Program Administrator - Global Maize Program in Kenya

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its Spanish acronym, CIMMYT® (www.cimmyt.org), is a not-for-profit research and training organization with partners in over 100 countries, and through offices in Africa, Asia and Latin America. 

Through strong science and effective partnerships, we create, share, and use knowledge and agricultural technologies to increase food security, improve the productivity and profitability of farming systems, and sustain natural resources in developing countries. 

We participate in an extensive global network of people and organizations who share similar research and development goals, including the public and private sector, nongovernmental and civil society organizations, farmers, and the development assistance community.
 

Job Responsibilities
 

The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Director of the Global Maize Program (GMP) of CIMMYT, and in close interface with the GMP Scientific and Administrative Teams worldwide. 

Specific responsibilities will be as below:

• Assist the Program Director with administrative matters and/or staff issues, while establishing more effective administrative procedures across GMP operations globally, in active interface with the local administrators.
• Coordinate with the CIMMYT Regional Offices in the recruitment and induction of GMP Internationally Recruited Staff (IRS).
• Analyze Professional Development needs for GMP IRS and organize approvals and maintain records in consultation with Program Director and HR.
• Coordinate the GMP Director’s travel itineraries, tickets, visas and accommodation.
• Coordinate the arrangements of GMP meetings, conferences and other events in liaison with the local organizers.
• Manage and ensure accuracy, usefulness and attractiveness of information related to GMP in CIMMYT web site, in interface with the Corporate Communications staff.
• Organize Monthly Activity Reports and Annual Performance Evaluation of GMP IRS, and ensure submission of completed forms to Human Resources.
• Prepare Memorandums of Understanding and Letters of Agreement between GMP and partners in liaison with Legal Unit/Project Leader/ CLO and the Program Director.
• Prepare and manage contracts for GMP consultants as per the approved procedures of CIMMYT.
• Participate in the compilation and editing of project proposals and reports.
• Maintain and update the GMP databases and contact lists.
• Maintain electronic and hard-copy filing systems on GMP projects, staff and agreements.
• Analyze processes within GMP and continue to improve overall work efficiency and systems.
• Collaborate with other CIMMYT Programs/Units, and develop/maintain appropriate working relationships with the staff of the corporate services units.
• Any other duties, as assigned by the Program Director.

Job Qualifications

• At least Bachelors degree from a recognized institution in Business Administration, Management, or related filed.
• Post-Graduate qualification in Management will be an added advantage.
• At least 5 years practical hands on work experience in Program/Project administration, preferably in an International Organization.
• Familiarity with monitoring and reporting on grant funded projects
• Excellent computing skills; EXCEL, MS-Word, PowerPoint, Web Management
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
• Work experience with a Project Management System

Personal attributes

• Ability to relate positively and to engage with a wide range of people
• Strong self-motivation and flexible team player
• Ability to multi task and prioritize between tasks
• Discretion in the handling of confidential information
• Ability to organize meetings& workshops and produce concise and accurate minutes and reports

Terms of Offer
 

The position will be on local terms. Salary and perquisites paid in local currency are highly competitive. 

Appointment is on a three (3) year contract subject to a six-month probation period, satisfactory performance and adequate funding.

The position will be based in CIMMYT office in Nairobi.
 

ICRAF and CIMMYT offer a collegial and gender-sensitive environment. 

Applicants are invited to send a cover letter illustrating their suitability for the above position against the listed qualifications/competencies/skills and a detailed curriculum vitae, with names and addresses of three referees (including telephone, fax numbers and email address).
 

All correspondence should be addressed to the 

Human Resources Unit, 

World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF),

P.O. Box 30677, 

Nairobi, Kenya; 

Tel +254 2 524000; 

Fax +254 2 524001; 

OR via email: icrafhru@cgiar.org. 

Applications will be considered until October 25, 2012. 

Qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply. 

Please indicate your advertisement source in your application.
 

Only shortlisted applicants meeting the above requirements will be contacted.
 

We invite you to learn more about ICRAF and CIMMYT by accessing our web sites www.cimmyt.org and www.cgiar.org/icraf