Nigeria Project Manager (DDG-R4D/NPM/YIIFSWA/04/15) at IITA - International Institute of Tropical Agriculture

Background and Responsibilities
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the position of Nigeria Project Manager.

IITA seeks a highly motivated and qualified individual with experience in management of interdisciplinary and national projects to serve as ‘Nigeria Project Manager’ for an ongoing Project ‘Yam Improvement for Income and Food security in West Africa (YIIFSWA)’ supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF). The principal focus of this project is on establishing sustainable commercial seed yam systems in Nigeria and Ghana.

The successful candidate will oversee and coordinate project activities of partners in Nigeria to ensure that outputs are delivered on time, within budget, and meet quality assurance standards according to the agreed annual work plans and budgets. The position is for 18 months and the Nigeria Project Manager will report to the YIIFSWA Project Leader.

Position Responsibilities:
• Coordinate an inter-disciplinary, national project team; manage financial assets and ensure implementation of YIIFSWA in Nigeria as per the project annual work plan and budget.
• Represent the YIIFSWA Project Manager at technical or scientific events organized by the project partners or other relevant meetings in Nigeria, as directed by the Project Leader (PL).
• Facilitate implementation of project activities in Nigeria by closely monitoring project execution with partners and providing feedback to the PL on the status and advising on action to be taken with regard to project’s progress.
• Manage contracts between the Project and national partners; and ensure synergy between project national partners.
• Ensure effective communication among national partners of the project, identify shortfalls and devise contingency plans.
• Serve as liaison officer between the project management, country authorities, visitors and the project partners.
• Assist the PL with the necessary arrangements in hosting visitors, scheduling appointments and coordinating travel arrangements; planning project workshops, meetings, surveys and monitoring tours in Nigeria and responding to inquiries.
• Monitor and evaluate project activities regularly in Nigeria and report immediately on observed challenges and opportunities to PL.
• Submit monthly reports to the PL on activities conducted with a clear status of project achievements, challenges and advice on way forward.

Qualification and Experience
The candidate should have a PhD degree in plant or agricultural sciences or other relevant discipline from a recognized university.