agriculture, Journalism or Communication sciences, with knowledge of international development. S/he should possess five years' experience in delivering knowledge sharing services, technology dissemination, networking and network development. Experience in project management and working on developmental issues is required. Ability to work independently, take initiatives and demonstrate a good understanding of e-agriculture issues and a high knowledge of ICT is also required. The candidate should be fluent in English and have working knowledge of French or Portuguese as well as ability to write high standard narratives.

Compensation

FARA offers competitive terms of employment. FARA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women and men.

Location

The successful candidate will be based at CCARDESA Secretariat in Gaborone, Botswana.

Applications

Please send (preferably via e-mail) comprehensive curriculum vitae, together with the names, addresses, e-mail addresses, telephone and fax numbers of three referees to:

The Executive Director, FARA, PMB CT 173, Accra, Ghana; Email: ed@fara-africa.org; Fax: +233 0302 773676. Applications will be accepted up to 9th June, 2012

NB

Please quote the vacancy reference code in your application to this job. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted