Organization: International Livestock Research Institute
Country: Kenya
Closing date: 20 Jun 2014

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Senior Economist and Program Leader within its Integrated Sciences Division to lead ILRI’s evolving and expanding portfolio of research in Policy, Trade and Value Chains. The program leader will lead team members with expertise in devising tailored tools and methods for policy monitoring, policy evaluation, and value chains analysis. The research objective of the Policy, Trade and Value chains program is to understand how public policies on one hand and institutions and organizations created by market stakeholders on the other hand, impact on the performance of domestic and international agrifood value chains, with a strong focus on livestock products.

ILRI works to enhance the roles livestock play in pathways out of poverty in developing countries. ILRI is a member of the CGIAR Consortium, a global research partnership of 15 centres working with many partners for a food-secure future. ILRI has two main campuses in East Africa and other hubs in East, West and Southern Africa and South, Southeast and East Asia. www.ilri.org.

CGIAR is a global agricultural research partnership for a food-secure future. Its science is carried out by 15 research centres that are members of the CGIAR Consortium in collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations. www.cgiar.org.

Responsibilities:

· Lead and manage a geographically-dispersed international team of economists, social scientists, and modelers addressing a range of research on livestock policy, trade and value chain development in developing countries;

· Lead the conceptual development of analytical frameworks, methods and tools for the study of livestock product markets, value chains, trade regimes, and regulatory and investment policy environments relevant to livestock development. Such work includes action-oriented piloting of value chain interventions and strategies;

· Build collaborations with relevant institutions and organizations internationally and nationally to conduct and deliver World class research;

· Coordinate the Policy, Trade and Value Chains program with ILRI’s participation in the CGIAR Research Programs (CRPs);

· Policy research and evidence-based advocacy;

· Participate in ILRI management, particularly in achieving co-ordination with other programs and in provision of economics and other social science support to multi-disciplinary initiatives;

· Support development projects led by NGOs and other development partners to ensure use of best practice value chain interventions, and to generate objective evidence from piloting those interventions;

· Conduct and support the communication and promotion of research products and processes;

· Develop proposals to raise resources to support new research addressing the policy, trade and value chain program agenda.

Requirements:

· A passion for the generation of scientific knowledge that advances pro-poor development;

· A Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics, Economics, Agribusiness or other Social Science with application to agriculture or rural development, with a minimum of 8 years of experience post-PhD;

· A proven research record reflecting experience in research design, quantitative and qualitative analytic methods and producing peer-reviewed outputs;

· Experience in managing a multi-disciplinary and multi-national team of researchers and development practitioners, and in the associated human resource and financial management;

· Demonstrated strong experience with analysis of smallholder value chain performance, sector and trade modeling, returns on investment, consumer demand, and access to markets and services;

· Understanding of outcome-oriented research design and implementation with pro-poor and gender orientation, including communication and advocacy strategy development;

· Strong econometric and/or mathematical modeling skills, and the ability to apply them in pro-poor development research;

· Demonstrated ability to deliver multi-disciplinary research outputs and to initiate and manage cross-disciplinary research activities;

· Familiarity with aspects of livestock production and marketing, crop-livestock systems, and rural market institutions and services in developing countries;

· Strong English language skills, both written and spoken (proficiency in other languages is an advantage);

· Willingness and ability to travel frequently, sometimes to rural areas in developing countries.

Post location:The position is based at ILRI’s Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. Extensive travel to other countries and regions will be required.

Position level: The position is Scientist/Research Level 3 dependent on qualifications and experience.

Duration: 3 years with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon individual performance and continued funding.

Benefits: ILRI offers a competitive international salary and benefits package which includes 15% Pension, Medical insurance, Life insurance and allowances for: Education, Housing, Relocation, Home leave, Annual holiday entitlement of 30 days + public holidays.

*Benefits are tax free subject to compliance with tax regulations of country of citizenship.To find out more about ILRI visit our website at http://www.ilri.org

To find out more about working at ILRI visit our website at http://www.ilri.org/ilricrowd/

Suitably qualified women and citizens of developing countries, with experience of working internationally, are particularly encouraged to apply.

How to apply:

Applications:Applicants should provide a cover letter and curriculum vitae: a list of publications and names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience should be included in the curriculum vitae. The position title and reference number: PL/PTVC/04/2014should be clearly indicated in the subject line of the cover letter.

All applications to be submitted online on our recruitment portal: http://ilri.simplicant.com. Screening of applications will start on 1 May 2014 and continue until the position is filled.

Organization: International Livestock Research Institute
Country: Kenya
Closing date: 21 Aug 2013

Base salary starting from USD 75,000 per annum depending on skills and experience, with an attractive international benefits package (tax free*).

