The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the
position of Fall Army Worm Compact Leader.
The Fall Army Worm Compact is an emergency response to the outbreak of the Fall Army Worm pest with devastating effects on cereals; especially maize, sorghum and millet. TAAT has been delegated to lead the coordination and management of this pest by deploying all available integrated management technology options while longer term solutions to the problem are being sought through research.
Position Responsibilities:
Main Responsibility:
• Lead the management of the TAAT Fall Army Worm (FAW) compact Enabler in target value chains and the development of all necessary compact submissions for approval by the TAAT Clearinghouse.
Specific Duties and Responsibility:
• Oversee the emergency management and implementation of the FAW enabler compact activities in close collaboration with the maize and sorghum value chain teams.
• Lead the creation of an enabling environment to effectively access and scale-up proven
technologies/practices for IPM-based sustainable management of FAW.
• Take lead in the dissemination of FAW monitoring, scouting and surveillance tools at the community and farmer levels.
• Review, modify and adapt current FAW management strategies for effective out scaling to reduce the devasting effects of the pest at country and regional levels.
• Facilitate the implementation of these FAW management activities in target countries and participate in the monitoring of progress made towards achieving the set targets and goals.
• Lead the scaling up and deployment of proven IPM-based FAW management technologies/practices, through public-private partnerships
• Strengthen communications, awareness and building capacities of local and regional partners, for effective and sustainable scale-up and adoption of IPM-based FAW management technologies /practices
• Guide the Regional Member Countries (RMCs) to prepare FAW technology outreach campaigns for the Commodity Technology Development Compacts (CTDC) for submission to the Clearinghouse of the Reginal Technology Delivery Infrastructure (RTDI)
• Establish good linkages with lead compact institutions to ensure that administrative support is provided for fiduciary services such as procurement and financial management.
• In close consultation and collaboration with the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa
(FARA) ensure that capacity is built in all areas for various stakeholders within the FAW.
• In close consultation and collaboration with the African Agricultural Technology Forum (AATF), ensure that all policy related issues that can affect FAW management within target regions and countries are effectively addressed.
• Ensure that quarterly and annual consolidated technical and financial reports for the compact are prepared and submitted to the program management unit on schedule.
• Present the activities, results, impacts and outcomes of the compact at professional, donor and other stakeholders’ meetings
• Carry out any other duties as may be assigned by the Program Management and/or Institutional management office to meet the objectives of the FAW compact.
Educational Qualifications
The candidate should have a post graduate degree in entomology, agricultural extension, agricultural sciences, or integrated pest management in food crops. Should have at least 10 years of professional work experience in integrated pest management or a closely related role, at least 5 of which should be in Africa.
Core Competencies
• Experience in establishing necessary contacts and partnerships with public and private
institutions, strategic stakeholders and donors in the RMCs.
• Experience in project management especially with African Development Bank projects will be an added advantage.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English with good working knowledge of French is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to write, publish, and disseminate technical reports, success stories, and promotional materials; and
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional, and multi-cultural environment.
Duty station: Zambia, Lusaka
General information: The contract will be for an initial period of three years. IITA offers
internationally competitive remuneration package paid in U.S. Dollars.
Applications: Applications must include covering letter which should address how the candidate’s background/experience relates to the specific duties of the position applied for, curriculum vitae, names and addresses of three professional referees (which must include either the Head of the applicant’s current or previous organization or applicant’s direct Supervisor/Superior at his/her present or former place of work). The application should be addressed to the Head, Human Resources Service.
Complete the online application form using this link: ONLINE APPLICATION
Closing Date: 29th June 2018
