World agroforestry (ICRAF) Careers

Overview

• The Finance Officer provides financial services ensuring high quality, accuracy, and consistency of financial reports in accordance with CIFOR-ICRAF internal financial as well as donor guidelines. Review pre-award proposal budgets and ensure full cost recovery methodology is followed to cover CIFOR-ICRAF non-research expenses and specific research unit’s costs. Support the annual CIFOR-ICRAF’s annual Program of Work and Budget process in compliance with current policies and procedures. Implement financial processes, methodologies, procedures in OCS related to budgeting, forecast, analysis of variances and financial reporting at the institutional level. To ensure that CIFOR-ICRAF policies on full cost recovery and laid down donor regulations are adhered to in all donor proposal budgets.

Duties and responsibilities

Pre-Award proposal development

• Develop proposal budgets and budget narratives in collaboration with the Resource mobilization Team and the Research Teams.
• Review and advise on the project proposal/budget preparation regarding compliance issues for all prospective sources of funding.
• Ensure an accurate full cost recovery methodology to cover CIFOR_ICRAF non-research expenses and specific research units’ costs.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of relevant donor policies, regulations, and procedures.
• To ensure the organization’s policies on full cost recovery and laid down donor regulations are adhered to in all donor proposal budgets.

Centre Funds Monitoring and Annual Budgeting

• Monitoring of the Centre funds budgets and expenditures; and work closely with PI in updating the projection of center funds.
• Prepare financial updates and analysis of centre funds and share the report with PI.
• Support Finance Manager in preparation of centre funds’ performance report and follow up any correction action that are required from the respective units.
• Monitor the workflow status of budget input in the system and follow up to the respective units.
• Liaise with System Development Team to solve any technical issue in the budget system
• Monitor the status of high probability proposals in collaboration with Resource Mobilization and Research Team.
• Ensure the CIFOR-ICRAF Rolling budget is up to date.
• Provide ad hoc report and gather information from the system to support the analysis on the centre funds and annual budget.

Management and Other Stakeholders Reporting

• Support Finance Manager in preparation of performance reports and analysis including funding status and CIFOR-ICRAF burn rate consequently indicating indirect cost recovery.
• Monitor the burn rate status under unit / region that are assigned, provide the analysis, and report to the Senior Finance Officer
• Collaborate with the Grants Accounting Team in providing necessary reports and in analyzing of grants burn rates and indirect cost recovery status.
• Contribute to the discussions with relevant stakeholders on planning and monitoring of interventions to keep the various teams and projects on budget
• Support Finance Manager in the preparation of all reports (including ad hoc reports), information and data required or requested by ILMG and the Board of Trustees.
• Initiate and participate in the development and implementation of reporting platforms and templates within OCS and other platforms for the different stakeholders. 

Internal Controls

• Implement internal control systems that ensure CIFOR_ICRAF attains its objectives, produce accurate and reliable data for decision making.

Education, knowledge and experience

Requirements

Minimum Academic and Professional Qualifications

• University education in accounting with more than 5 years of relevant experience
• Experience in financial and accounting services
• Experience in budgeting and project management
• Fluent in written and spoken English
• Familiar with donor reporting
• Strong computer skills in word processing, databases and other relevant office applications.

Overview

The Officer - Regional Program position exists to provide leadership and coordination in the management of the three Global Research Programs (GRPs) and ensure that the goals and objectives of each program are aligned with the regional and country-level strategies and that GRP strategies align with the national and regional research and development strategies. The Officer does this by the provision of support to the Director for Africa in managing the programs, including supporting the development of program strategies and development; monitoring multi-year operational plans and budgets; business development strategies, and monitoring and collating program outputs and outcomes. The Officer is responsible for coordinating the development of multi-year program plans and budgets, monitoring the utilization rates of projects, suggesting corrective action when needed, and reporting. The officer is responsible for ensuring the deployment of the institute’s Program Management Framework (PMF) within the program covering all aspects of proposal development and project planning, execution, monitoring & evaluation, and closure.

