Country Program Coordinator at International Potato Center

Ref: 18-98

Job Description

• The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a dynamic and ambitious Country Program Coordinator to lead its effort to scale up the production and utilization of biofortified sweet potato for nutrition and rural economic development in Nigeria
• This is a great opportunity to contribute to agricultural transformation in Nigeria working closely with government and commercial partners from several sectors to improve sweet potato value chains as pathways to more resilient, nutritious and profitable agri-food systems in Nigeria.

About the Position

• The Country Program Coordinator will lead CIP’s engagement with research, government, commercial and NGO partners in Nigeria to accelerate the scaling up the production and utilization of nutritious and resilient sweet potato and potato, with an initial emphasis on biofortified sweet potato
• S/he will lead a designated program focused on developing, adapting and disseminating biofortified orange-fleshed sweet potato using improved methodologies and innovative delivery systems
• Emphasis will be on strengthening market mechanisms and commercial partnerships to serve the priorities and needs of poor and malnourished populations for healthier diets and improved livelihoods
• The Country Program Coordinator will work with scientists from CIP and partner institutions to apply latest methodologies and approaches and develop these further to ensure that CIP’s research and development work is well targeted at nutrition and poverty goals and strengthens national and local partner capacities
• S/he will link CIP with pertinent research networks and development initiatives in Nigeria to broaden the scale of impact
• The position will report to CIP’s global Sweet potato Program Leader.

Requirements

• Ph.D in a pertinent field in the Social or Biological Sciences. An M.Sc Degree with additional professional experience will be considered. Specific training in root and tuber crops is not required but is an advantage.
• Strong hands-on experience of at least 6 years in a leadership position on research and development programs in agriculture, nutrition, or rural development preferably in Africa or Asia.
• Excellent and up-to-date understanding of approaches and methodologies to promote nutrition-sensitive agriculture.
• Direct experience applying market-based approaches to questions of nutrition and rural development. Experience of working with the private sector is an advantage.
• Proven track record of excellent project management and reporting skills.
• Strong track record of research and publications in relevant areas.
• Excellent leadership skills to promote effective collaboration within teams and across partner organizations.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English.
• Willingness and ability to relocate to Nigeria and to travel and work in resource-poor, rural areas.

Benefits

• Exciting career opportunities in an international organization.
• Internationally competitive salary, paid in US dollars, and commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive international insurance coverage.
• Attractive retirement plan.
• Three-year term contracts with the possibility of renewal.
• Work in an equal and diverse workplace.