Program Administrator - Cassava Project at IITA - Ibadan

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture seeks suitable Nigerian Nationals for the below positions at the Institute’s Headquarters in Ibadan.

Job Title: Program Administrator - Cassava Project
Duration: 2-year renewable contract

Location: Ibadan

Job Duties
Successful candidate will among other things perform the following duties:

• Assisting project scientists to effectively carry out project management functions
• Following up with IITA scientists and project partners to ensure reports are submitted in timely manner
• Following up with Lead Institutions and partners in the project to ensure smooth flow of project activities
• Assisting in compiling donor reports
• Developing and maintaining an efficient filing system and databases for print and electronic files/documents on Cassava and CRP-RTB activities and projects.
• Developing project portfolios with clear project operational guidelines.
• Monitoring closely project execution and providing feedback to the cassava leader/CRP leader on the status of projects advising on action to be taken with regard to project extensions, budget reallocations and any other action
• Providing quarterly graphic representation of project expenditures against approved budgets in order to provide Cassava Leader/CRP leader with a clear status of project resources
• Tracking and monitoring of project expenditures and preparation of monthly project reports to the Cassava Leader/CRP-RTB leader to ensure expenditures are a reflection of approved project budget line items
• Assuming responsibility for other program functions such as hosting of visitors, responding to inquiries, planning meetings, drafting letters/reports, scheduling appointments and coordinating travel arrangements
• Liaising with other IITA units on issues relating to project grants management and ensuring compliance by program staff
• Assist with project proposal preparation including interactions with other relevant IITA units
• Any other duties related to project management and program development as may be determined by the supervisor

Qualification and Experience

• Masters degree in Business Administration, Project Management and other related fields.
• Minimum of Six (6) years’ experience in Project Management/Administration.
• Experience working in agriculture research organization and good knowledge of French language will be an added advantage.
• Good understanding of budgeting and financial management procedures
• Excellent computer skills with good grasp of spreadsheets, word processing and other MS office applications, and ability to learn new applications quickly
• Excellent English reporting, writing and oral communication skills
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word and Power Point)
• Strong ability to co-ordinate, prioritise and organize workload; take initiative and work under pressure
• Good team spirit and also participate as a team member in accomplishment of duties.

Remuneration
We offer highly competitive salary with equally attractive fringe benefits and excellent working conditions in a pleasant campus environment.

Application Closing Date
29th January, 2013

Method of Application
Interested applicants should forward their applications with detailed curriculum vitae, the names and e-mail addresses of three professional referees which must include either the Head of applicant’s current or previous organization or applicant’s direct Supervisor/ Superior officer at work. Evidence of current remuneration package and photocopies of credentials, to IITA website.

Note: Application letters not accompanied with evidence of current remuneration and age will not be treated. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.