Duties and responsibilities

Summary of responsibilities

Program Management

• Work with the Director for Africa to develop and implement the Africa program strategy and continually review as required
• Support the development of a multi-year operational plan and monitor its implementation
• Monitor and collate program outputs and outcomes
• Coordinate the development of annual program plans and budgets, including ensuring consistency across programs
• Coordinate the effective management of the program plans and budget, ensuring proper allocation of expenditure, monitoring utilization rates and highlighting any variances, and providing suggestions for corrective action to Project Managers, including working with Finance for resolution
• Support the program management and administrative team (including Finance and Admin Manager, Program Accountants, Admin Officer, Procurement Officer, Communications Staff, Office Assistants, Program Assistants, and Interns) and build their capacity on ICRISAT Program Management Framework to enhance their performance
• Support and review requests for recruiting staff and consultants prior to approval and follow up with Director for Africa and Human Resources (HR) department for execution
• Liaise with the Finance Unit on budget and financial matters
• Ensure the implementation of the institute’s Program Management Framework across the program and contribute to its continued development

Project Planning

• Support the Procurement Office in assessing and planning future procurement needs and creating a detailed procurement plan
• Liaise with the legal unit to draft partner and donor agreements and incorporate the necessary changes
• Work with the project leader/project manager in the development of an exit strategy/sustainability plan for all projects
• Work closely with the project leaders/project managers to define research compliance requirements, undertake a risk assessment and contribute to the development of mitigation strategies
• Lead the development of project work plans by assessing alignment, establishing timelines, and obtaining the necessary approvals.
• Work with the Strategic Marketing and Communication team to develop the communication plan, monitor and guide the communications outputs from the program to ensure their relevance and appropriateness.

Project Execution

• Maintain effective working relationships with partners, beneficiaries, and stakeholders and facilitate the effective flow of information between all partners, team members, and relevant stakeholders in program activities
• Work closely with the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialists to ensure program-level monitoring, data analysis, and reporting to support effective program management
• Oversee Program reporting, identify any areas concerned, and recommend solutions
• Ensure that ICRISAT, and later CGIAR, policies relating to IP, Open Access, HR, and others are being followed at the Program level

Project Closing

• Oversee the closure activities for the projects which include the disposal of physical assets, research materials and staff separation/ reassignment, archiving of documentation, impact assessment in line with the PMF process
• Work with the Project Leader and Communications Staff to ensure knowledge dissemination and capacity development to all relevant stakeholders by mobilizing participation from as many project stakeholders as possible, including project team members, partners, donors, and other key stakeholders

Project Management

• The Regional Program Officer will be expected to act as the Project Manager (as the need arises) for several projects, depending on the size and complexity of the program

Business Development

• Coordinate and participate in the development of concept notes, idea notes, and/or proposal components including completing the relevant documentation on risk assessment, project budget, and project work plan, drafting agreements
• Support the Director for Africa, Country Representatives, and Project Leaders to undertake due diligence activities related to the suitability and capability of Program partners/sub-contractors such as identifying the resource skills of the ICRISAT team, counter-checking prospect partners’ experience, compliance with ICRISAT and donor guidelines, and ensuring the strategy and plans align with PMF
• Manage the program opportunity pipeline to ensure timely delivery, compliance, and adherence to the Program Management Framework process, as the Africa Resource Mobilization Taskforce Secretariat

Education, knowledge and experience

Requirements

• MSc in Agronomy or Plant Breeding with experience or training in Program/Project management or;
• Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science and master’s degree in related Sciences or Business Administration.
• Strong program management ability and interpersonal skills.
• Statistical skills and knowledge of computer applications.
• Fluency in spoken and written English.
• Up to five (5) years of work experience in program management and business development.

Overview

CIMMYT is looking for an experienced research specialist to support design and implementation of market intelligence research carried out by the Market intelligence team (in CIMMYT SAS program). The position will focus on the effective and timely delivery of research activities across several bi-lateral projects and One CGIAR science programs.

