Program and Administration Manager

International Food Policy Research Officer (IFPRI)

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) on behalf of the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is seeking a Program and Administration Manager to provide leadership in the management of various IFPRI and CGIAR programs. The manager will ensure that the goals and objectives of each program and the IFPRI office are met. This is a full-time position based in Nairobi, Kenya.

About ILRI and IFPRI

• ILRI: Dedicated to improving food security and nutrition in developing countries through research for efficient, safe, and sustainable use of livestock. As one of 11 CGIAR research centers, ILRI focuses on animal agriculture research for the developing world. Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, ILRI has regional or country offices and projects across Asia and Africa. Website: www.ilri.org
• IFPRI: Provides research-based policy solutions to sustainably reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition in developing countries. Established in 1975, IFPRI operates in over 50 countries with more than 600 employees. IFPRI is part of CGIAR, a worldwide partnership engaged in agricultural research for development. Website: www.ifpri.org

Key Responsibilities

Program Management

1. Strategy and Planning: Collaborate with the Program Leader to develop and implement program level strategies and operational plans, ensuring regular reviews when necessary.
2. Proposal Development and Budgeting: Support the Program Leader and IFPRI staff in developing proposals, staffing plans, consultancy contracts, and budgets, while ensuring effective monitoring of programs and projects.
3. Human Resources: Work closely with the Program Leader and ILRI’s People and Organizational Development Directorate to determine staffing needs and handle HR-related matters for the program.
4. Financial Oversight: Liaise with the IFPRI and ILRI Finance Unit on budget and financial matters.

Proposal Development and Project Planning

5. Conceptualization and Documentation: Coordinate and participate in the development of concept notes and/or proposal components, including risk assessment, project budget, and work plan documentation.
6. Partner Management: Support the Program Leader and Project Leaders in conducting due diligence activities for Program partners/subcontractors.
7. Project Management: Manage the program opportunity pipeline, ensuring timely delivery, compliance, and adherence to the Program Management Framework process.
8. Legal Matters: Work with the Legal Unit to draft partner and donor agreements, incorporating necessary changes.
9. Project Work Plans: Lead the development of project work plans, assessing alignment, establishing timelines, and obtaining necessary approvals.

Project Execution and Project Closing

10. Stakeholder Engagement: Maintain effective working relationships with partners, beneficiaries, and stakeholders, facilitating the flow of information in program activities.
11. Program Reporting: Oversee and conduct Program reporting, identifying areas for improvement and recommending solutions.
12. Policy Compliance: Ensure adherence to CGIAR, IFPRI, and ILRI policies related to Intellectual Property, Open Access, People and Organizational Development, and others at the Program level.
13. Project Closure: Oversee project closure activities, including asset disposal, research materials, staff separation/reassignment, archiving of documentation, and impact assessment following the PMF process.

Office Management and Communications

14. Project Management: Act as the Project Manager for specific projects, depending on the program’s size and complexity.
15. Communication Planning: Work with IFPRI and CGIAR Communication Knowledge Management team to develop and execute communication plans, monitoring and guiding communication outputs from the program.
16. Knowledge Dissemination: Ensure knowledge dissemination and capacity development to relevant stakeholders by mobilizing participation from project stakeholders, including team members, partners, donors, and other key stakeholders.
17. Logistical Support: Assist IFPRI staff in organizing travels, seminars, and workshops, overseeing related logistical arrangements.

Requirements

• Masters/Advanced Degree in Business Management, Business Administration, or related field.
• Program Management Certification.
• At least 7 years of program management experience with 3 years at the managerial level.
• Excellent managerial and multitasking skills.
• Effective planning and risk management abilities.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.
• Proven experience in coordinating global projects with numerous partners.
• Experience in project development and implementation.
• Advanced technical reporting skills.
• Excellent people management skills in a multicultural setting.
• Service-oriented, highly flexible, and an excellent team player.

Terms of Appointment

This is a job level HG17 position, open to Kenyan nationals only. The position offers a 2-year contract, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability. ILRI provides a competitive salary and benefits package, including pension, medical, and other insurances.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and CV expressing their interest in the position and what they can bring to the job. Include the names and addresses (telephone and email) of three referees familiar with the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience. Apply by clicking on the “Apply Now” tab above before 13 August 2023. Clearly mark the subject line of the cover letter with the position title and reference number REF: IFPRI/06/2023.

We appreciate all applicants’ interest in working for ILRI. However, due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. ILRI does not charge any fee during the recruitment process and does not inquire about applicants’ bank accounts.

For more information about ILRI, visit our websites at www.ilri.org.

Expert Tips To Be A Successful Applicant

• Research the Organizations: Before applying, thoroughly research ILRI and IFPRI to understand their missions, values, and ongoing projects. Tailor your application to align with their objectives.
• Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasize your program management experience, especially if you’ve managed global projects and worked with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrate Leadership Skills: Showcase your leadership abilities in managing teams and your capacity to handle multiple tasks effectively.
• Strong Communication: Highlight your communication skills, as the role involves extensive communication with partners and stakeholders.
• Results-Oriented: Provide examples of successfully executed projects and their impact.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Emphasize your ability to work in a multicultural setting and with diverse teams.
• Commitment to Excellence: Show your commitment to adhering to policies and delivering high-quality results.
• Planning and Organization: Illustrate your planning and organizational skills, as they are crucial for program success.
• Adaptability: Demonstrate your flexibility and adaptability to work in a dynamic and changing environment.
• Engagement and Networking: Highlight your ability to build and maintain strong relationships with partners and stakeholders.