V A C A N C Y    A N N O U N C E M E N T

INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH IN THE DRY AREAS
P.O. Box 5466, Aleppo, Syria
Phone: (963-21) 2213433, 2213477, 2225112, 2225012
Fax: (963-21) 2213490, 2225105;
E-mail: ICARDA-JOBS@CGIAR.ORG
Website: www.icarda.org
Project Manager
Location:ACIAR-Iraq Salinity Project, ICARDA

ICARDA invites applications from experienced professionals for the position of a project manager for the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)-funded project addressing salinity management in Iraq. The position is located in Aleppo, Syria and will report to the ACIAR Focal Point for the Project and to ICARDA’s Assistant Director General (International Cooperation and Communication) of ICARDA, located in the ICARDA headquarters.

ICARDA is an international autonomous, non-profit, research center supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). ICARDA’s mission is to contribute to the improvement of livelihoods of the resource-poor in dry areas by enhancing food security and alleviating poverty through agricultural research and partnerships to achieve sustainable increases in agricultural productivity and income, while ensuring the efficient and more equitable use and conservation of natural resources. For more details, please visit our website: (http://www.icarda.org).

ICARDA has its headquarters in Aleppo, Syria and has several regional programs and counrty offices. ICARDA has a global mandate, and works through partnerships with a network of global, regional and national organisations.

Main Responsibilities:
The core responsibility of the Project Manager is the management and administration of the research and capacity development activities, and coordination of project implementation with the relevant Iraqi institutions and international organizations, including ACIAR, Australian institutions, International Water Management Institute (IWMI), and International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA).

She/he will be responsible for the overall management of the project and ensure timely and quality implementation of its activities. Major tasks including the following:
• To manage the ACIAR-Iraq Salinity Project in consultation with ACIAR and ICARDA Focal Points for the project
• To work very closely with the scientists and staff of the partner institutions in planning, implementing, and monitoring the project-led activities for quality outputs.
• To work effectively with policy makers in Iraq and donors community to facilitate the funding for research and development activities on salinity beyond the project duration
• To coordinate to and monitor day to day project activities, including administrative and financial matters.
• To make necessary arrangements in consultation with project partners for training activities, workshops, and meetings.
• To write technical and annual reports on the progress of the project work in consultation with the scientists of the partner institutions.
• To organize annual Technical and Steering Committee Meetings of the project.

The position requires substantial experience in implementing multi-disciplinary projects, capacity to facilitate and catalyze inter- and intra-institutional cooperation, and fluency in English and Arabic.


Qualifications and Experience:
• PhD degree in an agricultural field with biophysical background in soil and water salinity management.
• Minimum 10 to 15 years experience in research/development project management, including administrative and financial matters, and preferably in an international, multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural setting.
• Track record of successfully leading and implementing research and/or development projects.
• Good understanding of the operational mechanisms and networks in the Iraqi government ministries dealing with agriculture, water, environment, and science and technology).
• Excellent skills in written and spoken English and Arabic.
• High level interpersonal and communications skills, coupled with proven ability in planning, organizing, consensus-building, negotiation and networking, coupled with credibility and networks in the aid and development organizations such as the World Bank, USAID, FAO, etc.


Terms of Appointment
The appointment will be for an initial period of two years, the first of which will be considered probationary.  The salary is paid in US dollars.  Benefits include housing allowance, paid home leave travel, a pension scheme, life and health insurance package, vehicle for business and personal use, and support for dependents’ education according to ICARDA Policy.

Application
Qualified applicants are invited to apply online: www.icarda.org/jobs.htm

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications must be received by 25 February 2010

ICARDA is an equal opportunity employer, and encourages applications from women.
 
Applications will be acknowledged, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
 
Posted on 19 January 2010
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