Duties and responsibilities

Summary of responsibilities

Research Management, Coordination and Planning

• Support development of research designs and data collection tools
• Lead data collection activities, including hiring and training of the enumerators, supervision of data collection teams, and planning of field activities, including budgets and work plans.
• Lead in the process of application of ethical approvals, including being the point of contact between the team and the internal (CIMMYT) and external (e.g. JKUAT, ILRI) ethics committees

Papers, reports, and database management:

• In charge of data management and quality assurance; including data cleaning and management, data checks during data collection.
• Lead in data analysis and writing of technical reports
• Support as well as lead research papers.

Communication:

• Generate power-point presentations to share research findings.
• Engage stakeholders (breeding teams, NGOs, and other partners) on strategies, policies, and research needed to inform breeding design and investments in East Africa and beyond through workshops, briefs, and periodic one-on-one engagements.

Requirements

Education, knowledge and experience

Requirements

• A.Education & Knowledge: Minimal Formal Education needed
• Master’s degree in a relevant field e.g. Economics and agricultural or development economics.
• B.Work Experience Required & Number of years of relevant experience needed.
• At least five years of experience in planning, conducting, and reporting on research relevant to the position (qualitative and quantitative research).
• Experience with data management and analysis, preferably using quantitative and qualitative analysis software (e.g., STATA, R, NVIVO etc.).
• Track record of writing quality technical reports.
• Experience with scientific writing.
• Demonstrated ability to excel in complex multidisciplinary research or development projects.
• Good partnership-building skills, including interacting with the private and public sectors; delivering effectively; and moderating meetings with local partners.
• A high degree of personal organization and ability to work under pressure.

Overview

The Director for Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) will lead in enhancing the impact and visibility of CIFOR-ICRAF’s GESI profile across local, national and global communities working within our impact areas and at the intersections of social equity and food systems, forests, agroforestry, landscapes.

Building on CIFOR-ICRAF’s ongoing GESI portfolio and the organizational strategy, the Director will bring in the latest insights in GESI from both research and development, and lead the organization on GESI mainstreaming and training of staff on GESI topics for communication, impact and visibility. She/he will build networks within the CIFOR-ICRAF scientific community, particularly team building with GESI researchers across gender, intersectionality, indigenous, youth and other relevant topics. This includes serving as a facilitator of institutional processes that support the consideration of gender/ GESI in all projects, establishing systems for data collection across projects, and monitoring and aggregating information to capture and catalyze institutional impact. She/he will support staff fundraising for research through the co-development of a portfolio of GESI R&D projects and connect researchers to the donor and development communities, and thus further position the institution to secure programmatic funding to support CIFOR-ICRAF’s impact area on Equity.

The candidate will assure CIFOR-ICRAF representation and participation on GESI in key external arenas (e.g. the gender caucuses of the three UN conventions, UNWomen, the CG gender platform/ accelerator). She/he will work with communications and Quality for Impact (Q4I) to assure strong and coherent messaging to strategically position CIFOR-ICRAF and its unique value proposition. She/he should therefore be comfortable in navigating across CIFOR-ICRAF’s transformative partnerships, with civil society organizations (including e.g. rural women’s movements), with governments at local, national and international levels, and to liaise with world-leading international organizations, education institutes and companies.

Duties and responsibilities

Institutional leadership:

• The candidate is expected to fully institutionalize GESI at CIFOR-ICRAF and assure coordination across the institution. She/he will lead an interdisciplinary team of GESI specialists to include project-based CIFOR-ICRAF staff working on GESI within their own area or theme of expertise (gender, youth, indigenous peoples, migrants, etc., within CIFOR-ICRAF thematic and country teams). She/he will team-build with these staff, facilitating and supporting the development of cohorts and focal points. S/he will support continued professional development and visibility of the core GESI team, while building additional GESI expertise across the institution through training programs on basic GESI concepts and applications in project management, and emerging directions in GESI for research and development. The Director will lead especially on gender and support gender mainstreaming throughout the research and development portfolio(s) and support focal points to provide intersectional specialization on other dimensions of social inclusion.

Communications and impact:

• The candidate will work across institutional units and processes to ensure gender and GESI mainstreaming throughout, and unifying messaging across internal and external communications. She/he will work closely with the communications and GLF, resource mobilization and partnerships teams to enhance the visibility of CIFOR-ICRAF GESI expertise within our established spheres of influence as well as extend our reach into gender

Institutional leadership:

• The candidate is expected to fully institutionalize GESI at CIFOR-ICRAF and assure coordination across the institution. She/he will lead an interdisciplinary team of GESI specialists to include project-based CIFOR-ICRAF staff working on GESI within their own area or theme of expertise (gender, youth, indigenous peoples, migrants, etc., within CIFOR-ICRAF thematic and country teams). She/he will team-build with these staff, facilitating and supporting the development of cohorts and focal points. S/he will support continued professional development and visibility of the core GESI team, while building additional GESI expertise across the institution through training programs on basic GESI concepts and applications in project management, and emerging directions in GESI for research and development. The Director will lead especially on gender and support gender mainstreaming throughout the research and development portfolio(s), and support focal points to provide intersectional specialization on other dimensions of social inclusion.

Communications and impact:

• The candidate will work across institutional units and processes to ensure gender and GESI mainstreaming throughout, and unifying messaging across internal and external communications. She/he will work closely with the communications and GLF, resource mobilization and partnerships teams to enhance the visibility of CIFOR-ICRAF GESI expertise within our established spheres of influence as well as extend our reach into gender and identity-specific fora to bring nexus approaches with other CIFOR-ICRAF impact areas into better focus.
• She/he will develop systems for evaluation and messaging such that “the whole is greater than the sum of the parts” - to catalyze greater institutional impact. The candidate will build upon and amplify important institutional contributions, for example, in gender-responsive and rights-based approaches, and more recent pioneering work on gender transformative approaches to establish CIFOR-ICRAF as the “go-to place” for R&D for GTAs in food systems, forests, agroforestry, landscapes.

Strategic networking, advocacy and engagement

• The candidate will lead the development and implementation of CIFOR-ICRAFs GESI strategy and engage with a range of relevant stakeholders, targeting the most important and influential international organizations and donors, as well as civil society, academia, governments and private sector actors. This includes engagement in key international gender spheres such as the gender caucuses of the 3 UN conventions, UN women and the CG gender accelerator and with social movements such as the Stand for her Land campaign; and others in the forests, agroforests, landscapes, food systems and climate change arenas. The candidate will further endeavor to elevate other staff within the GESI team to represent CIFOR-ICRAF and their thematic expertise in strategic events and platforms.

Resource mobilization

• The candidate is expected to mobilize resources to support both gender-specific R&D and gender integration into projects as well as unsolicited funding. The candidate will lead an ambitious fundraising campaign to assure the ongoing prominence of GESI work throughout the organization, working with the research staff on strategy and proposals; courting the donor community; and fostering relationships between staff and donors. This will include capacity building amongst GESI specialists to support fundraising efforts and relevant meetings with potential funders.

Research

• The candidate may engage in specific GESI research / R&D activities as permitted by interest and funding. More strategically, the role of the GESI Director will be to identify and promote the expertise of the GESI team to contribute to research proposals, perform GESI-specific and GESI aligned research within projects and programs, develop a GESI research portfolio across all CIFOR-ICRAF impact areas, and work with MEL and Q4I teams to develop indicators and report on impacts across the portfolio.

Education, knowledge and experience

• A minimum of Master’s degree in a social science discipline or interdisciplinary degree, preferably with an emphasis on gender, equity, social justice and/or development;
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in gender and preferably at least one other GESI arena in relation to forestry, agroforestry, land or landscape management/governance, Natural Resource Management (NRM), geography, sustainable livelihoods and/or development;
• A minimum of 10 years of experience of living and working in Low- and Middle-Income Country (LMIC), is familiar with rural contexts and able to contextualize gender / GESI to local circumstances in LMIC;
• A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in project management and leadership;
• Strong skills and track record of fundraising;
• Proven understanding of the role of research in/ for development and social change;
• Ability to mobilize new clients and partners, to expand the effectiveness and impact of CIFOR-ICRAF work.
• Demonstrated experience of applying Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Impact Assessment (MELIA) on gender/ GESI / justice issues;
• Intermediate or advanced competency (level C or above) in French or Spanish.
• Experience in engagement, multistakeholder processes and/or advocacy on gender and/or GESI issues;

Overview

• The Chief Operating Officer is responsible for operational excellence in the implementation of CIFOR-ICRAF’s strategic objectives, fostering harmony and flow across units to enable high-quality program delivery. This role includes optimizing strategic resource management and embedding key competencies to effectively deliver science into impactful action across all functions.

