Program Support Coordinator – CGIAR Research Program on Livestock and Fish

Vacancy Number: PSC/CRP-LF/10/12
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Duration: 3-year contract renewable

Base salary depending on experience starting from USD 45,000 per annum. Total salary & benefits package circa USD 90,000 (tax free*)

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works to enhance the roles livestock play in pathways out of poverty in developing countries. ILRI is a member of the CGIAR Consortium, a global research partnership of 15 centres working with many partners for a food-secure future. ILRI has two main campuses in East Africa and other hubs in East, West and southern Africa and South, Southeast and East Asia.www.ilri.org.

CGIAR is a global agricultural research partnership for a food-secure future. Its science is carried out by15 research centres that are members of the CGIAR Consortium in collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations. www.cgiar.org.

The CGIAR Research Program on Livestock and Fish seeks to focus research for development on transforming selected animal-source food value chains in developing countries to ensure the poor have adequate access to these products critical for nutritional security.  Led by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), this USD30 million per annum Program is a partnership of four CGIAR centers and multiple collaborators from agricultural research and development communities around the world.

This new program is seeking a highly motivated professional with international experience to join the Program Director as a core member of its management team. This team will be responsible for leading a new and innovative approach to collaborative research with a range of development partners to generate the solutions and the evidence that will provide the basis for large-scale interventions and impact in our target countries.

The CGIAR Research Program on Livestock and Fish seeks to recruit a Program Support Coordinator. This position exists to ensure that CRP3.7 support systems operate effectively to enable decision makers to deliver on results. The incumbent will assure CRP3.7 compliance with donor and CGIAR standards by supporting key project players to capture and use data, and be accountable in resource use.
The Program Support Coordinator will work in close collaboration with Head Development Partnerships, Value Chain Coordinators, Component Leaders, Key ILRI Finance, HR and Administration personnel to successfully support CRP3.7.

Specific responsibilities

• Administering the day-to-day operations of the program
• Developing contracts and agreements with CGIAR bodies and Program partners.
• Communicating program goals, requirements and deliverables to all relevant staff and CGIAR Center partners
• Developing and managing program work plans and timelines and updating as required for adjustments to priorities and focus
• Designing and implementing systems to track, monitor and report program calendar and deliverables, and coordinate with Program Component Leaders to ensure timely delivery of products and reports
• Preparing, consolidating and managing the Program budget and ensuring appropriate financial reporting on a timely basis
• Supporting the Program Director and the Program Planning & Management Committee and Science & Partnership Advisory Committee
• Supporting development of the Program’s Monitoring and Evaluation plan. Develop reports and manage routine reporting with the Consortium on Program research deliverables, program briefs and financial reports.
• Planning and providing logistical coordination for Program meetings, prepare agendas, background information and meeting outputs and materials for follow-up actions.
• Organising Program workshops and trainings (HQ and in the field).
• Contributing to development of the Program Partnership Strategy and implementation plans with responsibility for agreements and communications with partners.
• Coordinating development of Program proposals, managing information flows and supporting development of Program associated Center and partner proposals.
• Supporting implementation of the program Communication Strategy
• Supporting the program Communications Officer to coordinate communications and outreach to partners and other external audiences and ensure alignment with Program needs
• Responding to internal/external project information requests.

Requirements

• A Masters Degree in Business Administration, Programme Management, Social Sciences or related field
• At least 5 years relevant experience in programme management working internationally in research or development organisations
• Proven experience in coordinating complex global programmes with numerous partners
• Excellent managerial and multi-tasking skills
• Track record of showing initiative and making decisions at program level
• Flexibility and agility to deliver within short timeframes
• Willingness to travel internationally
• Experience of working in both Africa and Asia a distinct advantage.
• Excellent English language skills, with French an advantage.

Position level: Research Level 1, dependent on qualifications and experience.

Post locations: This position is based at ILRI’s Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. Travel to other countries and regions will be required, particularly throughout Africa and South and Southeast Asia.

Terms of appointment: A fixed term appointment for three years with possibility of renewal subject to performance and funding. ILRI offers a competitive international remuneration and benefits package which includes: – 15% Pension – Medical insurance for staff and dependents – Life insurance – Education allowance for children – Housing allowance – Relocation Allowance – Annual Home leave – Annual holiday entitlement of 30 days+public holidays.
*Benefits are tax free subject to compliance with tax regulations of country of citizenship.

Applications procedure: email applications to ilri-LFP@cgiar.org by 30 November 2012. The position reference number ‘PSC/LFP/10/12’ must be clearly indicated in the email subject line.

ILRI is an equal opportunity employer.
Suitably qualified women and citizens of developing countries with experience of working internationally are particularly encouraged to apply.