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works to enhance the roles livestock play in pathways out of poverty in developing countries. ILRI is a member of the CGIAR Consortium, a global research partnership of 15 centres working with many partners for a food-secure future. ILRI has two main campuses in East Africa and other hubs in East, West and southern Africa and South, Southeast and East Asia. www.ilri.org.

CGIAR is a global agricultural research partnership for a food-secure future. Its science is carried out by15 research centres that are members of the CGIAR Consortium in collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations. www.cgiar.org.

The Position: ILRI seeks to recruit a Senior Economist and Program Leader to work within its Integrated Sciences Division. The appointee will lead ILRI’s evolving and expanding portfolio of research in Policy, Trade and Value Chains.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage a geographically-dispersed international team of economists, social scientists, and modelers addressing a range of research on livestock policy, trade and value chain development in developing countries;
• Lead the conceptual development of analytical frameworks, methods and tools for the study of livestock product markets, value chains, trade regimes, and regulatory and investment policy environments relevant to livestock development. Such work includes action-oriented piloting of value chain interventions and strategies;
• Build collaborations with relevant institutions and organizations internationally and nationally to conduct and deliver World class research;
• Coordinate the Policy, Trade and Value Chains program with ILRI’s participation in the CGIAR Research Programs (CRPs);
• Policy research and evidence-based advocacy;
• Participate in ILRI management, particularly in achieving co-ordination with other programs and in provision of economics and other social science support to multi-disciplinary initiatives;
• Support development projects led by NGOs and other development partners to ensure use of best practice value chain interventions, and to generate objective evidence from piloting those interventions;
• Conduct and support the communication and promotion of research products and processes;
• Develop proposals to raise resources to support new research addressing the policy, trade and value chain program agenda.

Requirements:

• A passion for the generation of scientific knowledge that advances pro-poor development;
• A Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics, Economics, Agribusiness or other Social Science with application to agriculture or rural development, with a minimum of 8 years of experience post-PhD;
• A proven research record reflecting experience in research design, quantitative and qualitative analytic methods and producing peer-reviewed outputs;
• Experience in managing a multi-disciplinary and multi-national team of researchers and development practitioners, and in the associated human resource and financial management;
• Demonstrated strong experience with analysis of smallholder value chain performance, sector and trade modeling, returns on investment, consumer demand, and access to markets and services;
• Understanding of outcome-oriented research design and implementation with pro-poor and gender orientation, including communication and advocacy strategy development;
• Strong econometric and/or mathematical modeling skills, and the ability to apply them in pro-poor development research;
• Demonstrated ability to deliver multi-disciplinary research outputs and to initiate and manage cross-disciplinary research activities;
• Familiarity with aspects of livestock production and marketing, crop-livestock systems, and rural market institutions and services in developing countries;
• Strong English language skills, both written and spoken (proficiency in other languages is an advantage);
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently, sometimes to rural areas in developing countries.Post location: The position is based at ILRI’s Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. Extensive travel to other countries and regions will be required.

Position level: The position is Scientist/Research Level 3 dependent on qualifications and experience.Duration: 3 years with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon individual performance and continued funding.

Benefits: ILRI offers a competitive international and salary and benefits package which includes 15% Pension, Medical insurance, Life insurance and allowances for: Education, Housing, Relocation, Home leave, Annual holiday entitlement of 30 days + public holidays.
*Benefits are tax free subject to compliance with tax regulations of country of citizenship.

How to apply:

Applicants should provide a cover letter and curriculum vitae: a list of publications and names and addresses (including telephone, fax and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience should be included in the curriculum vitae. The position title and reference number: PL/PTVC/07/2013 should be clearly indicated in the subject line of the cover letter.

All applications to be submitted online on our recruitment portal: http://ilri.simplicant.com on or before 21 August 2013.

To find out more about ILRI visit our website at http://www.ilri.org

To find out more about working at ILRI visit our website at http://www.ilri.org/ilricrowd/

Suitably qualified women and citizens of developing countries, with experience of working internationally, are particularly encouraged to apply.

Organization: Mercy Corps
Country: Mali
Closing date: 07 Oct 2013

Please note that this position is contingent on funding.

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:

Mercy Corps has been operating in Mali since 2012. With a focus on food security, livelihoods, governance and peace and security, Mercy Corps’ goal in Mali is to support vulnerable, at-risk communities to recover from shocks and exclusion, build resilience to future shocks and secure viable opportunities for sustainable economic development. The Program Director will lead the implementation of a proposed $16 million program focused on developing value chains while reinforcing local governance in the region of Sikasso, Mali. This Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)-funded program will increase sustained economic well-being, strengthen institutions and governance and increase the involvement of the private sector in agriculture.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The Program Director will provide overall leadership, management and strategic vision to the implementation of the program, while managing staff and resources to ensure that the program meets its targets and deliverables on-time and within budget. The Program Director will supervise key program staff and ensure accountability to Mercy Corps policies and donor rules and regulations. S/he will be the primary program representative to donors, relevant government entities, partners, other implementers and external stakeholders.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Program Implementation:

