APSA Programme Coordinator

1. Background

The Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA) is a sub-regional organization (SRO) whose mission is to increase the productivity and competitiveness of smallholder agriculture by supporting the implementation of Pillar IV of CAADP for the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) region. It enjoys substantial support from the SADC Member States, as well as from other stakeholders in the SADC region and development partners. 

The Agricultural Productivity Program for Southern Africa (APPSA) is a new regional program that will be funded by the World Bank. APPSA aims to invest in agricultural technology generation and dissemination by supporting and strengthening regional centres of research leadership that will work on commodities and commodity systems of regional importance. Three countries are participating in the initial phase of the program: Malawi (prioritizing maize-based cropping systems), Zambia (prioritizing food legumes-based cropping systems), and Mozambique (prioritizing rice-based cropping systems).

It is expected that additional countries within the SADC region will join in future as APPSA evolves and expands.

The Project Development Objective is to improve availability of and access to agricultural technologies within and across SADC countries. APPSA will pursue this objective by:

(i) establishing Regional Centers of Leadership (RCoLs) on commodities of regional importance, thereby allowing regional specialization around priority farming systems and more strategic investment in agricultural research capacity;

(ii) supporting regional collaboration in agricultural training, technology development and dissemination; and

(iii) facilitating increased sharing of agricultural information, knowledge and technology across boundaries of participating countries.
CCARDESA will play a crucial role of facilitating and coordinating APPSA implementation at regional level.

CCARDESA seeks to appoint a qualified and experienced Programme Coordinator to support the successful implementation of APPSA. The selected candidate will be based at CCARDESA headquarters in Gaborone, Botswana, and will be offered a 3 year fixed term renewable performance-based contract.

2.Qualifications and Experience

Knowledge

A post graduate degree, preferably at the PhD level, in agriculture, international development, or other relevant field. Must demonstrate proven knowledge of agricultural development in Southern Africa.

Experience

Minimum five years continuous work experience in programme/project management, preferably in an international organization or regional project, with proven experience in proposal writing, project management, and monitoring and evaluation. Considerable high level supervisory and administrative experience.

Skills and Abilities

Excellent organizational, communication, and computer skills. Strong information management and quantitative skills. Ability to provide leadership to develop bankable regional projects/programmes.

Language(s)

Fluency in written and spoken English is essential. Knowledge of the other two SADC working languages (French and Portuguese) would be an added advantage 

Other Personal Traits

Results-oriented, accountable, proactive leadership skills. Ability to lead by example and drive change. Excellent interpersonal skills, team management experience and demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural, international environment.

3. Duties and responsibilities

The APPSA Programme Coordinator will report to the Programme and Grants Manager of CCARDESA and will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of all activities that CCARDESA will carry out under APPSA. Duties and responsibilities will include:

a) Convening annual regional strategic planning meetings to assess results, identify priority areas for improving the performance of national agricultural R&D systems, and approve annual work plans.

b) Providing technical support to capacity building initiatives targeting the participants in the overall agricultural innovation system, including researchers, extension agents, farmers, private firms, and civil society organizations.

c) Working closely with RCoLs and stakeholders to develop, review, and validate concept notes and project proposals to implement high-priority agricultural R&D in the targeted commodities.

d) Preparing a regional monitoring and evaluation framework and supporting the three participating countries in developing and implementing national M&E plans and in conducting impact assessments.

e) Developing and maintaining a comprehensive database on APPSA activities and overseeing the production and dissemination of progress reports to CCARDESA partners and stakeholders.

f) In collaboration with participating countries and RCoLs, facilitating the harmonization of policies and regulations governing the transfer of improved agricultural technologies across SADC countries.

g) Developing and implementing an advocacy strategy, including the production and dissemination of public awareness materials such as case studies, policy papers targeted at development partner, policy makers and end users.

4. Submission of Applications

Applications including an expression of interest and acomprehensive curriculum vitae, together with the names, titles, addresses, and email and telephone contacts of three referees should be sent by email to: The Human Resources and Administration Manager, CCARDESA Secretariat, Ground Floor, Red Brick Building, Plot 4701, Station Exit Road, Private Bag 00357, Gaborone, Botswana; Telephone: +267 391 4997; Fax: +267 316 7211. E-mail Address: registry@ccardesa.org

CCARDESA is an equal opportunity employer. Women and those with Portuguese language skills are strongly encouraged to apply.

5. Remuneration

The position is full time and based at the CCARDESA Secretariat in Gaborone, Botswana. Remuneration is highly competitive and negotiable.

6. Closing Date

Applications will be accepted up to 30 March 2013. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted