ON BEHALF OF THE CENTRE FOR COORDINATION OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR SOUTHERN AFRICA (CCARDESA)

Transcription

1 The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa ON BEHALF OF THE CENTRE FOR COORDINATION OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR SOUTHERN AFRICA (CCARDESA) VACANCY Announcements BACKGROUND The Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA) is a new Sub Regional Organisation (SRO) headquartered in Gaborone, Botswana. It enjoys substantial support from Member States of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), agricultural stakeholders in the SADC Region and development partners. CCARDESA is in the process of establishing its secretariat. It is a not-for-profit SRO which coordinates the implementation of agricultural research and development (R&D) in the SADC region. CCARDESA s goal is to contribute to sustainable reduction in food insecurity and poverty in the SADC region as pronounced in SADC s Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP), the Dar es Salaam declaration on food security, and the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) developed by the African Union s New Partnership for Africa s Development (AU-NEPAD). CCARDESA operates within the framework of CAADP Pillar IV which has the objective of enhancing the livelihoods of African farmers and pastoralists and is spearheaded by the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA). Hence FARA is supporting the institutional development of CCARDESA as well as strengthening its linkages with other umbrella bodies contributing to CAADP Pillars. The strategic objective of CCARDESA is to increase smallholder productivity and competitiveness through the implementation of Pillar IV of CAADP for the SADC region based on the Framework for African Agricultural Productivity (FAAP). Funding for CCARDESA is expected to be received initially from Development Partners. Subsequently Member States and Stakeholders are expected to make contributions. The CCARDESA Board of Directors now wishes to recruit highly qualified and competent individuals to fill the following key positions: 1. Programme and Grants Manager 2. Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator 3. Research and Advisory Thematic Coordinator 4. Finance Manager 5. Administration Manager 6. Procurement Officer Page 1

2 1. 0 PROGRAMMES & GRANTS MANAGER: Ref: 2012/CCARDESA/6/PGM/Staff/02: The Programmes and Grants Manager (PGM) deputises the Executive Director of CCARDESA in the day to day management of the CCARDESA Secretariat. The successful candidate should be an experienced professional who will lead all CCARDESA programmes and the Grants Management Unit (GMU). S/he will assist the Executive Director in identifying funding opportunities. S/he will facilitate the development of concept notes and full project proposals with grantee institutions and coordinate submissions to the Technical Support Group (TSG) and Projects Approval Committee (PAC). Together with other GMU members s/he will be responsible for reviewing and editing proposals and ensuring that they meet TSG and PAC requirements. The Programmes and Grants Manager will also oversee all grants management and administration, including grant agreements. Reporting to the Executive Director the PGM will inter-alia perform the following key duties: Managing and supervising programmes; Leading Grant Management Unit and overseeing all grants management and administration, including grant agreements; Identifying funding opportunities, facilitating the development of concept notes and full project proposals with grantee institutions and coordinating submissions to TAC and PAC; Developing, implementing and maintaining strategic and fiscal plans for CCARDESA; Acting as contract administrator for funds allocated to Grantees; Reviewing periodically the Grant Management and Disbursement Procedures Manual and conducting training of grantees. Coordinating the process of project proposal development and implementation Minimum of post graduate degree, preferably PhD in agriculture, international development or related field. Proven ten years continuous work experience, five of which should be in programme/project management in an international organization, Proven experience in drafting proposals, grants management and mobilizing resources. Excellent organizational, communication and computer skills (particularly excellent knowledge of windows-based word processing, spreadsheet, database, and Intranet tools). Excellent information management and quantitative skills, with experience in project budgeting and management. 2.0 RESEARCH AND ADVISORY THEMATIC COORDINATOR: Ref: 2012/CCARDESA/6/RAC/Staff/03 Page 2

