Project Manager – Cowpea October 2021
Project Manager – Cowpea
About The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) is an international not-for-profit organisation that facilitates and promotes public/private partnerships for food security and enhanced livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. AATF works with African governments, private and public technology owners and developers, NGOs, seed companies and African farmers to identify and access technologies that address farmers’ key problems and empower them through availability of a choice of agricultural innovations that generate wealth and health for their families and communities. AATF is a registered charity under the laws of England and Wales and has host country status with the Governments of Kenya and Nigeria. The Foundation depends on the ongoing support and collaboration of different partners and investors to meet its objectives.
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Project Manager – Cowpea
The Role
Job Summary
Role:
Project Manager – Cowpea
Reports to:
Director Programme and Commercialization (PDC)
Location:
Abuja, Nigeria
Recruitment:
International recruitment
Salary:
Competitive international package
AATF is developing and commercialising insect resistant cowpea varieties in West Africa and is seeking to recruit an experienced Project Manager to lead the cowpea project. Based in Nigeria, the Project Manager in collaboration with national partners will oversee development, testing, scaling and commercialization of improved insect resistant cowpea for smallholder farmers, and be responsible for the overall implementation of the Cowpea Project in West Africa as defined by the project scope and in conformity with the guidelines and procedures established by AATF. The Manager will have direct supervision of project staff and will have responsibility for the performance of partner countries and project contractors.
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Project Manager – Cowpea
Responsibilities • • • • • • • •
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Lead product development to introgress biotech trait into farmer preferred cowpea varieties and drive gene stacking for the development of advanced cowpea products Manage technology transfer, adoption and commercialization of biotech cowpea products in project countries Work closely with the AATF Regulatory Unit to develop and implement the regulatory strategy for the Cowpea Project Plan all regulated field activities of the project, including the acquisition of all necessary permits for regulated field activities in close with support of the AATF Regulatory Unit. Manage the development of the bio-safety assessment and regulatory submissions for environmental release of insect protected cowpea Work with the AATF Regulatory Unit to train project partners in bio-safety and regulatory requirements. Work with the AATF stewardship team to develop, monitor and implement PBR Cowpea stewardship plan for sustainable use of the technology by farmers. Work with the AATF communication team to develop and implement a strategy for improved public knowledge and understanding of biotech cowpea technology and products Represent AATF in Nigeria, coordinate and supervise all AATFactivities in Nigeria and West Africa partner countries. Develop data repository for the project and facilitate the analysis of project data Coordinate the product development and deployment activities with the national research partners in the region.
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Ensure that annual activity programs are implemented in conformity with the set procedures. Give instructions and guidelines relating to the administrative, technical and financial orientation with the view of achieving the objectives of the project and set result (technical, quality, deadlines) indicators. Establish an information dissemination and management system to ensure an effective monitoring of project implementation and maintain the archives of the Project. Carry out missions in the project area and the partner countries to supervise, monitor and counsel the national components. Implement recommendations made either by AATF or partners in consultation with the Director Programme Development and Commercialisation or the Executive Director Prepare project technical and financial documents including annual workplan, budget, progress reports, and manuscripts for publications in international journals. Identify issues/risks and provide advice on project progression Manage project staff, activities and consultants to be recruited (if any) Effectively liaise with AATF investors, institutions, research institutions, NARS for execution of project activities. Acts as AATF sub-regional representative in West Africa including providing support for resource mobilization functions
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Project Manager – Cowpea
Candidate profile Essential
Qualifications and experience
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Strong leadership skills to foster teamwork, develop and motivate staff, resolve conflicts as well as the ability to provide direction, guidance, momentum and vision in order to achieve organisational objectives Strong communication and presentation skills including the ability to develop proposals, concept papers, position papers as well as write reports and prepare relevant publications Good knowledge and experience in demand-led product development and deployment Broad knowledge of resource mobilization trends at national, regional and international levels High level of interpersonal and cross-cultural skills including ability to build alliances and collaborative relationships with sensitivity to diversity including gender. Strong expertise in strategic management, project planning and budgeting, implementation as well as monitoring and evaluation Proficiency in computer applications such as word processing, data base, spreadsheets, statistical software for data analysis, project management software, accounting packages, email, internet and the workflow process as well as PowerPoint presentations. Ability to build and sustain relationships with key constituents (donors, research institutions, NARS, government institutions, private sector, etc Ability to develop and implement performance management systems, giving candid performance feedback, rewarding desirable behaviours and providing support to professional development efforts linked to strategic objectives Ability to empower staff by removing obstacles hindering the achievement of strategic objectives, focusing on results and delivering what is promised, on time and within budget Ability to maintain high standards of integrity; establish straightforward, productive relationships; treating individuals with fairness and respect, demonstrating sensitivity for ethnic, cultural and gender differences
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Education: PhD degree ideally in plant genetic engineering, plant breeding/molecular genetics, or entomology (with biotechnology background), or related subject Ten (10) years minimum of practical experience in plant breeding and genetics, agronomy, or entomology and familiarity with African farming systems. Strong technical background in plant genetic engineering. Hands on knowledge and practical experience of regulatory issues associated with new technologies of genetic improvement of food crops. Knowledge of regulatory and bio-safety issues associated with GM technology Extensive experience in deployment, innovation management and commercialization of technologies/products Fluency in written and spoken English. A working knowledge of French would be an added advantage
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Project Manager – Cowpea
How to Apply All correspondence, at this stage, should be via Oxford HR. Before applying, please check that you can answer yes to all the following questions: •
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Do you have a PhD degree and/or extensive research experience in plant genetic engineering, plant breeding/molecular genetics, or entomology (with biotechnology background), or related subjects? Do you have more than 10 years experiencesuccessfully leadingand delivering complex research projects? Are you familiar with African farming systems?
If you can answer yes to all the above questions, then please proceed to click on the “Apply” button on the job advert page, complete our online application form, and submit your CV and cover letter, which should be prepared before applying as they will be considered in the application process. The cover letter should be no more than two pages long and explain why you are interested in this post and how your skills and experience make you a good fit. The documents should be saved in PDF or MS Wordin the following format: Your First Name-Your Last Name-Document Name-Date (mmyy)-AATF e.g., Pat-Jones-CV-102021Cowpea or Pat-Jones-CoverLetter-102021-AATF.
Timeline Closing Date: First stage interviews: Final interviews:
December 6th, 2021
December 2021 January 2022
Selection process
All candidates will receive an update regarding their application after the closing date. We advise candidates to add the role email to their safe senders list and regularly check their spam folder.
Equality Statement
Equality and diversity are at the core of AATF values. Staff are expected to work collectively and individually to promote a constructive and sensitive approach to others from a variety of backgrounds, where the work of others is valued and respected.
Queries
If you have any queries on any aspect of the appointment process, need additional information, or would like to have an informal discussion, please email aatf-pm-cowpea@oxfordhr.co.uk in the first instance.
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Project Manager – Cowpea
About Oxford HR Oxford HR operates globally - mainly within the international development and charity sectors. We carry out retained executive search mandates at board and senior management levels. We also offer human resource and organisational development consultancy. Oxford HR has many years of experience in search as well as an extensive network of international development, social sector, corporate, public sector, and academic contacts from across the world. We carry out comprehensive and often international searches designed to meet the specific needs of our client.
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Project Manager – Cowpea OXFORD
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