Duties and responsibilities

Main roles:

• Collaborate with CEO: Partner with the CEO and the senior leadership team to sharpen and drive the organizational strategy and related operational and talent management plans.
• Ensure operational excellence and strategic redesign: Guiding the development and review of processes, systems and structures strategically for seamless integration across various functions, including HR to maintain high standards of operational performance. 
• Translate strategy into action: Convert strategic objectives into actionable steps for growth, encompassing organization-wide goal setting, performance management, talent development and operational planning.
• Providing support and advice in the running of CIFOR-ICRAF HQ on Nairobi campus, including managing relationships with the host country and hosted institutions.
• Risk Management: Liaise with Internal Audit and team leads to ensure risk controls are embedded in daily operations.

 Responsibilities:

• Oversee the organization’s operations and employee productivity, building a highly inclusive culture that ensures team members can thrive and that organizational goals are met.
• Oversee HR and strategic workforce planning to ensure policies and practices support a thriving workplace and align with long-term organizational objectives.
• Develop and implement business strategies in collaboration with the CEO and members of the Senior Leadership Team, including multi-year plans.
• Ensure high-quality talent management, including recruiting, onboarding, talent development, performance management, and employee retention to build a strong, skilled team.
• Oversee host country relations and Nairobi campus operations, ensuring compliance with national and local laws and regulations, in line with the provisions of the host country agreement.
• Analyze internal operations and identify areas for process enhancement and optimization.
• Guide the development and review of systems to support operational excellence in HR and units key to strategic plan implementation. This includes utilizing predictive models, forecasts and analyses to support effective decision making and reporting.
• Oversee resource mobilization processes and plans, ensuring a continued transition to sustainable fundraising models and long-term growth.
• Represent CIFOR-ICRAF, when needed, in forums and build partnerships needed to advance strategic objectives, including public and private donors, governments, and other key stakeholders.

Other Responsibilities:

• Identify and mitigate potential risks within your work area
• Take reasonable care of own occupational health and safety and that of others as obliged by CIFOR-ICRAF’s Occupational Health and Safety Policy and cooperate with CIFOR-ICRAF in complying with requirements under any statutory health and safety provisions of relevant Country laws.
• Participate in the Office of the CEO projects as may be required.

Requirements

• PhD degree in relevant area of study
• Ten or more years of experience in a research or development organization
• Five or more years of executive leadership roles, preferably in an international research or development organization setting.
• Excellent leadership skills, with steadfast resolve, diplomacy and personal integrity
• Understanding of advanced business planning and regulatory issues
• Solid grasp of data analysis and performance metrics
• Ability to diagnose problems quickly and foresee potential issues.

The consultant will undertake the following activities:

• Mapping Agroecology Actors: Identify key actors involved in agroecology in Kenya, including government institutions, civil society organizations, private sector actors, NGOs, and development partners/donors.
• Analyzing Actor Networks: Examine how these actors interact, their areas of focus, and their influence in shaping the agroecology agenda. Analyze the network structure, including the existence of clusters and connections between them.
• Reporting on Insights for NAS-FST Implementation: Provide actionable insights on how the organization and distribution of actors across different thematic areas of focus may impact the successful implementation of the NAS-FST.

Key Questions for the Stakeholder Mapping

• The mapping exercise will focus on the following key questions:
• Who are the key actors promoting agroecology in Kenya?
• What are the specific areas of focus for different actors?
• How do these actors interact and connect with each other within the agroecology space?
• Which actors hold the most influence and prominence in the agroecology sector?
• How is the agroecology network structured, including the number and nature of clusters?
• What insights can be drawn from the organization of the agroecology actor landscape to support NAS-FST implementation?

