PROJECT MANAGERSUSTAINABLE COCOA VALUE CHAINS IN WEST AFRICA

(ABIDJAN, CÔTE D’IVOIRE)

THE ORGANIZATION

The Alliance of Bioversity International & CIAT delivers researchbased solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people’s lives. Alliance solutions address the global crises of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.

The Alliance works with local, national and multinational partners across Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and Africa, and with the public and private sectors. The Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a foodsecure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources and ecosystem services.

About the position

The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT seeks a Project Manager to coordinate an international team for the ‘Sustainable Cocoa Value Chains in West Africa’ project development phase. The role involves supporting and coordinating the team for project preparation, including proposal development, stakeholder consultations, consortium management, and the facilitation and planning of project workshops, as well as longterm project management in case of approval. The /Project Manager will be based in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and will coordinate activities across the target regions in West Africa.

Key duties and responsibilities

Proposal Preparation Management

·       CoLeadership and Strategic Direction

a.      Provide, strategic direction, and contribute in the overall management for the Proposal Preparation Stage of the ‘Sustainable Cocoa Value Chains in West Africa’ project.

b.      Ensure all preparatory activities align with donor requirements and organizational objectives.

·       Project Team and Governance Structure

a.      Form a multidisciplinary local project team, task force, and governance system

b. Establish reporting mechanisms and governance structures involving local government representatives and stakeholders in Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea.

c. Coordinate with financial institutions and Italian development agencies to ensure comprehensive project oversight.

·       Methodology Design and Workplan Development

a.      Codevelop an action plan outlining key milestones and timelines with global team.

b.      Identify and engage key national and international stakeholders for the assessment phase.

c.       Organize a Regional Workshop to present and agree project methodology.

·       Stakeholder Consultations and Feasibility Studies

a.  Lead the local design team and provide oversight in conducting comprehensive value chain assessments to identify priority areas for intervention.

b.    Perform feasibility assessments to identify gaps and viable intervention measures.

c.    Conduct a total of six stakeholder consultations (three per countrto gather insights and refine project plans.

d.   Evaluate and develop financing strategies to ensure project scalability and avoid duplication.

e.   Collaborate with financial institutions to incorporate suitable financial instruments.

·       Project Proposal Development and Validation

a.  Organize incountry codesign workshops at the start and midway through the preparation phase to refine  design features, planning, and budgets.

b. Draft a regional intervention proposal, including specific chapters for Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea, detailing assessment results, priority actions, roles, responsibilities, and monitoring mechanisms.

c. Present and validate the draft proposal in a regional workshop with stakeholders before submitting the final proposal to the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for funding.

·       Environmental Scanning and Adaptive Management

a. Continuously monitor and analyse external factors such as policy changes, market trends, technological advancements, and environmental conditions impacting the cocoa value chain.

b. Adjust the foresight analysis and action plan based on new information and emerging trends to ensure the program’s relevance and effectiveness.

Project Management

·       Provide national leadership, strategic direction, and management of the project implementation.

·       Oversee project implementation, ensuring adherence to donor agreements and organizational policies.

·  Coordinate inputs, facilitate stakeholder consultations, and manage project design workshops during the Project Preparation Stage.

·       Manage consortium partners, recruit staff, and ensure timely project deliverables.

·       Promote project visibility and foster relationships with stakeholders, donors, and the general public.

·       Ensure the integration of gender and youthsensitive interventions throughout the project.

·   Coordinate with the Safety and Security Manager to monitor the security environment and ensure compliance with security protocols.

Representation

·       Represent the project to governmental and nongovernmental stakeholders in West Africa.

·       Participate in review meetings with donors and ensure clear communication of project goals and achievements.

·     Maintain an understanding of national development plans and funding initiatives to align project outputs with regional priorities.

·       Build and manage productive partnerships with donors, implementing partners, and other stakeholders.

Project Support Operations

·       Develop and implement financial and operational policies in compliance with donor and organizational requirements.

·       Coordinate with finance, procurement, and M&E teams to support local partners and project activities.

·       Ensure effective logistical, procurement, security, and human resource support for the project.

Requirements

Required qualifications and experience

• Bachelor’s degree with master’s degree in a relevant field such as natural resources management, agriculture, climate change, sustainable development, or international development.
• At least 10 years of professional experience in managing complex projects, with a focus on coffee and cocoa value chain development.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including senior government officials.
• Proven leadership skills and the ability to manage multidisciplinary teams.
• Success in building partnerships and engaging with the private sector.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, in English and French. Knowledge of additional languages spoken in West Africa is an asset.
• Familiarity with policies and procedures of international donors, particularly the IFC and other climate funds.

Terms of employment

This position is an internationally recruited position based in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The initial contract will be for one year subject to a probation period of six months and is renewable depending on performance and availability of resources.

This position is graded at BG10 level, with a minimum basic salary of USD69,00 per annum, in a scale of BG01 to BG14 (BG14 being the highest level according to the Alliance job classification framework polic. We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits including but not limited to insurance, retirement plan, staff training and development, paid time off and flexible working arrangements.

The Alliance BioversityCIAT is committed to fair, safe, and inclusive workplaces. We believe that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical for our mission. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority. We encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability statuses, sexual orientations, marital status, and gender identities. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applications

Applicants are invited to visit https://alliancebioversityciat.org/careers to get full details of the position and to submit their applications. Applications MUST include reference number Project ManagerSustainable Cocoa Value Chains in West Africa as the position applied for. Cover letter and CV should be saved as one document using the candidate’s last name, first name for ease of sorting. The Alliance collects and process personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

Applications closing date: 23^rd October 2024

Please note that email applications will not be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

We invite you to learn more about us at:

                                     http://alliancebioversityciat.org