CIMMYT is a cutting edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries.

For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

CIMMYT is looking for an outstanding, self-motivated, and result-oriented professional for the position Deputy Project Lead for the USAID-funded Southern Africa Accelerated Innovative Delivery -Initiative (AID-I) Hub implemented by the CIMMYT.

The Deputy Project Lead will support the Project Lead in attaining project goals and objectives by providing technical advice and direction to ensure successful implementation of the AID-I Project.

AID-I is a Feed the Future (FtF) Activity jointly implemented by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Department of State (DOS). It targets farming communities in vulnerable regions and expanding partnerships where USAID and last-mile partners already work. Managed by USAID/Bureau for Resilience and Food Security (RFS), the AID-I Activity aims to address the global food and fertilizer price crisis by bringing together existing networks of last-mile partners, including governments, research organizations, private sector businesses, and development NGOs to coordinate rapid action and enhance market-led delivery channels to reach millions of smallholder farmers quickly with demand-driven innovations and information.

The Activity goal will be achieved through targeted investments in seed sector support and strengthening; improved soil health and fertilizer use efficiency; and rapid delivery of critical agricultural advisory services deep into rural communities.

This position will be based in Lusaka Zambia but may involve frequent in-country and international travel.

Specific duties:

• Project Implementation and Project stakeholders’ management:
• Provide overall program, managerial, and technical support to the Project Lead.
• Supervise the AID-I Project Technical employees and consultants.
• Ensure project activities align with national Agriculture priorities and support sustainable agrifood systems.
• Coordinate the technical team and sub grantees for fully and accurate implementation of the activities to achieve the project results and objectives while complying with CIMMYT and USAID rules and regulations.
• Manage technical oversight of AID-I Project grantees and partners in their technical activities.
• Ensure that all AID-I project activities are technically sound and appropriate to meet AID-I activity objectives.
• Strengthen the existing partnerships with key stakeholders, including local implementing partners, government officials, and USAID Missions.
• Implement the AID-I annual workplan and ensure delivery of the MEL results framework
• Strategic Communications:
• Oversee the development of AID-I Communication materials for different mediums.
• Lead the AID-I Website page frequent content creation
• Oversee the content development for the Success stories
• Reporting:
• Ensure that lessons learned from project implementation are across components and are fed into quarterly reports, annual reports, and the annual work plan.
• Write all the periodic technical project deliverables and reports for the AID-I project.

Requirements

• MSc or MBA in agronomy/agricultural engineering/agricultural economics (a PhD would be a plus).
• Working experience managing donor funded Agriculture projects design, development, and implementation.
• At least 7years of senior technical leadership experience on USAID programs or similar size and complexity is required.
• Experience of at least 5 years building partnerships with national government agencies, private sector and local community organizations.
• Experience of at least 5 years working in Zambia and the Southern Africa region implementing donor-funded projects.
• The selected candidate should exhibit the following competencies: Client Orientation, Critical and Creative Thinking, Problem Solving and Decision Making, Teamwork, and Communication.

Benefits

The position is for an initial fixed-term for two (2) years, after which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds.

CIMMYT’s internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children’s education, paid vacation, annual home travel airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.

Screening and follow up of applications will begin on September 5th, 2024.

Applications must include a CV with contact details (telephone and email address) of 3 work-related references along with the confirmation that Recruitment can contact them) and a cover letter.

Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

This position will remain open until filled.

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.

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