Activity Manager - Feed the Future Malawi INVC Bridging Activity (Ref No: DDG-R4D/AM/FTF/08/16) Background: The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the internationally recruited position of Activity Manager - Feed the Future Malawi INVC Bridging Activity. IITA is one of the world’s leading research partners in finding solutions for hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. Its award-winning research-for-development (R4D) approach addresses the development needs of tropical countries. IITA works with partners to enhance crop quality and productivity, reduce producer and consumer risks, and generate wealth from agriculture. IITA is a non-profit organization founded in 1967 in Nigeria and governed by a Board of Trustees. IITA works on the following crops: cowpea, soybean, banana/plantain, yam, cassava, and maize. It is a member of CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future. Please visit http://www.iita.org/ for more information on IITA. The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) seeks a highly qualified and experienced Manager for the INVC Bridging Activity in Malawi. The goal of the Activity is to provide continuity in the efforts to improve productivity and strengthen the value chains for groundnuts and soybeans in 5 districts in Central Malawi. Under the supervision of the IITA-Africa RISING Project Manager and the IITA Country Representative, the Activity Manager will provide leadership, guidance, cohesion, accountability, and profile to this activity. S/he will have an overall responsibility for planning, implementation, and evaluation as well as for strengthening partnerships and timely submission of budgets and technical and financial reports to IITA Africa RISING administration, and other stakeholders. Position Responsibilities: The tasks are:  Provide overall leadership and a results-based activity management function for the Activity team to ensure that targets are achieved within the set timelines (e.g. improved seed delivery, adoption of improved varieties and agronomic practices, market sensitization, etc.)  Coordinate the planning, implementation, and evaluation of activities with partners, including MISST, ACE, FUM, and CADECOM for effective harmonization of approaches and integrated reporting.  Establish and strengthen productive partnerships with national and international implementing partners and facilitate learning and knowledge sharing.  Organize regular planning and review meetings with all partners and also participate in policy dialogues and consultations with policy makers.  Represent the project in meetings with USAID and project stakeholders and implement any follow-up actions from these interactions, in coordination with the IITA Africa RISING Project Manager and Chief Scientist.  Develop, implement and regularly update annual work plans for the Activity and for local staff.  Prepare Terms of Reference for local staff recruitments and oversee the recruitment processes, as required.  Contribute to the development of an M&E plan led by the M&E officer.  Manage the financial resources of the Activity.

 Manage local procurements, particularly seeds.  Draft technical donor reports and approve the financial reports in a timely fashion.  Contribute to capacity strengthening of Activity staff and partners through on-the-job training as well as structured training workshops.  Communicate regularly with the IITA Africa RISING Project Manager.  Participate in IITA events within and outside Malawi as required.  Any other tasks assigned by the supervisors. Educational Qualifications The candidate should have a PhD in plant or social sciences from a recognized university, especially with background in value chains, seed systems, commodity marketing, grain legumes, extension, development studies or project management. Core Competencies  Experience of at least 5 years as a project manager of agricultural development projects, preferably in sub-Saharan Africa.  Experience with USAID-funded agricultural development projects, especially with USAID’s Feed the Future initiative.  Good understanding of the agricultural sector and its development challenges in southern Africa, such as those affecting value chains, technology dissemination, adoption, and impacts.  Relevant experience in legume seed sector development, seed business management and seed dissemination and marketing of grain legumes, notably groundnuts and soybeans  Demonstrated ability to integrate gender issues into development projects for achieving genderequitable project outcomes and impacts.  Ability to work collegially and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary and multi-cultural environment.  Demonstrated communication and organizational skills and ability to prepare high quality reports and policy briefs.  Proficiency in English language and standard computer software packages.  Demonstrated ability in stakeholder and partner engagement and policy dialogue.  Excellent leadership, interpersonal and team building skills. Duty station: The position will be based at IITA-Malawi, Chitedze Research Station, Lilongwe. Please note that only candidates from the Southern African region are encouraged to apply. General information: The contract will be for an initial period up to June 2018 with possibility of renewal based on performance and availability of funding. IITA offers internationally competitive remuneration package paid in U.S. Dollars. Applications: Applications must include covering letter which should address how the candidate’s background/experience relates to the specific duties of the position applied for, curriculum vitae, names and addresses of three professional referees (which must include either the Head of the applicant’s current or previous organization or applicant’s direct Supervisor/Superior at his/her present or former place of work). The application should be addressed to the Head, Human Resources Service. Please complete our online application form using this link: http://www.iita.org/careers Closing Date: The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. IITA is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from women candidates. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.