International Consultant at IITA - International Institute of Tropical Agriculture

About This Role

• The International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has received financing from the African Development Bank toward the cost of Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) Phase II and intends to apply part of the agreed amount of this grant to payments under the contract for TAAT Program Coordinator and Head of TAAT Program Management Unit (PMU) Consultant, who will be based in IITA Headquarters Ibadan, Nigeria.
• The services included under this assignment are to provide leadership in the overall implementation of the Regional Technology Delivery Infrastructure (RTDI) of the TAAT Program.
• Head the PMU in the implementation of financial and fiduciary, administrative, and reporting activities of the program.
• The selected consultant will be the Head of the TAAT PMU, based in Ibadan, Nigeria.
• The consultant will report to the IITA Deputy Director General (DDG) Partnership for Delivery and Scaling, who will grant all approvals for travels outside the base location.
• The assignment will commence in December 2025, for an initial period of one year, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and fund availability from the donors.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership on the various elements (PMU, CH, PSC, and Compacts) of the RTDI of the program.
• Oversee the day-to-day implementation of all program’s administrative and monitoring activities undertaken within the PMU.
• Ensure that the TAAT program work plans and budgets are prepared and submitted for review and approvals by the Bank within agreed deadlines.
• Collaborate closely with the Head of the Program Clearinghouse.
• Organize the timely transfer of program resources to the various institutions leading the Commodity value chains and Enablers, as well as to partners with implementation sub-grant agreements.
• Coordinate the compilation and review of Quarterly and Annual Technical and Financial reports for timely submission to the Bank.
• Enhance the visibility of TAAT through the communication unit.
• Oversee the preparation of TAAT Annual Corporate Report with success stories and lessons learned.
• Prepare and organize periodic program audits and ensure timely submission of reports, including follow-up on audit recommendations.
• Develop and update administrative and financial management manuals and ensure implementation across PMU and compacts.
• Ensure compliance with funding eligibility criteria and proper financial accountability by implementing institutions/partners.
• Participate in the formulation of large investment programs and development of project proposals with AfDB and other IFIs.
• Review the performance of PMU staff and consultants and make recommendations on contracts.
• Coordinate procurement planning and ensure compliance with Bank or institutional procedures.
• Coordinate all program activities including monitoring and evaluation, procurement, financial management, and review missions.
• Supervise special studies such as impact, evaluation, environmental, social safeguard, and gender studies.
• Ensure effective communication and participation of CGIAR and non-CGIAR centers in missions.
• Organize stakeholder technical meetings and workshops.
• Provide oversight on the implementation of the TAAT II Addendum from the Federal Republic of Germany.
• Coordinate recruitment of staff and consultants.
• Represent the TAAT program at various forums.
• Undertake any other tasks assigned by the Director General of IITA or representative.

Requirements

• Advanced University Graduate Degree in areas of Agricultural Development, International Development, International Relations, Economics, and/or related areas.
• At least ten years of relevant experience with multilateral development banks (e.g., World Bank, African Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank) or similar organizations in agriculture projects.
• Experience working with government institutions and international or non-governmental organizations in agriculture transformation and development.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines with attention to detail.
• Excellent command of the English language.
• Proficiency in French is an added advantage.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across multicultural teams and demonstrate leadership in program delivery.