INIT06 - Seed Equal - Program Manager at International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)

Description
 Program management & administration

• Provide critical support to Initiative planning, management, administration, and development of Initiative-specific processes, in consultation with the Initiative Lead, work package leads, center focal points, scientists, initiative staff.
• Support the Initiative by facilitating and liaising with staff from operational divisions and units in OneCGIAR and at the CGIAR Centers involved in the Initiative.
• Work closely with relevant OneCGIAR units such as the Project Portfolio Unit [PPU], the Project Coordination Unit [PCU] and monitoring, evaluation, learning and impact assessment [MELIA] to coordinate the delivery and reporting of the Initiative targets while observing minimum standards, schedules, and budgets.

Project planning and reporting

• Organize and participate in planning activities including, but not limited to preparation of annual Programs of Results and Budgets (PORBs), annual People Plans (PPs), Theory of Change (TOC) updates, and other planning exercises employed by the Initiative.
• Organize and participate in end-of-year reporting through the Performance and Results Management System (PRMS) and other tools employed by the Initiative to monitor and assess performance, proactively explain variances, identify risks, and address operational issues to prevent or mitigate negative consequences.
• Coordinate with the FSI to ensure that donor financial reports are submitted in a timely and accurate manner and in compliance with Genetic Innovation Action Area and donor requirements.

Communication and knowledge management

• Coordinate and facilitate internal communication between and among organizations participating in the Initiative, including CGIAR Centers and their research and scaling partners.
• Coordinate and facilitate external communications with, among and about the Initiative and its partners, funders, and stakeholders, in close collaboration with CGIAR’s Communications Unit and other CGIAR Centers involved in the Initiative, relating to both: (1) scientific and technical research products including but not limited to scholarly publications such as journal articles, working papers, research briefs, and datasets, and (2) communications activities such as meetings, workshops, conferences, media, and social media.

Financial management

• Monitor and report on initiative’s spending against budget on a quarterly and annual basis in coordination with the FSI, and report to the Initiative lead to support informed programmatic and resource allocation decisions.
• Periodically review the spending levels of work packages and discuss with work package leads and budget holders any anticipated over/underspending to ensure that spending matches with work plan.
• Coordinate with the FSI on the preparation of the annual initiative budget for approval by the Initiative Lead, fully costed budget for new proposals, budget realignment when needed and budget distribution to work packages and centers.

Requirements

• Post graduate degree in Project Management, Knowledge Management, Business Administration, Monitoring and Evaluation or any other related field.
• Mid-career (minimum of 5-7 years of relevant program/project management experience)
• Good knowledge of theories, practices, and procedures in project management, partnership, financial, monitoring, and knowledge management.
• Proficiency in standard software such as minor programming using macros, mail merge, designing customized reports, developing audio visual presentations and advanced skills in Windows Operating System, LAN, and Internet.
• Familiarity with and regular usage of task management systems and tools such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, Teamwork, Trello, Pomodoro-tracker, ilovepdf etc
• Work experience in Program/Project Management and Administration.
• Good computing skills; EXCEL, MS-Word, PowerPoint, MS-Project, Web Management etc.
• Ability to work respectfully and inclusively in a diverse, multicultural, multidisciplinary work environment

Core competencies:

• Ability to solve complex issues/ challenges during implementation, detail-oriented – proactive thinker and anticipate challenges and plans for solutions.
• Multi-tasker with attention to detail focused on the big picture and desired outcomes.
• Ability to speak, read, communicate – English (essential), French (highly desirable).
• Ability to analyze data, situations, or problems, evaluate possible courses of action and make appropriate decisions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, and desire to thrive in a multi-cultural international environment and multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to demonstrate financial and non-financial resource awareness.
• Ability to ensure compliance and mitigate risks.
• Client Orientation, Critical Thinking, Strategic Communication