Program and Administration Manager

•  Nairobi, Kenya
•  Full-time
•  International Food Policy Research Institute,IFPRI

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) on behalf of the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) seeks to recruit a Program and Administration Manager to provide leadership in the management of various IFPRI and CGIAR programs and ensure that the goals and objectives of each program and the IFPRI office are met. The Program Manager will also support the Program Leader in managing the IFPRI office and programs, including supporting development of strategies, development and monitoring multi-year operational plans, leading communications activities and other administrative tasks.  The Program & Office Manager will be responsible for developing and monitoring multi-year program budgets, leading recruitment processes, and be responsible for the organization of events, travel arrangements, and other related administrative tasks.

ILRI works to improve food security and nutrition and reduce poverty in developing countries through research for efficient, safe and sustainable use of livestock. It is the only one of 11 CGIAR research centers dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world. Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, ILRI has regional or country offices and projects in East, South and Southeast Asia as well as Central, East, Southern and West Africa. http://www.ilri.org

IFPRI provides research-based policy solutions to sustainably reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition in developing countries. Established in 1975, IFPRI currently has more than 600 employees working in over 50 countries. It is a research center of CGIAR, a worldwide partnership engaged in agricultural research for development. www.ifpri.org

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

Terms of Appointment

This position is at job level HG17 and it is only open to Kenyan nationals. The position is a 2-year contract, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding. ILRI offers a competitive salary and benefits package which includes pension, medical and other insurances.

How to apply: Applicants should send a cover letter and CV expressing their interest in the position, what they can bring to the job and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to the Director, People and Organizational Development by clicking on the “Apply Now“ tab above on or before 13 August 2023. The position title and reference number REF: IFPRI/06/2023 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the cover letter.

We thank all applicants for their interest in working for ILRI. Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

ILRI does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing or training). ILRI also does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.

To find out more about ILRI visit our websites at http://www.ilri.org

ILRI is an equal opportunity employer.