Deliverables

The consultant will provide the following deliverables:

• Research Methods and Tools: Develop and present appropriate tools for data collection and analysis, including surveys, interviews, or focus groups, and key informant interviews where necessary.
• Inception Workshop Report: Organize an inception workshop to introduce the project, validate the research tools, and assess the state of stakeholders in Kenya’s agroecology landscape. The report will summarize workshop discussions and provide initial insights on stakeholder dynamics.
• Stakeholder Mapping Analysis Report: Produce a comprehensive analysis report detailing the identified agroecology actors, their focus areas, and network interactions. The report should offer recommendations for leveraging these actors for the successful implementation of NAS-FST.
• Validation Report: Following the completion of the stakeholder mapping analysis, the consultant will conduct a validation workshop to review the findings with key stakeholders. The validation report will capture feedback, confirm the accuracy of the analysis, and finalize the stakeholder map.

Requirements

• Proven experience in stakeholder mapping and analysis within the agricultural or environmental sectors.
• Strong knowledge of agroecology and food systems, particularly within the Kenyan context.
• Demonstrated ability to design and execute research methodologies, facilitate workshops, and produce detailed analytical reports.
• Experience in engaging with diverse stakeholder groups, including government, civil society, private sector, and development partners.

Education, knowledge and experience

• Proven experience in stakeholder mapping and analysis within the agricultural or environmental sectors.
• Strong knowledge of agroecology and food systems, particularly within the Kenyan context.
• Demonstrated ability to design and execute research methodologies, facilitate workshops, and produce detailed analytical reports.
• Experience in engaging with diverse stakeholder groups, including government, civil society, private sector, and development partners.

To lead the generation, compilation, analysis, and dissemination of evidence and knowledge to increase AWARD’s visibility in the agricultural research for development space and to develop Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (ME&L) plans, shape the learning agenda, design frameworks, tools, and/or toolkits to track progress on the achievement of outcomes and impact.
Duties and responsibilities
Monitoring and Evaluation

• Lead the development, management and updating of AWARD ME&L tools, strategy/frameworks and systems;
• Coordinate the design, implementation and reporting of ME&L activities under the different AWARD initiatives and programs to achieve desired outcomes and impact;
• Provide technical backstopping for project/program’s progress tracking, advise on project/program’s overall approach and adjustments, and prepare regular and ad hoc updates;
• Lead the development of sound indicators and ensure data is regularly generated, compiled, analyzed and appropriate  recommendations are formulated;
• Support the implementation of quality assurance and control protocols and ensure internal consistency and validity of project/program’s monitoring checks to enable improved capturing and narration of programmatic results and impact.
• Reporting, stakeholder engagement and fundraising.
• Contribute to sections of internal and external - technical and donor - reporting using appropriate formats to key stakeholders (AWARD team, Senior Management/Steering Committee, beneficiaries, partners and other stakeholders);
• Contribute to proposal development and grants’ negotiations including submission of quality ME&L inputs required to ensure successful proposals;
• Contribute to the review of existing grants’ overall performance and indicators against achieved cumulative results and make recommendations for performance improvement.
• Knowledge generation (and learning) and dissemination.
• Lead the updating and consolidation of knowledge on AWARD initiatives (research findings, lessons and best practices) and prepare information products (technical reports, policy briefs, manuscripts, etc.) for peer-review and publication;
• Coordinate the dissemination of findings/lessons learnt/best practices internally (strategic meetings, seminars and other sense making sessions) and externally (international conferences and other relevant forums).
• Capacity development for staff and partners.
• Facilitate the interpretation and use of M&E methods, systems, guidelines, data and findings through organised workshops and periodic meetings with partners and stakeholders.
• Team leadership and management.
• Supervise and coordinate unit staff members & consultants
• Contribute to solving complex problems and serve as a role model to others in the unit and overall team.

