Jobs at International Potato Centre in Uganda- Project Manager

Job Title: Regional Project Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa (Ref.: 12-57 PM/RRS/SSA)


The Center: CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweetpotato, and Andean roots and tubers. Its vision is of roots and tubers improving the lives of the poor. CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved well-being, and gender equity for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world. CIP works with partners to contribute high quality science, technology, and capacity strengthening for sustainable science-based solutions. CIP is headquartered in Lima, Peru, with staff and activities in over 30 locations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. CIP is a member of the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research, a network of 15 research centers mostly located in the developing world and supported by more than 50 donor members.

The position: This position is intended to enhance project performance, as well as CIP’s overall ability to manage bilaterally funded projects. The SSA Regional Project Manager (SRPM) will have extensive experience in donor-funded projects. He/she will have the ability to improve SSA-wide policies and systems to become more transparent and accountable vis-à-vis donor requirements.  Within this context, the SRPM will also ensure that SSA policies and systems are compliant with CIP-Lima’s requirements. Within the context of Project Management, the SRPM will have a proactive role, supporting the PI’s in project performance.  This includes forward planning, as well as evaluating current performance. A secondary role is to ensure that all SSA offices follow best practices in administration and accountability within the above-mentioned context. 

In this context, the position will be initially based in Kampala, Uganda and report directly to the Regional Operations Leader. The SRPM will work closely with the Liaison Scientist in charge of each office, as well as with the Regional Accountant and other colleagues.

Duties and Accountabilities:

Managerial/Administrative:

Assist in general management of the Uganda office
Assist Liaison Scientists and PIs in general management of Project Offices
Ensure adequate staff for all admin functions including:  logistical support for conferences and workshops; meetings, and trainings
Ensure all procedures, templates  are standardized across SSA
Ensure each country is in compliance with local tax and labor law
Ensure that all countries introduce asset management procedures that include periodic physical checks, ie, reconciling reports with actual existence
Ensure that monthly property purchase reports are undertaken
Administer and manage efficient utilization and maintenance of project resources, including vehicles, computers, office equipment and other physical assets
Ensure that records are kept regarding staff custody of asset title documents
Advise the ROL and PIs on policy issues concerning administration and finance.

Budgeting/Financial:

Provide technical reports -Microsoft Project software
Monitor and track subcontractor deliverables and performance
Manage training for subcontractors in financial best practices, and/or CG-specific practices, and/or donor required financial reporting
Responsible for financial accounting system across all project or country offices, including managing cash flow, tracking expenditures and preparing monthly financial reports
Assist ROL in preparing local budget projections when needed
Oversee reconciliation of bank records and preparation of monthly bank account reports;
Undertake routine and un-announced audits of each country’s cash accounts
Assist with VAT reimbursement and assess needs in each country given hosting arrangements
Prepare financial reports of local expenses by category (line items) as requested;
Project, monitor, and assure replenishment of cash in bank accounts
Ensure that bank account balances are appropriate to country and project needs
Ensure that all financial requests and/or liquidations are properly done
Ensure proper implementation of the financial and administrative policies and procedures.



Other responsibilities:  

Assist new business development:
Liaise with Science Leaders regarding upcoming new business
Ensure that CIP systems are in place for donor accountability
Managing the proposal process, including: Setting a timeline/schedule to ensure timely preparation and submissions, ensuring full cost accounting, and ensuring compliance with each respective donors’ requirements.

Assist Liaison Scientist with management of Uganda office:

Ensure compliance with revenue authority and labor laws
Assist with VAT recovery
Train in procurement – produce procurement manual in line with CIP-Lima requirements and train staff in travel expense requests and liquidation
Take on budgeting for local expenses
Introduce asset management procedures
Manage vehicle pool and verify adequacy of current fleet needs
Improve cash management
Introduce talent management, including employee reviews

Selection Criteria

    Master's Degree (MBA), Chartered Accountant or CPA.
    At least, ten years of experience as admin manager, controller of large business concerns or projects.
    Experience in project management and familiarity with donor funded project requirements
    MS Project proficiency and ability to compile financial reports for donors and main stakeholders.
    Strong knowledge and understanding of labor law, and revenue authority.
    Strong communication and writing skills in English and demonstration of competency in other languages (desirable).
    Excellent networking and relationship management skills.
    Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
    Proven ability to set and work within targets and deadlines.
    Excellent budget management skills.
    Excellent time management skills, and ability to work effectively with little direct supervision.
    Commitment to working in a multi-partner, multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural environment in Sub-Saharan Africa.
    Willingness to travel to SSA regional offices.



Conditions: Employment contract will be for a three-year term with probation period and possibility of renewal. Salary will be regionally competitive, paid in US dollars, and commensurate with experience. CIP provides additional benefits, including employer-paid medical, life and disability insurance and retirement benefits.


How to Apply:
Applications:  Applicants should apply by email, sending a letter of motivation, a full C.V., and the names and contact information of three referees knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to CIP-recruitment@cgiar.org. The reference name of the position should be clearly marked on the subject line of the email message. Screening of applications will begin on July 31, 2012 and will continue until the post is filled.  All applications will be acknowledged; only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Deadline: 31st July 2012