Provide leadership and strategic vision in all aspects of program implementation, development and management. Ensure that program implementation is responsive to communities and partners, and aligned with Mercy Corps’ principles, values and strategic plan. Monitor adherence to grant agreement, Mercy Corps policies and procedures and relevant external rules and regulations. Oversee performance of consortium partners and sub-grantees. Conduct frequent field visits to all project sites. More specifically, facilitate detailed market research, intelligence, assessments and feasibility studies; liaise with and engage market actors in the select value chains to find strategic leverage points for co-investment; design systemic interventions in response to root causes of market ineffectiveness and exclusion of the poor. Write intervention and investment plans, and implement interventions effectively though a market development approach.

Coordination and Representation:

Represent Mercy Corps at government, donor, NGO and other relevant events in the field, in close coordination with the Country Director and Regional Program Director. Coordinate activities with partners, subgrantees, local government and other implementers, as well as with other Mercy Corps programs.

Staff Management, Professional Development and Team Building:

Create a work atmosphere conducive to professional growth and development of excellent personnel at all levels. Implement, and ensure all staff are effectively using, the performance planning and management system, establishing performance expectations and regularly providing constructive feedback. Promote accountability by conducting staff annual performance reviews with direct supervisees, and ensuring that supervisory staff do the same. Contribute to country team-building efforts, and ensure the integration of all team members into relevant decision-making processes.

Program Support Operations:

Coordinate with program and finance and administration staff to ensure operational systems are in place to support field activities including logistics, procurement, security, administration and human resources. Propose design of new local policies as needed and in accordance with donor and Mercy Corps regulations.

Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) and Reporting:

Ensure interventions are based on sound design principles, including needs assessments and baselines. Establish and maintain effective and timely program/grant reporting systems for the donor. Ensure that M&E staff focus on assisting programs to generate practical information that can be used for ongoing program decision-making while also capturing results at the impact level.

Security:

Work closely with the country-level security focal point to develop and maintain systems that ensure the safety and security of the team in all aspects of its work. Ensure that programs are designed and implemented with a clear analysis and understanding of security management priorities.

Organizational Learning:

As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve - we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability:

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Gender

Mercy Corps recognizes that our programs are more effectively alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression when women, men, girls and boys are equitably engaged as active stakeholders in every aspect of the work we undertake together. We expects all team members to commit to the principles of gender equity and use gender sensitive programming and gender mainstreaming as us to as a means to achieve our mission and Vision for Change

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

Direct supervision of: M&E Manager and other positions to be determined

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Country Representative

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Program-specific staff, HQ regional program team members, Technical Support Unit team members

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• MA/S or equivalent in agriculture-related discipline, social science, management, international development or other relevant field.
• Extensive experience in developing agricultural markets and value chains
• Minimum of 10 years of management experience in progressively responsible positions, preferably as Program Director for a similarly sized donor-funded program.
• Strong management skills, with good understanding of relevant cross-cultural issues
• Demonstrated awareness and responsiveness to gender and social issues in cross-cultural contexts and gender integration programming
• Entrepreneurial spirit, adaptability and an ability to think creatively around market development and employment creation challenges
• Fluent written and oral French and English are required.
• Previous experience in West Africa is preferable.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.

SUCCESS FACTORS:

The successful Program Director will combine exceptional management skills and experience in maintaining donor and partner relationships. S/he will have an outstanding ability to develop, implement and manage innovative market-based programs within the current and future program structure of Mercy Corps in the region. S/he will also have proven experience with cross-cultural team and capacity building, individual staff development and strong mentoring skills. The Program Director must have demonstrated experience managing programs that effectively address gender issues and advance women’s empowerment. S/he will have demonstrated skills in managing programs in challenging, insecure environments. Multi-tasking, prioritizing, problem solving and simultaneous attention to detail and strategic vision are essential. The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.

LIVING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

This position will be based in Sikasso, Mali, which is an accompanied post for spouse and children. While the security situation is volatile in the Sahel region, security is relatively stable in Bamako and the region of implementation. Mercy Corps provides expatriate staff with a housing allowance that covers rent, utilities and security for comfortable accommodations. The position is not eligible for R&R and hardship. International schools are available in Bamako. There is good access to electricity and water, though there are occasional outages. Access to quality health care is limited. There are a number of clinics in Bamako, but serious illnesses will require evacuation. Internet is limited, but available in all Mercy Corps offices. In Sikasso, living conditions (water, electricity, food) are very basic. There is reasonable access to most consumer goods in Bamako.

Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and Mercy Corps’ policies, procedures and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

How to apply:

APPLY VIA URL:
http://mercycorps.silkroad.com/epostings/submit.cfm?fuseaction=app.dspjo...