Program Management Officer for CGIAR Research Program on Roots, Tubers, and Bananas

Ref: 12-36 PMO/IRS/HQ

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking an experienced Program Management Officer with a high level of commitment to assist the CGIAR Research Program on Roots, Tubers and Bananas (RTB) in project management. 

The RTB program recognizes that research has a vital role to play and must embrace a broad portfolio of commodities beyond the grain crops that have traditionally been the focus of food security initiatives. The program is led by the International Potato Center (CIP) with Bioversity International, the International Center for tropical Agriculture (CIAT) and International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and includes a wide spectrum of research for –development stakeholders. This new collaboration, with its combined scale and capacity, will increase the ability to advance research, share knowledge, and enhance uptake to increase research and development impacts. The RTB is devoted to achieving sustainable productivity increases for global food security. The purpose of the RTB is to exploit the underutilized potential of root, tuber, and banana crops for improving nutrition and food security. The RTB also aims to increase income generation, foster greater gender equity, and improve livelihoods- especially among some of the world’s most poor and vulnerable populations.

 The CGIAR’s vision is to reduce poverty and hunger, improve human health and nutrition and to enhance ecosystem resilience through high-quality international agricultural research, partnership and leadership.

The position: This position will be based in Lima, Peru and will report directly to the RTB Program Director.

Duties and Accountabilities:

●      Deputize for the Program Director in meetings,  planning processes, and decision making in Lima and elsewhere 

●      Set up and evaluate progress against metrics of program performance for RTB including collaborative processes and partnership engagement

●      Support preparation and updating of RTB impact pathways

●      Work with Theme leaders to ensure timely updating of Product Portfolios and SMART deliverables consistent with impact pathways

●      Set up  and manage a program management system/database to track progress in completion of products and milestones and contribution to outcomes

●      Contribute to and be focal point for all program evaluations

●      Resolves issues in program management and reporting

Selection Criteria: 

●      MSc most likely in administration, social sciences or development, with ability to speak the language of agricultural             scientists

●      At least 5 years experience in project management and/or monitoring and evaluation

●      Results oriented person

●      Ability to deal effectively with complex situations and demands, with internal and external contacts at all levels;

●      Active team player capable of engaging principal scientists in updating product portfolios and tracking progress

●      Demonstrated problem solving competencies

●      Strong organizational, planning, and team building skills

●      Proficiency in data management tools

●      Advanced written and oral communication skills in English 

Conditions:

Employment contract will be for an initial three–year term with three months probation period with possibility of renewal, subject to availability of funding. Salary will be commensurable with experience. CIP prides itself on its collegial and supportive working environment, which allows space for personal and professional growth.

Applications:

Applicants should apply by email, sending a letter of motivation, a full C.V., and the names and contact information of three references that are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to: cip-recruitment@cgiar.org. The reference name of the position should be clearly marked on the subject line of the email message. Screening of applications will begin on November 15th, 2012 and will continue until the post is filled. All applications will be acknowledged, however only short listed candidates will be contacted.