World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) Recruiting a Program Administrator (CCAFS& GRP5)

The World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) is supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), generates science-based knowledge about the complex role that trees play in agricultural landscapes and uses its research to ensure that policies and practices benefit the poor and the environment.
Our vision is an ‘agroforestry transformation’ in the developing world—a massive increase in the use of trees on landscapes by smallholder rural households to ensure security in food, nutrition, income, health, shelter and energy, and a regenerated environment. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) conducts research in 23 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
ICRAF’s GRP5 works on issues related to climate change mitigation and adaptation in the context of smallholder land use and development. Key areas to contribute to are: a) vulnerability assessment; b) adaptation measures and raising adaptive capacity; and c) research on governance and institutions in the context of rewards for environmental services.
CCAFS is a CGIAR-wide program on climate change, agriculture and food security (www.ccafs.cgiar.org). ICRAF is hosting the research leader of Theme 3: Enhancing engagement and communication for decision-making: Linking knowledge with Action. CCAFS Theme3 research will link closely with ICRAF’s Global Research Project on Climate Change (GRP5).
The Position:


The World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) is recruiting for the position of Program Administrator to be based at its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. The position will report to CCAFS Theme 3 Leader & GRP5 Leader with the following specific duties and responsibilities:
1.     To prepare and update financial documents for budget monitoring, reporting and audit  purposes.
2.     To help organise and execute highly interactive, regional and international meetings, workshops and conferences.
3.     To prepare material for relevant websites, organise a newsletter, and work with the communications team or widely communicating ICRAF’s climate change related research outputs.
4.     Set up senior management group tele-calls, preparing and distributing minutes.
5.     To liaise with research administrative staff and science managers at relevant institutions, securing the necessary inputs into the reporting process and project management.
6.     Make inputs into planning at ICRAF, particularly project plans, regional plans, an annual plans of work and budget
7.     Follow through with partners and relevant units at ICRAF (especially regions and scientists on implementation of agreed agenda)
8.     Learn and help manage new web-based applications that assist GRP5 and CCAFS research teams in working jointly on research planning, publications, reference lists, etc. (e.g. google calendar, google docs, Mendeley)
9.     To act as the focal point for the unit, handling external enquiries for information and internal questions and queries.
10.  Carry out any other duties to reinforce effective and efficient project administration, including secretarial work as required.
The successful applicant will have:
  • A relevant Masters degree or, a relevant first degree plus a relevant post graduate professional project management qualification.
  • At least five years relevant experience in senior management co-ordination and science administration, including budget management.
  • Familiarity with networking and collaboration within and beyond the organisation, coupled with excellent interpersonal competence
  • Excellent communication skills and command of the English language on both speech and writing.
  • Excellent computer skills necessary; experience in web-based communication tools an advantage
  • Excellent capacity to self-organize and a high level of integrity
  • Relevant international exposure is an advantage.
  • Ability to travel occasionally.
Terms of Offer
The position is on local support staff terms open only to Kenyan Citizens. Salary and perquisites paid in local currency are highly competitive.  Appointment is on a three (3) year contract subject to a six (6) month probation period, satisfactory performance, continued relevance of the position and adequate funding. ICRAF offers a collegial and gender-sensitive working environment, believe that staff diversity promotes excellence, and strongly encourages applications from qualified women.
Applicants are invited to send a cover letter illustrating their suitability for the above position against the listed qualifications/competencies/skills and a detailed curriculum vitae, with names and addresses of three referees (including telephone, fax numbers and email address).
All correspondence should be addressed to the Human Resources Unit, World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), P.O. Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya; Tel +254 20 7224000; Fax +254 20 7224001; OR via email: icrafhru@cgiar.org.  Applicants should indicate “Application for Program Administrator (CCAFS& GRP5)” on their application letters OR email submissions.  Applications will be considered until 11th June, 2010.
If you do not hear from us by 30th June, 2010, please consider your application unsuccessful.
We invite you to learn more about ICRAF by accessing our web site:www.worldagroforestry.org.