Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa Theme Leader Jobs in Uganda
Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa Theme Leader Jobs in Uganda
We are retained by the Association for Strengthening of Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA), to identify competent individuals, who are nationals of ASARECA Member Countries to fill the posts of: Theme Leader – Commodity Program & ECAAT Project Coordination; and Theme Leader – Agricultural Markets & Policy. The positions will be based in the ASARECA Headquarters in Entebbe, Uganda.
ASARECA is a sub-regional not-for-profit organization covering eleven countries in Eastern and Central Africa, comprising Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Its mission is: To mobilize regional collective action in agricultural research for development, extension, training and education enhance sustainable use of resources in Eastern and Central Africa.
Its Goal is to reduce poverty, eradicate hunger, promote inclusive economic growth, protect the planet and enhance competitiveness of the sub- regional agricultural systems.
Its purpose is Enhanced utilization of agricultural research and development innovations in eastern and central Africa.
ECAATP is guided by elements of agricultural transformation such as:
Enhancing technology of production along the entire commodity value chains;
Building resilience in primary agriculture to changing climate and promoting nutrition-sensitive agriculture and food safety;
Developing critical skills to meet the needs of current and future food systems, including skills required by private and public sectors;
Forming partnerships and alliances that connect farmers with markets and enable farmers to understand market needs and produce for the market;
Enhancing regional integration of markets for technology of production, food commodities and food products; and
facilitating policy and regulatory environment that enables regional collaboration in developing solutions across the value chain and which encourages private-sector participation in technology development and commercialization. Its implementation shall be streamlined into the ASARECA Organizational Structure.
Theme Leader – Commodity Program & Project Coordination
Duties and Responsibilities
Component Development and Management
Play catalytic role by providing technical and analytical leadership in operationalizing Regional Commodity Programs component of ECAATP and relevant activities under the third Operational Plan of ASARECA (OP-III);
Coordinate preparation and finalization of regional sub-projects, work plans and budgets for activities under Regional Commodity Programs implemented by the Regional Centres of Leadership (RCoL), National Centres of Specialization (NCoS) and other collaborating institutions (such as CGIAR);
Provide technical support in implementation of regional sub-projects to ensure quality and relevance to transformation agenda;
Work closely with the Theme Leader for M&E and Knowledge Management, and participate in preparation and implementation of Performance Monitoring Plan of all projects in ASARECA, including ECAATP;
Prepare consolidated reports on component performance to be reviewed by the Regional Steering Committee (RSC), the World Bank Implementation Support Mission (ISM) teams and the ASARECA Board of Directors;
Coordinate the development of TIMPs inventory to inform sharing of technologies across borders;
Coordinate capacity development processes of RCoL and NCoS to lead and guide collaborative development, exchange and transfer of TIMPs and scientific knowledge to spur adoption across the region;
Coordinate mechanisms for transfer of TIMPs (i.e. plant or genetic resources and management practices) across borders by strengthening public-private sector partnerships and providing technical support to collaborating institutions and policy development /harmonization processes;
Manage consultants contracted under competitive bidding processes in consultation with Procurement Officer and finance department;
Establish and coordinate strategic partnership for implementation of component activities;
Provide technical support in dissemination of research findings and other relevant information on technology generation, transfer and commercialization through appropriate media;
Contribute to resource mobilization efforts for implementation of the third ASARECA Operational Plan (OP-III).
Job Requirements
PhD in Agriculture, Biophysical Sciences, and Natural Resources Managements or related field.
At least 10 years relevant experience at senior research management level in a demanding organization and 7 of which, must have been in coordination at regional level.
Experience in management of donor funded projects and knowledge of
applicable donor rules, regulations and systems will be an added advantage.
Proven knowledge and experience in project cycle, personnel management, and coordination
Strong publication record in the areas of agricultural sciences, natural resources management or agricultural-economics
Experience in working within the ASARECA region.
Experience of training and transferring skills to teams is an added advantage.
Essential Skills
Strategic and systems thinking as well as project management skills
High level of integrity and untainted record of ethical conduct
Excellent planning and coordination skills
Excellent conceptual, analytical and problem-solving skills
High negotiation and diplomatic skills
Strong skills in proposal writing, budgeting and budget monitoring
Excellent interpersonal, communication, cultural and diplomatic skills including a proven record in building strategic alliances and partnerships on R&D
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Proficiency in English and French (bilingual)
Strong leadership and people management skills, and demonstrated ability to hold staff transparent and accountable
Exceptional attention to detail and ability to demonstrate error-free reporting
Computer savvy, specifically in MS Office suite of packages and versatility with Microsoft Office Excel and Statistical Packages
Strong fundraising and networking skills including experience in donor reporting
Ability to multi-task, set priorities, and work under tight deadlines.
Excellent networking ability especially with government agencies, NGOs, private organizations etc.
Experience in diversity and inclusion (gender mainstreaming, gender equality and equity).
Duties and Responsibilities
Play a catalytic role by providing technical and analytical leadership in operationalizing Agricultural Markets and Policies component of ECAATP;
Lead preparation and finalization of regional sub-projects, work plans and budgets for activities on Agricultural Markets and Policies by consortium members, RCoL and NCoS;
Provide intellectual leadership in implementation of regional sub-projects to ensure quality and relevance of research;
Coordinate establishment of linkages with ongoing and planned regional trade facilitation projects on non-tariff barriers to trade as well as implementation of measures for their reduction and elimination;
Provide technical leadership on analysis of priority value chains to inform development of business and investment plans for upgrading farm-level capacities to engage with agribusinesses;
Represent ASARECA/ECAATP at high-level meetings such as COMESA, Ministerial meetings, NEPAD meetings and others as delegated’
Work closely with the Theme Leader for M&E and Knowledge Management to support data collection, data analysis and dissemination, and effective management of data and knowledge.
Prepare quarterly, semi-annual and annual and technical reports.
Perform other duties as required by the Executive Secretary.
Job Requirements
PhD in Development Studies, Agriculture, Economics, Policy Management or related field.
At least 7 years of relevant experience in agricultural markets and policy research for development programs with at least three years’ experience in coordination and management of R&D at a regional level.
Good skills in policy, forecasting and foresight analytics.
Experience in advocacy for enabling environment on markets and trade and in engagement of private sector or wider stakeholder networks in national and multi-country dialogues and other policy-enactment processes.
How to Apply:
Terms and Conditions
These are regionally recruited positions. ASARECA offers attractive remuneration packages. The positions are open only to nationals of ASARECA Member Countries. The initial contract periods will be for 2 years renewable, subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding.
Application Procedure
Applications with detailed CV; copies of certificates and transcripts; names of 3 referees; and Skype address; and daytime telephone contact should be sent online to our email address: damaconsultantsltd@gmail.com By 16th November, 2018
Any form of canvassing will disqualify. Only short listed applicants will be contacted.
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