Requirements

• Master's degree or higher in a relevant field such as Monitoring and Evaluation, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or related disciplines;
• Relevant work experience of 10 years, with not less than 5 years in a management role for ME&L;
• Broad understanding of gender considerations in agriculture, social and policy-related issues, and opportunities for Africa’s agricultural development.

Education, knowledge and experience

• Master's degree or higher in a relevant field such as Monitoring and Evaluation, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or related disciplines;
• Relevant work experience of 10 years, with not less than 5 years in a management role for ME&L;
• Broad understanding of gender considerations in agriculture, social and policy-related issues, and opportunities for Africa’s agricultural development.To lead the generation, compilation, analysis, and dissemination of evidence and knowledge to increase AWARD’s visibility in the agricultural research for development space and to develop Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (ME&L) plans, shape the learning agenda, design frameworks, tools, and/or toolkits to track progress on the achievement of outcomes and impact.

Overview

To lead the generation, compilation, analysis, and dissemination of evidence and knowledge to increase AWARD’s visibility in the agricultural research for development space and to develop Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (ME&L) plans, shape the learning agenda, design frameworks, tools, and/or toolkits to track progress on the achievement of outcomes and impact.

Duties and responsibilities

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Lead the development, management and updating of AWARD ME&L tools, strategy/frameworks and systems;
• Coordinate the design, implementation and reporting of ME&L activities under the different AWARD initiatives and programs to achieve desired outcomes and impact;
• Provide technical backstopping for project/program’s progress tracking, advise on project/program’s overall approach and adjustments, and prepare regular and ad hoc updates;
• Lead the development of sound indicators and ensure data is regularly generated, compiled, analyzed and appropriate  recommendations are formulated;
• Support the implementation of quality assurance and control protocols and ensure internal consistency and validity of project/program’s monitoring checks to enable improved capturing and narration of programmatic results and impact.

 Reporting, stakeholder engagement and fundraising.

• Contribute to sections of internal and external - technical and donor - reporting using appropriate formats to key stakeholders (AWARD team, Senior Management/Steering Committee, beneficiaries, partners and other stakeholders);
• Contribute to proposal development and grants’ negotiations including submission of quality ME&L inputs required to ensure successful proposals;
• Contribute to the review of existing grants’ overall performance and indicators against achieved cumulative results and make recommendations for performance improvement.

Knowledge generation (and learning) and dissemination.

• Lead the updating and consolidation of knowledge on AWARD initiatives (research findings, lessons and best practices) and prepare information products (technical reports, policy briefs, manuscripts, etc.) for peer-review and publication;
• Coordinate the dissemination of findings/lessons learnt/best practices internally (strategic meetings, seminars and other sense making sessions) and externally (international conferences and other relevant forums).

Capacity development for staff and partners.

• Facilitate the interpretation and use of M&E methods, systems, guidelines, data and findings through organised workshops and periodic meetings with partners and stakeholders.

Team leadership and management.

• Supervise and coordinate unit staff members & consultants
• Contribute to solving complex problems and serve as a role model to others in the unit and overall team.

Requirements

• Master's degree or higher in a relevant field such as Monitoring and Evaluation, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or related disciplines;
• Relevant work experience of 10 years, with not less than 5 years in a management role for ME&L;
• Broad understanding of gender considerations in agriculture, social and policy-related issues, and opportunities for Africa’s agricultural development.

Overview

To provide leadership and direction in all human resources, administrative and operational activities within AWARD, with the overall objective of achieving AWARD’s vision and mission and in line with CIFOR-ICRAF center policies.

