Uganda: Deputy Program Leader (Ref.: 15- 42 DPL/IRS/SSA)

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a highly competent and dynamic individual to fill the newly created position of Deputy Program Leader to support the management and further development of CIP’s Strategic Program on Resilient, Nutritious Sweetpotato.

The Center:CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweetpotato, and Andean roots and tubers. Its vision is of roots and tubers improving the lives of the poor. CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved well-being, and gender equity for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world. CIP works with partners to contribute high quality science, technology, and capacity strengthening for sustainable science-based solutions. CIP is headquartered in Lima, Peru, with staff and activities in over 30 locations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. CIP is a member of the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research, a network of 15 research centers mostly located in the developing world and supported by more than 50 donor members.

The Strategic Program: The Strategic Program on Resilient, Nutritious Sweetpotato seeks to combat micronutrient deficiency and improve nutrition and livelihoods amongst 15 million food insecure households in Africa, Asia, and Latin America and the Caribbean. The Program currently comprises a dynamic portfolio of over 30 research and development projects in 16 countries. We pay specific attention to gender and poverty aspects of our work and monitor our impacts closely. At this time, the Program seeks to scale up our success to more countries through strategic research and development partnerships.

The Position: The Deputy Program Leader will report to the Program Leader and will be based in Kampala, Uganda with extensive travel to project countries in particular in Africa. He/she will work closely with project leaders, country managers, and other teams responsible for project management and program development. The position demands expertise in program management, proposal development and technical writing, as well as good technical understanding of agriculture and nutrition in the context of international development.

Duties and Accountabilities:

1. Program management (60%)
2. Support the Program Leader in overseeing implementation and management of the global sweetpotato program portfolio.
3. Work with Project Leaders and their teams to ensure projects generate high-quality results and contribute effectively to wider CIP and CGIAR objectives. Specifically, support Project Leaders in technical reporting, work planning, partnership management, and during major reviews and evaluations.
4. Review technical project reports to donors and project partners for technical quality, consistency, and completeness.
5. Coordinate review of monthly internal project updates and work with Project Leaders and relevant CIP teams to identified and address technical and operational issues that require support.
6. Coordinate reporting of Program progress to CGIAR Consortium Research Programs and contribute to high-level analysis and synthesis of results for donor forums.
7. Contribute to the monitoring and annual update of the rolling Program Business Plan.
8. Program development and resource mobilization (30%)
9. Support the Program Leader in identifying and responding to opportunities for continued program development and growth, working with CIP’s Resource Mobilization Unit and other relevant CIP teams.
10. Specifically, support Country Managers and Project Leaders to develop funding proposals, including hands-on support for writing and negotiations with implementing partners. This will often involve extensive travel to project countries.
11. Publications and communications (10%)
12. Contribute to technical publications and presentations based on Program research and development as will be agreed with the Program Leader.
13. Coordinate internal communications within the Program to ensure that project teams are well connected for research and management.
14. Working with the CIP communications specialists, contribute to external communications about the Program through a wide range of media.

Selection criteria:

• PhD degree in a relevant discipline, including agricultural, biological, or social sciences. An equivalent degree with strong experience may also be considered.
• At least 10 years of management experience in international development, including at least 5 years senior responsibilities in project or program management.
• Excellent command of program management tools, including up-to-date MLE approaches, business planning, and communications.
• Excellent proposal and report writing skills with a proven track record of success.
• Direct work experience in field-based research or development projects, preferably in agriculture. Direct work experience in sub-Saharan Africa is an advantage.
• Strong understanding of the priorities and approaches of CGIAR research and development programs, in particular of the agriculture and nutrition agenda.
• Excellent leadership skills that support teamwork and service within complex work relationships.
• Excellent English written and verbal communication skills are essential. Working proficiency in French is a strong advantage.
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively, and at times at short notice, to project locations in Africa and other regions.

Conditions:Employment contract will be for a three-year term (with three months probation period) with the possibility of renewal,subject to availability of funding. The salary will be internationally competitive, paid in US dollars, and commensurate with experience.

CIP prides itself on its collegial and supportive working environment, which allows space for personal and professional growth.

Applications:Applicants should apply online through our CIP’s Job Opportunities website (http://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/), including a cover letter, a full C.V with the names and contact information of three references that are knowledgeable of the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience. Screening of applications will begin on 28 August, 2015 and will continue until the post is filled. All applications will be acknowledged, however only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at http://www.cipotato.org.