Project Manager

Overall Purpose of the Job

The project ‘Agroecological transitions for horticulture in arid zones to increase resilience of farmers, decent jobs and sustainable food systems (ATHAZ)’, supported by the European Union through the DeSIRA+ initiative and implemented by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), is designed to enhance the livelihoods and climate resilience of smallholder horticultural farmers, contributing to a broader transition towards sustainable food systems and the creation of decent rural employment. Its core objective is to develop and validate a robust agroecological model for small-scale irrigated horticulture in the arid and semi-arid regions of Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. icipe is a key implementer of the project, and focuses on co-creating and adapting agroecological innovation packages for smallholder horticulture at the farm and landscape level, balancing environmental soundness with financial returns and operational feasibility. Innovation packages include, among others, water management, integrated pest management, pollination and insect-based bioeconomy.

Specific Duties

• Project leadership and oversight: lead the implementation of icipe’s components in ATHAZ on a day-to-day basis, while collaborating with icipe scientists, partners and other stakeholders to ensure project objectives are met.
• Communication and reporting: provide regular project updates to IFAD and the project’s Steering
• Committee, and be responsible for timely and accurate technical and financial reporting to the donor.
• Stakeholder and partner engagement: actively manage engagement with other implementing partners (BvAT, FiBL), embedded country projects from IFAD and EU, project sub-grantees, beneficiaries and other stakeholders through contracting, reporting and other engagement efforts, ensuring strong collaboration, visibility and ownership of project outcomes while maintaining positive partner relationships.
• Budgeting: ensure project expenditures, including those of project sub-grantees, are on-track and follow donor guidelines.
• Monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL): contribute to project MEL systems to track progress, assess impact, and identify lessons learned.
• Team leadership and development: build, maintain and supervise a high-performing project team by fostering effective teamwork, collaboration and a positive work environment.
• Risk management and business continuity: take the lead in identifying and managing project risks and implementing mitigation strategies.
• Additional responsibilities or other duties may be assigned by the supervisor(s) and as required by the Centre.

Requirements/Qualifications

• PhD degree, preferably in entomology, agricultural science, horticulture, agricultural extension or related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant postdoctoral experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience gained at mid- to senior level in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Core Competencies

• A solid track record in innovative R&D and scaling of agroecological innovations, evidenced by a great publication record.
• Strong experience in successful management of large donor-funded projects.
• Demonstrated technical competence in one or more of the following areas: horticulture, agroecology, one health, knowledge diffusion and communication.
• Experience and extensive network relating to agriculture in Southern Africa.
• Work experience at international research organizations.
• Excellent oral and written English language skills