SRI has been contracted by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) to assist with their search for an exceptional candidate to fill the position of Project Manager, Cowpea.
The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) is a not-for-profit organisation that facilitates and promotes public/private partnerships to access, develop, adapt and deliver appropriate agricultural technologies for sustainable use by smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is headquartered in Nairobi, and its mandate covers sub-Saharan Africa. More information about AATF is available at www.aatf-africa.org
Cowpea is an important staple in the diet of more than 200 million households in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Insects are by far the most serious constraint to the availability of cowpea as food. One promising solution is to develop cowpea varieties with genetically-enhanced insect protection using gene transfer technology.
The project aims at contributing to food security and improving livelihoods of small holder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa by generating improved, high yielding farmer-preferred cowpea varieties that are resistant to infestation by insect pests.
The Project Manager, Cowpea is responsible for the overall implementation of the PBR Cowpea project. Duties include Managing financial and administrative aspects of the project; Coordinates an interdisciplinary, international and cultural diverse project teams and all the operational management of projects in Nigeria; Coordinates the product development and deployment activities with the national and international research partners in the region; Prepares technical and financial project implementation documents including annual work plans, budgets, and progress reports; Oversees, coordinates and monitors implementation of all activities in partner countries; Maintains liaison with donor institutions, research institutions, NARS and other stakeholders to create productive partnerships; Conducts capacity assessments by identifying training gaps in terms of project human capital needs; Ensures that all partners understand their commitments under project agreements; Responsible of Abuja office including AATF staff in Nigeria; Oversees other AATF projects in West Africa including CAMAP, NEWEST Rice and OFAB
Required Qualifications
PhD in plant genetic engineering or plant breeding and genetics; A minimum of seven years working experience with strong background in plant breeding including genetic engineering; Hands on knowledge and experience on regulatory issues associated with new technologies of genetic improvement of food crops; Experience in product development and knowledge of regulatory and biosafety issues associated with GM technology; Experience in managing financial, administrative and operational aspects and management of a project; Experience in liaising with donor institutions, research institutions, NARS and other stakeholders to create productive partnerships; Experience in managing both technical and administrative teams, including capacity assessments and identifying training gaps; Experience in proposal writing; Fluency in English; working knowledge of French will be an advantage. Eligible candidates must be citizens of a Sub Saharan country.
How to Apply
If you wish to be considered for this position, please forward a copy of your CV and a supporting letter in Microsoft Word format, along with any relevant documentation to mahelena@sri-xecutive.com on or before 15th of August 2015 at 5pm GMT. All information will be in the strictest confidence as we pride ourselves on our professional service. We will revert to you as soon as feasible when we have reviewed your application.
