Job Description
The Senior Manager, Programs & Research will play a pivotal role in steering and supporting the overall program management at AWARD. The job holder will provide a robust professional and technical guidance for multi-faceted projects and programs focused on the nexus between gender perspectives, agricultural research for development, environment and climate change, agribusiness systems, agricultural policy, and practice in Africa. He/she will coordinate the implementation of the current portfolio of AWARD’s programmatic activities, contribute extensively to the planning and design of new initiatives and support the development of strategic partnerships. The Senior Manager, Programs & Research works collaboratively with the Programs team and the other AWARD units (Training, Communications, Administration, and Finance) with the aim to ensure seamless program execution, catalyse key learnings, regularly review progress, and promptly identify and recommend the most appropriate and effective way forward.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Contribute to setting specific objectives, targets, and milestones, monitoring progress, and recommending concrete and innovative ideas/actions for design, planning, and implementation.
Ensure the overall execution of AWARD programmatic work and progress monitoring. This entails effective activity planning, overseeing the day-to-day program operations and specific projects, the production of deliverables with high quality standards, in a timely manner and within the allocated budgets, supporting risk management efforts, quality assurance and development of contingency plans.

Prepare comprehensive work plans and work closely with the Team to ensure the achievement of AWARD’s goals through cost-effective interventions and operations.
Lead the development of a comprehensive research base at AWARD – This includes the generation and dissemination of knowledge in various forms (e.g., technical reports, journal articles, policy briefs, etc.) and to various audiences.

Regularly contribute to scientific and policy discussions with key stakeholders in the agriculture landscape and related sectors.

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Coordinate with the Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (ME&L) team, the development and implementation of the AWARD ME&L strategy in line with the current and prospective initiatives, the design of progress tracking systems, adequate measurement systems and methods that allow for effective program analysis and reporting.

Coordinate with the Communications and ME&L teams, the review and dissemination of key findings and learnings from program implementation to various audiences and stakeholders.
Prepare programmatic progress updates on a regular basis and provide adequate support for the donor reporting including liaising with the different units to collect and consolidate inputs, key highlights, and other relevant information.

Contribute to AWARD’s resource mobilization efforts for strengthened gender-responsive interventions in agriculture and rural development while also identifying and providing guidance on new funding opportunities to explore as necessary.
Represent AWARD in specific events while also collaborating with the internal audience and the wider AWARD community.
Proactively supervise a dynamic team of colleagues by providing mentorship, coaching and the necessary support for team motivation, personal and professional growth.
Support the review of AWARD’s grants, the analysis of cumulative results achieved and the preparation of recommendations to improve performance.
Serve as a member of the Senior management and support the strategy design, identification of strategic partnerships in the agricultural research and development sectors.
And perform any other tasks assigned by the Supervisor regarding the overall management, communication, monitoring, and evaluation of AWARD’s interventions.
Requirements

An advanced university degree, Master’s degree, MBA or Ph.D. in agricultural sciences, socio-economics, international development, business management or any related fields. A focus on gender and policy-related studies, monitoring and evaluation is strongly required.
A minimum of eight (8) years of professional experience in program and research/project management and field experience working in Africa. Experience in managing gender and diversity-related programs with a policy focus is desirable.
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and French is highly desirable.
Strong expertise in managing and coordinating multiple projects and programs with a wide variety of partners and in different contexts. This includes excellent collaboration with public and private sector partners, including academic and research organizations in Africa to facilitate implementation of agricultural development projects and programs.
Strong understanding of the role of gender in African agriculture, the agricultural policy landscape in Africa; agricultural value chain development and implications for socio-economic development, challenges, and opportunities for Africa’s effective development.
Solid track record of contributions in agricultural research for development, use of mixed-methods approaches, evaluation design, impact assessment and other strategic analyses focused on gender, agri-food systems, and related research topics.
A minimum of five years’ experience in the coordination of donor-funded projects and thus, good knowledge of donor planning cycles, agreement requirements and regulations as well as reporting processes.
Demonstrated experience in resource mobilization and donor relations, including writing grant proposals and other fundraising materials.
Experience in communicating research-, Monitoring and Evaluation (M&L) – related evidence including practical recommendations for action.
Skills and Competencies

Proactive, creative, results-driven, self-starter and self-motivator.
Time management skills, sense of urgency and flexibility.
Strong organisational and relational skills; excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, highly effective planning skills and ability to prioritize efficiently.
Proven leadership skills and strong ability to manage diverse teams, support staff development, coaching and mentoring.
Quick learner, tech-savvy, and a knack for connecting the dots, retaining the knowledge required to excel in the role.
Good team player committed to excellence working in a team or independently.
Demonstrated ability to forge partnerships and maintain strong networks.
Excellent listening and interpersonal skills: maturity, highly commendable work ethics and sensitivity to different socio-cultural backgrounds.
Outstanding written and presentation skills with the ability to articulate information to a variety of audiences.
Terms of offer

This is an Globally Recruited Staff (GRS) position. ICRAF offers competitive remuneration in international currency, commensurate with skills and experience.
The appointment will be for a period of 2 years, inclusive of a 9-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources.
The duty station will be in Nairobi, Canada.
How to Apply

Applications will be considered until 31 August 2023.

CV and Cover Letter should be in PDF and Labelled with the applicants First and Second Name only.

Please note that only short-listed applicants meeting the job requirements will be contacted.

CIFOR-ICRAF is an equal opportunity employer. Staff diversity contributes to excellence.

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