Senior Manager- Programs and Research at CIFOR-ICRAF

Reference Number: 202320

Job Status: In-progress

Job Category: Global Position

Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya

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About CIFOR-ICRAF

CIFOR-ICRAF envisions a world where trees in diverse landscapes enhance the environment and well-being for all. As non-profit science institutions, we tackle pressing challenges like energy insecurity, climate change, and biodiversity crises. With over 65 years of combined experience, we’re leaders in agroforestry, applying multidisciplinary approaches to improve lives and ecosystems. Our work emphasizes innovative research, impactful partnerships, and stakeholder engagement to benefit both people and the planet. CIFOR-ICRAF is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership focused on a food-secure future and sustainable development.

Senior Manager- Programs and Research: Role Overview

Position: Senior Manager- Programs and Research
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Reference Number: 202320

As the Senior Manager- Programs and Research, you’ll lead initiatives at AWARD, fostering impactful programs at the nexus of gender, agricultural research, environment, climate change, and policy in Africa. You’ll guide AWARD’s program execution, collaborate across units, engage with stakeholders, and contribute to gender-responsive agricultural research and development.

Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and Guidance

• Provide strategic leadership for day-to-day program operations, ensuring timely deliverables within budget.
• Engage with national, regional, and global agricultural research communities on gender-responsive research and development.

Program Development

• Create comprehensive work plans, budgets, and effective interventions at AWARD.
• Develop a robust research agenda and guidance materials for gender-responsive agricultural research and development.

Communication and Reporting

• Collaborate with M&E and Communications units to translate data into compelling narratives for stakeholders.
• Lead the review and analysis of initiative implementation and progress, maintaining excellence.

Partnerships and Resource Mobilization

• Contribute to AWARD’s resource mobilization efforts, identifying funding opportunities and partnerships.
• Represent AWARD externally as needed, contributing to strategic positioning.

Capacity Building

• Support AWARD team’s capacity development in gender-responsive agriculture research and development.

Team Management

• Supervise colleagues, providing coaching and support for their growth and motivation.

Education, Knowledge, and Experience

• PhD in relevant fields like agricultural economics, social sciences, gender studies, etc.
• Fluency in English with exceptional drafting and editing skills. French fluency is a plus.
• Minimum of seven (7) years in international development, focusing on gender integration in agriculture, climate change, and rural development.
• Internationally recognized expertise in gender and development research, preferably in food and agriculture.
• Strong knowledge of program design, implementation, management, and evaluation.
• Experience in donor-funded project coordination and reporting.
• Experience in Francophone Africa is advantageous.
• Experience in managing diverse teams and transformative processes in African agriculture.

Terms and Conditions

• CIFOR-ICRAF offers a diverse and gender-sensitive working environment, encouraging applications from qualified women.
• This is a Globally Recruited Staff (GRS) position with competitive remuneration in local currency.
• Initial appointment of two (2) years, with possibility of extension based on performance and resources.
• Duty station: Nairobi, Kenya.

Application Process

Application Deadline: August 31, 2023

We appreciate all applications, and will contact only short-listed candidates. Please submit applications in English.

EXPERT Tips To Be A Successful Applicant

1. Tailor Your Application: Align your experience and skills with the role’s responsibilities to showcase your fit for the position.
2. Highlight Impact: Emphasize how your contributions have led to positive changes in previous roles related to gender, agriculture, and development.
3. Demonstrate Leadership: Provide examples of how you’ve guided teams, managed projects, and collaborated with stakeholders effectively.
4. Research CIFOR-ICRAF: Understand our mission, values, and ongoing projects to demonstrate your genuine interest.
5. Show Communication Skills: Your ability to convey complex ideas clearly in English is crucial; ensure your application is well-written and coherent.
6. Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, quantify your achievements to showcase the scope and impact of your work.
7. Highlight Multicultural Experience: If applicable, emphasize your experience in working across diverse cultures and regions.
8. Focus on Resource Mobilization: Highlight your ability to identify funding opportunities and build strategic partnerships.
9. Address Francophone Experience: If you have experience in Francophone Africa, mention it to stand out.
10. Follow Instructions: Adhere to the application process and deadlines as specified in the job description.

Join us in our mission to create a sustainable and equitable future through innovative research and impactful actions!