Job Description

Reference number: 202616
Job status: In-progress
Job category: Local Position
Duty station: Nairobi, Kenya
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CIFOR-ICRAF
The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.

CIFOR-ICRAF is looking for a

Senior Manager-Regional Business Development - ICRISAT

Overview

The incumbent will be working under the direction and supervision of Assistant Director General and will be responsible for Resource Mobilization, Fundraising, Partnerships, Donor Intelligence, and Donor Relations. The selected candidate will maintain the institutional pipeline and grants and contracts management system.

Duties and responsibilities

Collate data on donor intelligence and mapping and assist the Assistant Director General & Regional director Africa–in devising effective resource mobilization and fundraising strategies.
Contribute to and oversee the generation of Management Information Systems (MIS) reports on projects pipeline, grants and contracts periodically as required by the management.
Create and implement timely and effective donor intelligence dissemination to all internal stakeholders.
Proactively follow up and provide support to Team ICRISAT in Africa by tracking opportunities under development, monitoring submitted proposals, and engagement with donors to strengthen partnerships and secure funding.
Advise research programs and working groups on relevant donor requirements/compliance, potential funding opportunities, changes in donor priorities, and ensuring quality grant management for all related projects.
Coordination of the planning, development, and management of the resource mobilization initiatives and activities, including the development of grants management tools to ensure the effective engagement of stakeholders in raising resources for the institute.
Advise and assist scientists in the preparation and processing of proposal packaging as per donor requirements; draft and provide letters of support, etc.
Support the Assistant Director General in business development activities.
Any other responsibility as directed by the Assistant Director General.

Requirements

Masters in International Relations, Communications, Business Management / Post Graduate Diploma with a specialization in Marketing or Business Management.
At least 8-10 years of experience in resource mobilization, fundraising and or grants. management in an international or national research organization within the development or R4D sectors.
Demonstrable experience of leading, supporting and monitoring large, multi-country, bilateral, multi-lateral, private sector and philanthropic projects and partnerships.
Experience implementing medium- to large-scale programs in agriculture research, nutrition or agri-business.
Experience working across various teams and functions, and working directly with and supporting research and/or program delivery teams.
Experience developing and leading successful complex proposals and providing impactful reporting for high value donors.
Ability to effectively manage and coordinate with geographically dispersed teams throughout all stages of the donor grant lifecycle.
Experience managing donor compliance, budgeting, negotiating agreement provisions, technical and financial reporting.
Ability to analyze and synthesize information and strong attention to detail.
Willingness and ability to regularly travel within the regions.
Outstanding people skills: strong ability to communicate constructively across culturally diverse teams and contribute to a pleasant work environment.
Solid organizational skills: ability to be flexible and to work within a dynamic team environment
Knowledge of related IT-enabled or CRM (customer relationship management) tools like Salesforce, MS Office products, etc. is necessary.
Hands-on problem-solving with strong analytical abilities.
Fluency in written and spoken and written English is mandatory. Knowledge of French will be an added advantage.
Existing network of global, national and/or regional donors.

Education, knowledge and experience

• Masters in International Relations, Communications, Business Management / Post Graduate Diploma with a specialization in Marketing or Business Management.
• At least 8-10 years of experience in resource mobilization, fundraising and or grants. management in an international or national research organization within the development or R4D sectors.
• Demonstrable experience of leading, supporting and monitoring large, multi-country, bilateral, multi-lateral, private sector and philanthropic projects and partnerships.
• Experience implementing medium- to large-scale programs in agriculture research, nutrition or agri-business.
• Experience working across various teams and functions, and working directly with and supporting research and/or program delivery teams.
• Experience developing and leading successful complex proposals and providing impactful reporting for high value donors.
• Ability to effectively manage and coordinate with geographically dispersed teams throughout all stages of the donor grant lifecycle.
• Experience managing donor compliance, budgeting, negotiating agreement provisions, technical and financial reporting.
• Ability to analyze and synthesize information and strong attention to detail.
• Willingness and ability to regularly travel within the regions.
• Outstanding people skills: strong ability to communicate constructively across culturally diverse teams and contribute to a pleasant work environment.
• Solid organizational skills: ability to be flexible and to work within a dynamic team environment
• Knowledge of related IT-enabled or CRM (customer relationship management) tools like Salesforce, MS Office products, etc. is necessary.
• Hands-on problem-solving with strong analytical abilities.
• Fluency in written and spoken and written English is mandatory. Knowledge of French will be an added advantage.
• Existing network of global, national and/or regional donors.

Terms and conditions

• This is a Locally Recruited Staff (LRS) position and a contractual role for a period of 3 years with a 9-month probation period, renewable based on the performance funding availability and the institute’s continuing need for the position
• CIFOR-ICRAF offers competitive remuneration in local currency commensurate with skills and experience.
• The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya, CIFOR-ICRAF offices.
• We will acknowledge all applications but will only contact short-listed candidates.