- Nairobi, Kenya
- Environmental health and biodiversity Impact Area
The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Project Manager for the Environmental Health and biodiversity Impact Area Platform to be responsible for the activities in various projects in order to ensure that the projects complete their deliverables within the stipulated timeline and budget.
ILRI works to improve food and nutritional security and reduce poverty in developing countries through research for efficient, safe and sustainable use of livestock. It is the only one of 15 CGIAR Research Centres dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world. Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, it has regional or country offices and projects in East, South and Southeast Asia as well as Central, East, Southern and West Africa. www.ilri.org
Responsibilities
Depending on the size and complexity of the projects a Project Manager may be responsible for one large project or several smaller projects.
Proposal Development
- Assist in project specific opportunity pipeline to ensure timely delivery, compliance and adherence to the Program Management Framework process
- Align the project level strategy with the overall program strategy and highlight any variances to the Project Leader for realignment/adjustment
Project Planning
- Lead, with the Project Leader, the development of the project workplan
- Analyze the staffing needs for the project and participate in the workforce planning process
- Contribute to the development of a procurement plan and closely monitor and manage the procurement activities for the project
- Ensure project documentation and the different project activities are up to date and make the necessary update in case of variances/ changes
- Liaise with the program manager to review and update the projects exit strategy/sustainability plan by providing project specific inputs
- Liaise with the program manager in budgeting, assessing alignment and establishing timelines for the project work plans
- Ensure the communication outputs align with the program communication strategy and project communication plan
Project Execution
- Effectively manage the project budget, ensuring proper expenditure, booking and appropriate burn rate and/or highlighting any variances, and providing suggestions for resolution
- Maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders and facilitate effective flow of information between all partners, team members and relevant stakeholders in project activities
- Work closely with the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialists to ensure project level monitoring, data analysis and reporting to support effective project management
- Coordinate the preparation of timely and quality reports to be submitted to ILRI, Partners, and Stakeholders
- Lead the project management team and build their capacity on ILRI Program Management Framework to enhance their performance
- Act as the focal point for Program Management Framework at a project level and be responsible for maintenance of the same
Project Closing
- Responsible for the implementation of closure activities for the project including the disposal of physical assets, research materials and staff separation/ reassignment, archiving of documentation, impact assessment in line with the PMF process
- Coordinate the preparation of timely and quality reports to be submitted to ILRI, Partners, and Stakeholders
- Perform any other related duties as may be required
Requirements
- Master’s degree in business administration, Program Management, or related field
- Project Management certification – desirable
- At least 5 years relevant experience in project management working in an internationally focused research or development organization.
- Professional training or demonstrable practical experience in leadership and project management
- Knowledge of administrative and financial management of development programs and/or donor funded projects/programs.
- Experience in managing work plans, results-based budgets and systems to monitor and report progress.
- Strong English language skills, both written and spoken. French language skills will be an added advantage.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills and an engaging personality.
- Experience with science communication will be an added advantage.
- Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment.
- Strong IT skills.
- Experience with data entry in electronic databases will be an added advantage.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with interdisciplinary teams of scientists and partner organizations.
- Ability to communicate with different stakeholders.
Post location: The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya
Terms of Appointment
This position is at job level HG 15 and it is only open to Kenyan nationals. The is a fixed term position up to 31 May 2025. 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 through our recruitment portal by clicking on “Apply Now” on or before 10 July 2024. The position title and reference number REF: EBIP/ 1457/2024 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/