Program Administrator

We are seeking an innovative and self-motivated project administrator to support our agricultural research programs MAIZE. For more information, please visit: http://maize.org/ and http://wheat.org/. The position reports to the Deputy Director General of Research and Partnerships, and is under the supervision of the MAIZE Program Manager.The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its Spanish acronym, CIMMYT®, is a not-for-profit research and training organization with partners in over 100 countries. Please refer to our website for more information: www.cimmyt.org

The position will be based at CIMMYT´s Main Campus (located 45 km. northeast of Mexico City, Mexico), but will interact with other CIMMYT offices around the world on a regular basis.

Specific duties of this position include:

• Liaise with project managers, principal investigators, PI’s, CIMMYT’s Project Management Unit, other CGIAR Centers’ Units and other Program Participants, to collate and update all MAIZE project-related information.
• Set up a system and monitor delivery of milestones and outputs and other reporting obligations contained in the Partnership Agreement with the Consortium Office and all sub-contracts under MAIZE.
• To communicate, instill project management attitude and skills in others. Assist the Scientists (PIs) in keeping track of MAIZE partner sub-contract agreements and reporting under those agreements.
• Make it easy for partners with respect to their partner reporting (both technical and financial reporting), by establishing solid routines.
• Liaise with CIMMYT’s Finance Office to maintain and update documentation of partner payments.
• Liaise with CIMMYT’s Finance Office to assist with partner payment approvals under MAIZE.
• Liaise with CIMMYT’s Finance Office to monitor budget burn rates of MAIZE projects.
• Retrieve information from both paper files and databases to resolve queries.
• Undertake analysis of MAIZE project information as and when requested.
• Conduct any other assignments related to project administration, as may be required.

We are seeking candidates with the following academic qualifications, skills and attitudes:

• Bachelor degree (BA or BSc) in Business Administration, Finance, Project Management or similar field.
• More than 7 years of experience in a consulting firm, or similar multi-project work environment.
• Experience with budget, planning and administration.
• PMI certified or similar desirable.
• From 2 to 5 years of international work experience.
• An effective and energetic team player, with the ability to work in a multidisciplinary and multi-cultural environment.
• Fluency in spoken and written English, other foreign languages is a plus.
• Strong self-motivation and innovative skills.
• Practical skills in Microsoft Project, or other project management software.

We will offer an initial contract for three years, which may be renewable subject to continued need and funding for the position and performance of the staff member. Our internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children’s education, paid vacation, annual airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.

How to apply:

To apply for this position, please email cover letter and CV no later than Friday, 23 May, 2014to Human Resources, CIMMYT (Email: irsrecruitment@cgiar.org / Please indicate Position Reference number: 12347in the header of your email). For further information on the selection process, please contact Guillermo Flores, Staffing Specialist, at g.flores@cgiar.org.Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.