Program and Administration Manager at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

Key Responsibilities

Program Management

• Work with the Program Leader to develop and implement the program level strategy and operational plans and continually review as required
• Support the Program Leader and other IFPRI staff in the development of proposals, staffing plans, consultancy contracts, budgets, and the related monitoring of programs and projects.
• Work closely with the Program Leader and IFPRI’s and ILRI’s People and Organizational Development (P&OD) Directorate to determine the staffing needs for the program and other HR related matters
• Liaise with the IFPRI and ILRI Finance Unit on budget and financial matters.

Proposal Development and Project Planning

• Coordinate and participate in the development of concept notes and/or proposal components including completing the relevant documentation on risk assessment, project budget and project work plan, drafting agreements.
• Support the Program Leader/Project Leaders to undertake due diligence activities related to suitability and capability of Program partners/subcontractees.
• Manage the program opportunity pipeline to ensure timely delivery, compliance and adherence to the Program Management Framework process
• Liaise with the Legal Unit to draft partner and donor agreements and incorporate the necessary changes
• Lead the development of project work plans by assessing alignment, establishing timelines and obtaining the necessary approvals

Project Execution and Project Closing

• Maintain effective working relationships with partners, beneficiaries, and stakeholders and facilitate effective flow of information between all partners, team members and relevant stakeholders in program activities
• Oversee and conduct Program reporting, identify any areas of and recommend solutions
• Ensure that CGIAR, IFPRI and ILRI policies relating to Intellectual Property, Open Access, P&OD and others are being followed at the Program level
• Oversee the closure activities for the projects which includes the disposal of physical assets, research materials and staff separation/ reassignment, archiving of documentation, impact assessment in line with the PMF process.

Office Management and Communications

• The Program manager will be expected to act as the Project Manager for a number of projects, depending on the size and complexity of the program
• Work with IFPRI and CGIAR Communication Knowledge Management team to develop and execute communication plans, monitor and guide the communications outputs from the program to ensure their relevance and appropriateness.
• Work with the Project Leader and Communications Staff to ensure and implement knowledge dissemination and capacity development to all relevant stakeholders by  mobilizing participation from as many project stakeholders as possible, including project team members, partners, donors, and other key stakeholders
• Support IFPRI staff everywhere in organizing travels, seminars and workshops and supervise related logistical arrangements.

Requirements

• Masters/ Advanced Degree in Business Management, Business Administration or related field.
• Program Management Certification
• At least 7 years’ program management experience with 3 years' at managerial level
• Excellent managerial and multitasking skills,
• The ability to plan effectively and manage risks
• Stakeholder engagement skills,
• Effective negotiation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Proven experience in coordinating global projects with numerous partners
• Experience in development and implementation of projects
• Advanced technical reporting skills
• Excellent people management skills in a multicultural setting
• Service-oriented, high level of flexibility and excellent team player