3 The Research and Advisory Thematic Coordinator (RAC) will work under the supervision of the Programmes and Grants Manager (PGM) with the primary aim of promoting agricultural sector transformation in the SADC region. Reporting to the PGM, the RAC will inter-alia perform the following key duties: Coordinating the performance of agricultural research and advisory services projects; Developing a portfolio of initiatives for investment; and conducting relevant training; Developing concept notes and calls for proposals for implementation of priority interventions Documenting, analyzing and sharing lessons and experiences in agricultural R&D systems in the region. Periodically identifying, reviewing and prioritizing activities with stakeholders Minimum of Post-graduate degree, preferably a PhD in agriculture, or closely related field. Proven ten years experience in agricultural research/advisory services; five years of which should be in senior programme management position. Experience working with a wide range of stakeholders including the public sector, private sector, farmer organisations, international research and advisory services institutions will be a distinct advantage. A good understanding of Agricultural R & D Systems in Southern Africa Experience in prioritizing and sequencing both programmatic and operation activities. Demonstrable track record of success with program design, performance management, learning systems and monitoring & evaluation 3.0 MONTORING AND EVALUATION COORDINATOR: Ref: 2012/CCARDESA/6/ME/Staff/04 The Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator is responsible to the Executive Director for providing managers at all levels with information and advice on how to measure progress of CCARDESA s activities. S/he will be expected to develop and implement an M&E framework for CCARDESA Reporting to the Executive Director, the M & E Coordinator will inter-alia perform the following key duties: Designing a suitable institutional and automated M&E framework for CCARDESA: Providing mechanisms and timeliness for monitoring, evaluation and reporting at all levels; Identifying capacity gaps and training needs of key staff and grantees and build the necessary capacity; Page 3

4 Determining the institutional capacity requirements for implementing the M&E system at CCARDESA Secretariat and at Project levels; Determining the different reports to be generated from the M&E system, their respective frequency and the means of disseminating to stakeholders; Ensuring the linkages of the M&E system to overall planning and the annual work plans. Minimum of a master's degree in social or agricultural economics or a related field Ten years working experience, of which five years is in designing, monitoring and evaluating agricultural-related programs; Demonstrated success and experience in monitoring results and indicators of development and economic program; Proven previous experience in agricultural research and extension monitoring and evaluation; Proficiency in computer and strong analytical skills, particularly in issues related to monitoring and evaluation. 4.0 FINANCE MANAGER Ref: 2012/CCARDESA/6/FM/Staff/05 The Finance Manager is responsible to the Executive Director. S/he superintends over implementation of CCARDESA Secretariat s financial operations, policies and procedures. S/he manages the Secretariat s finances. S/he is charged with maintaining the highest standards of financial probity and adherence with international accounting practices as well as the terms and conditions of all financial agreements entered into by CCARDESA Secretariat. S/he ensures that all CCARDESA Secretariat s transactions are managed to international accounting standards and in accordance with agreements entered into by the Secretariat and with the Secretariat s Finance, Operations Policies and Procedures. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Finance Manager will inter-alia perform the following duties and responsibilities: Ensuring that the CCARDESA Secretariat, its programmes and grantees implement sound financial and accounting controls that conform with approved accounting and auditing standards; Supervising all financial and accounting staff at CCARDESA; Maintaining records and developing procedures that will permit the generation of quantitative financial reports on CCARDESA s operations to satisfy the needs of CCARDESA Management and staff, Board of Directors Stakeholders and Donors; Page 4

