DescriptionThe Ohio State
University is seeking a consultant to reside and work in Morogoro, Tanzania and
to work as part of the Project Management Unit of a large, five-year training
and research project it operates for the United States Agency for International
Development (USAID).
Overview of
Position
- The
consultant will work with the Innovative Agricultural Research Initiative
(iAGRI), a project funded by the United States Agency for International
Development (USAID). The project aims to strengthen the training and
collaborative research capacities of Sokoine University of Agriculture
(SUA) and the Tanzania National Agricultural Research System (NARS). - The
incumbent will report to the Deputy Project Director of iAGRI and will
work closely with the Project Director and other staff persons to plan, implement,
and communicate program activities of iAGRI. The consultant will work at
the iAGRI project office in Morogoro, Tanzania. - He/she
will serve as program strategist and troubleshooter for current and future
program activities and as IT and communications specialist for iAGRI.
Duties/Responsibilities
- Serve
as co-planner and implementation troubleshooter for iAGRI programmatic
activities. Identify, diagnose, and remove impediments to implementation
of activities related to project’s four key objectives (training,
research, capacity building, and external linkage building). Impediments
to be addressed include inadequate infrastructure, malfunctioning
services, organizational inefficiencies, and other factors. - Serve
as troubleshooter and consultant for iAGRI workshops. Before events, work
closely with the project’s technical staff who are coordinating workshops,
reviewing agenda, presenter lists, participants list, venue plans, food
and beverage plans, computer and projection equipment plans to identify potential
bottlenecks. During workshops, serve as consultant providing support to
the workshop coordinator. - Serve
as the IT support person for iAGRI, configuring and repairing computers
and printers, installing software, servicing the local area network, setting
up and maintaining teleconference equipment, and providing support to
project staff for an on-line system of tracking iAGRI activities. Provide
IT training to iAGRI staff as requested. - Oversee
the creation and management of the iAGRI sponsored-student database. Train
staff in use of the database and ensure proper documentation and field
entry protocols are followed. Update the database to keep staff abreast
about upcoming, important events for sponsored students. - Assist
office staff to streamline communication and planning efforts to improve
efficiency and eliminate redundancy. - Maintain
a website to inform the Ohio State University Consortium about iAGRI
activities. Develop a system for web posting of project policies, concept
notes for new activities, and other internally shared information.
Requirements
- Bachelors
or Masters degree (business or social science preferred; other disciplines
acceptable); - Two
years work experience in managing programs in an organizational setting
preferred; - Minimum
of one year work experience in a developing country; - Record
of improving organizational efficiency in program management; - Advanced
practical knowledge of computers, database management, wireless
communications (wifi and mobile), videoconferencing, routers, computer
operations related to digital photography, and experience providing
computer assistance to others; - Excellent
writing, speaking and communication skills; - Substantial
knowledge of economic and social development issues in low-income
countries and a passion for helping to alleviate poverty; - Sensitivity
to and respect for cultural differences.
Terms
The consultant will
be engaged through a personal services contract with a term of nine months with
potential for renewal. The work location is at the headquarters of iAGRI in
Morogoro, Tanzania. A round trip air ticket, housing allowance, and health
insurance allowance will be provided. Any taxes owed will be the responsibility
of the consultant.
How
to apply
Send letter of
application describing why you are interested in this position, how you are
qualified, and how serving in this position relates to your long-term
professional and personal objectives; CV; and names and addresses of three
references to Nathan Mishler at mishler@iagri.org
or P.O. Box 3114, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania.
