Company Profile

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a not-for-profit institution that generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation. Working with various partners across sub-Saharan Africa, we improve livelihoods, enhance food and nutrition security, increase employment, and preserve natural resource integrity. IITA is a member of CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future. Please visit www.iita.org for more information on IITA.

Job Description

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) seeks to engage a  PROJECT MANAGER - SUSTAINABILITY PROJECTS on behalf of The Alliance of Bioversity International, also a part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources and ecosystem services.

The Position

The Alliance of Bioversity-CIAT is seeking an idealistic, flexible and qualified professional with the technical skills required for leading projects in the growing portfolio of Data Driven Sustainability projects. The Project Manager  will assist in delivering high-impact projects for major international brands and producers that translate emerging research on climate and environment into practical processes and services.

The Data Driven Sustainability team is leading several multi-year projects in the land use sector that seek to prepare low-income farmers for more climate change resilience and zero-deforestation production. We work with sustainability-minded companies buying primarily in Southeast Asia and West Africa regions, who know the practices needed to adapt to climate change and protect the environment but need support learning how to improve sustainable adoption of those practices.

The ideal candidate is passionate about social and environmental sustainability issues. They will also have highly developed spoken and written communication skills in English and be an avid writer. Experience in consulting or managing demanding external stakeholders such as clients or donors is essential.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Act as primary focal point between external stakeholders and the Alliance team
   • Lead development of collaborative partnerships, and positioning the Alliance favorably for opportunities with new donors by ensuring clear communication and understanding of project objectives and expectations.
   • Regularly review project progress against milestones and deliverables, making necessary adjustments to keep the project on track.
   • Lead relationship development with external partners, suppliers, or consultants as necessary, ensuring their timely and qualitative contributions to the project.
   • Evaluate the projects’ performance post-completion, gathering feedback and insights to inform future initiatives and best practices.
   • Lead proposal development and literature review or related tasks when required.
2. Build team infrastructure
   • Collaboratively work with the Alliance team on planning, coordination and reporting tasks related to delivery of sustainability focused projects, including:
   • Take responsibility for monitoring and manage risks associated with the project, putting in place mitigation strategies and escalating when necessary.
   • Lead regular project status meetings and updates, ensuring all team members are informed and aligned.
   • Establish and maintain a documentation system for all project-related materials, ensuring ease of access and organization.
   • Collaborate with the finance department to manage project finances, including tracking of expenditures and budget forecasting.
   • Ensure adherence to all organizational and external regulations, standards, and best practices in project execution.
3. Strengthen team cohesion
   • Provide mentorship and coaching to less experienced team members, aiding in their professional development.
   • Foster a positive and inclusive team culture, promoting collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.
   • Proactively take the lead in identification and implementation of new ideas to increase engagement and capacity.

Required Skills or Experience

• MSc with at least 5 years’ work experience or a BSc with at least 7 years’ work experience.
• Highly developed organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Willing to travel domestically and internationally and enjoy working in an international environment.
• Demonstrated interest in social and environmental sustainability issues affecting rural communities and our planet.
• Awareness of the motivations and drivers related to sustainable sourcing strategies and more resilient production in international agriculture and land use.
• Strong drive to learn new topics and skills and to see research and ideas having positive impact in practice. Strong sense of professional pride and curiosity.
• Prior experience in a consulting or client services role with demanding external clients will be viewed favorably.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
• Working knowledge of French or local language is a strong point.