5 Participating in the development and implementation of long and short range plans for CCARDESA; Assisting the Executive Director to develop and implement CCARDESA s Business Plan, Operational Plan and Strategic Plan. Ensuring the production of accurate annual audited financial statements. Minimum of a post graduate degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field; Full professional accounting qualifications such as Chartered Public Accounting (CPA), ACCA or equivalent. Ten years working experience, of which five years continuous experience is in a Senior Finance and Administration position preferably in an international organisation. Good knowledge of fund accounting, including reporting requirements of major donors and development partners. Demonstrable skills in the development of finance and accounting policies, procedures, office operations and systems in the context of an international organisation..computer literacy and competence with a wide range of software used in administration and financial management Proven ability to work and interact with people from diverse, professional, social and cultural backgrounds, 5.0 ADMINISTRATON MANAGER: Ref: 2012/CCARDESA/6/ADM/Staff/06 The Administration Manager reports to the Executive Director. S/he is responsible for the human resources and administration matters of CCARDESA and superintends over implementation of the Secretariat s human resources operations policies and procedures. S/he manages and assures security for the Secretariat s physical assets and equipment, and oversees provision of logistics and protocol services. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Administration Manager will inter-alia perform the following duties and responsibilities: Providing human resources support to CCARDESA Secretariat in staff recruitment, application of terms and conditions of service in accordance with CCARDESA human resources manual, coordination of annual staff performance appraisals, and staff training. Page 5

6 Assisting the Executive Director of CCARDESA in the implementation of human resources policies set by the Board of Directors. Managing CCARDESA s physical assets and equipment, and maintaining an accurate and up-to date register of assets Providing the logistics and protocol services for CCARDESA Ensuring a smooth host government liaison system of the CCARDESA Secretariat. A post graduate degree in Human Resources Management, preferably an MBA in Human Resource Management or MSc in economics, international business, business administration, human resources, business/mercantile law, marketing, procurement, Accounting, Finance, or related field. Professional qualifications in procurements, HR contracts management, business law or equivalent Ten years working experience, of which five years continuous experience is in a senior Human Resources Management position, preferably in an international organisation. Good knowledge of human resources contracting, financial management and procurement, including reporting requirements of major donors and development partners; Computer literacy and competence with a wide range of software used in human resources administration and management Proven ability to work and interact with people from diverse, professional, social and cultural backgrounds, 6.0 PROCUREMENT OFFICER Ref: 2012/CCARDESA/6/PM/Staff/07 The Procurement Officer is responsible for coordinating CCARDESA s procurement plans and implementing the procurement of goods and services in accordance with the Procurement Manual. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Procurement Officer will inter-alia perform the following duties and responsibilities: Ensuring that the CCARDESA Secretariat, its programmes and grantees procure goods and services in accordance with the approved procurement standards and guidelines given in the Procurement Manual; Providing support and advice to CCARDESA Secretariat, its programmes and grantees in all procurement activities. Monitoring all procurement processes for adherence to the procurement requirements, including support to CCARDESA Secretariat staff in preparing the terms of reference and the contracts with suppliers of goods and services Page 6

7 Monitoring contract management including timely completion of the assignment and release of payment Maintaining the procurement related records and documentations for review by management and for audit. A Post-graduate degree in the relevant field and/or a professional purchasing and logistics qualification; Knowledge of standard procurement methods and procedures Ten years working experience, of which five years continuous experience is in Procurement expertise at senior level, preferably in an international organisation. Experience in training, capacity building, and setting up procurement systems in a new organisation will be a distinct advantage. Computer literacy and competence Proven ability to work and interact with people from diverse, professional, social and cultural backgrounds, Applications Applications with comprehensive curriculum vitae, together with the names, addresses, addresses, telephone and fax numbers of three referees should be sent by to: The Chairman, CCARDESA Staff Search Committee, CCARDESA Secretariat, Private Bag 00357, Gaborone. Address ccardesa_apply@fara-africa.org Receipt of applications sent by shall be acknowledged promptly by an auto-reply, and if not applicants are advised to send a hard copy by courier. Women are encouraged to apply. Location Successful candidates will be based at the CCARDESA Secretariat in Botswana. For further information, you may contact: Dr. Patrick Tawonezvi; CCARDESA Secretariat, ptawonezvi@sadc.int. Applications will be accepted up to 30 th March 2012, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. NB Please use the reference code indicated above for each position as your subject when sending the applications, CVs and other related documents. Page 7