Duties and responsibilities

HR Administration and Development

• In collaboration with CIFOR-ICRAF, take responsibility for all AWARD Personnel Administration activities (including recruitment, staff transitions, consultants’ recruitment, staff development) providing guidance and advice in the implementation.
• Provide efficient and proactive support to the Globally Recruited Positions (GRP) and attend in a timely manner to management team.
• In collaboration with CIFOR-ICRAF, ensure AWARD’S full compliance with local legislation and all HR policies and procedures established by CIFOR-ICRAF for various Staff categories, including but not limited to hiring, discipline, promotion, termination, etc.
• Develop, plan, implement and review regular induction sessions for new staff.
• Oversee maintenance of AWARD staff personnel files in collaboration with CIFOR-ICRAF including timely provision of inputs for all payroll transactions managing all HR benefits and supporting Staff in processing claims.
• In collaboration with CIFOR-ICRAF, facilitate the processing of the yearly reviews of performance evaluation, salary, and promotion for staff.
• Develop and implement an AWARD HR Information Systems and ensure accuracy and consistency of staff records.
• Advise Director on staff career management, identifying gaps or realignment of staff, re-skilling of staff and/or retention plans.
• Identify and coordinate regular staff wellness seminars.
• Manage leave schedule - ensure continuity of operations when staff members are away on leave or on mission.
• Supervise and mentor Officers within Operations and Administration Unit.
• Lead the development of the annual HR work plan and budget in collaboration with relevant stakeholders from AWARD Programs and HR Management to ensure alignment in terms of priorities and joint efforts across the organization
• Contribute to the updating of AWARD HR guidelines in line with CIFOR-ICRAF HR policies.
• Ensure appropriate internal communication on HR related matters in coordination with the CIFOR -ICRAF HR and the AWARD Director in mediation of conflict and addressing respect in the workplace.
• In collaboration with the CIFOR-ICRAF Corporate Services, prepare and implement the Occupational Health and Safety plan for AWARD to comply with CIFOR-ICRAF’s policies and regulations.

HR Development.

• Lead the development of the annual HR work plan and budget in collaboration with relevant stakeholders from AWARD Programs and HR Management to ensure alignment in terms of priorities and joint efforts across the organization.
• Facilitate the resolution and escalation, when necessary, of issues in collaboration with CIFOR-ICRAF.
• Contribute to the updating of AWARD HR guidelines in line with CIFOR-ICRAF HR policies. 
• Ensure appropriate internal communication on HR related matters in coordination with the CIFOR -ICRAF HR and the AWARD Director in mediation of conflict and addressing respect in the workplace.
• In collaboration with the CIFOR-ICRAF Corporate Services, prepare and implement the Occupational Health and Safety plan for AWARD to comply with CIFOR-ICRAF’s policies and regulations.

Management Support.

In addition to the specific tasks below, coordinate AWARD townhalls, the Steering Committee Chair’s & Vice Chairs’ and other high-level visits to AWARD.

   Director’s office Support

• Support Director in planning visits with strategic stakeholders (international, regional and local).
• Collate high quality briefing materials for the Director and other senior staff, obtaining agenda items for appointments and meetings.
• Manage Director’s appointments and schedule high level meetings and provide guidance on priority lists.

Steering Committee

• Manage Steering Committee documentation, bringing to table any updates to be discussed or acted upon.
• Manage and schedule Steering Committee meetings.
• Lead the preparation of semi-annual update reports for the Steering Committee
• Work with Director on Steering Committee meetings’ agenda.
• Provide rapporteur support in Steering Committee meetings.
• Provide support on development of regular updates to the Steering Committee.

Management Team

• Serve as a member of the AWARD Management Team.
• Organize Management Team meetings, develop the agenda, take minutes and follow up on action points.
• Keep track of the overall Workplan and point out gaps or conflicts.
•  Act as a central point of contact for AWARD staff and stakeholders.

       General Office management.

• Coordinate office activities to ensure efficiency and a high level of productivity.
• Act as a central point of contact for AWARD staff and stakeholders, receiving visitors and email communication.
• Oversee management of physical office resources, including office space and work towards a conducive work environment.
• Develop a workflow system in the unit for smooth delivery of services.
• Induction and guidance to new staff.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Human Resources Management, or related field preferrable.
• Minimum of eight (8) years’ work experience in human resource management, including recruitment and retention.
• Over four (4) years of proven administrative experience managing the operations of a fast-paced Executive Director’s office.
• Advanced knowledge of relevant administrative and/or operating protocols and policies of the function.
• Proven experience managing junior/middle level staff.