Revitalization Support Project (STCRSP) in November 2011.
STCRSP specific objectives are:
(i) increase the quantity sold and price received by poor farmers for cocoa and coffee by rehabilitating plantations,
(ii) improving access to markets through rural roads rehabilitation and maintenance system development; and
(iii) strengthening Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) and/or private extension services as well as Farmers Based Organizations. The MOA wishes to recruit highly motivated project staff to implement the STCRSP and the ongoing Agriculture Sector Rehabilitation Project (ASRP). The project staff will be anchored in the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) of the MOA Program Management Unit (PMU). The incumbents will be awarded 1 year contracts, renewable every year on the basis of satisfactory performance, for a maximum duration of 5 years. The MOA now invites application for the following positions:
Purpose Of Post:
To lead the implementation of the IFAD funded Smallholder Tree Crop Revitalization Support Project (STCRSP) in Lofa County and ongoing IFAD-funded Smallholder Agriculture Sector Rehabilitation Project (ASRP) in Cape Mount, Bomi, Montserrado and Grand Bassa Counties. S/he will be fully responsible for its day-to-day management in such a manner as to ensure efficient and timely implementation of all project activities in accordance with the overall project implementation schedule and Annual Work Plans and Budgets (AWPB) and Procurement Plans, in compliance with the relevant project documents as well as IFAD rules and procedures.
Reporting To: Director, Program Management Unit (PMU), Ministry of Agriculture, or any other person designated by him
Supervision Given To: All financial, administrative and technical staff of the STCRSP/ASRP Project Implementation Unit (PIU) in the PMU.
Main Responsibilities: Under the direct supervision of the Director of the PMU, the STCRSP/ASRP Coordinator shall:
• Plan, coordinate and supervise all activities of the STCRSP/ASRP funding in direct liaison with IFAD and in accordance with the project design report and financing agreement, ensuring implementation and delivery of project outputs within agreed deadlines; conduct project management meetings on a regular basis;
• Be fully responsible for efficient and effective management of project resources in a transparent manner, including being signatory to the project special accounts;
• Recruit and manage PIU staff to ensure efficient implementation of the project, including setting objectives annually and appraising job performance;
• Supervise project disbursements, account replenishment requests, accounting and financial management and ensure eligibility of funds use in accordance with IFAD rules and procedures and project documents;
• With the assistance and guidance of the Procurement officer, take full responsibility for timely procurement of goods, works and services in full compliance with applicable rules and procedures and the approved procurement plans;
• Negotiate and approve contracts for all transactions undertaken by the project in accordance with IFAD procedures, and GoL procedures where applicable;
• Coordinate the recruitment and supervise the activities of Implementing Partners, in particular NGO, Consultants and other Services Providers to ensure effective delivery of project services;
• evaluate their performance on a regular basis;
• Prepare AWPBs and Procurement Plans for approval by the National Steering Committee (NSC) and IFAD, and coordinate execution and monitoring of same;
• Ensure timely and appropriate reporting to IFAD, MOA and the NSC on progress and problems of project implementation, including quarterly and annual progress reports, as well as financial and audit reports, in accordance with agreed reporting formats;
• Communicate the project’s objective and components to target groups and other stakeholders to ensure ownership and sustainability of the project;
• Promote close cooperation and collaboration with national and international development partners at national and district level, including the private sector, in the area of value chain development;
• Coordinate and fully participate in the IFAD’s supervision missions with all national stakeholders;
• Undertake any other responsibility requested by the PMU Director and Minister of Agriculture that will ensure smooth and effective implementation of the Project
Key Qualifications:
Minimum Academic/Professional Qualifications
Master’s degree or equivalent, in Agriculture, Rural Development, or a related science, together with postgraduate qualification or proven specialized training in Project Management.
Minimum Experience
• At least 10 years experience in the management of donor-funded projects/programs in the agricultural or rural development fields.
• Working knowledge of the logframe approach and results-based management.
• Experience with community-based and/or smallholder-oriented development initiatives is desirable.
Key Competencies Abilities
• Demonstrated ability to establish priorities and to plan, co-ordinate, and monitor his/her own work plan and those of subordinate staff;
• Self-motivated and demonstrated ability to meet deadlines, and to make appropriate links in work processes and anticipate next steps;
• Self motivated.
Skills
• Excellent English written and spoken communication skills, including presentations;
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal and team building skills, including negotiation skills;
• Computer literacy with proficient knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint applications;
• Well-developed organizational skills.
Knowledge
• Thorough knowledge of Government and private sector institutional and organizational structures and operations in general.
• Experience in Liberia is an added advantage;
• Working knowledge of the operational modalities for national and international NGOs is desirable.
Location Of Post: MOA Headquarters, Monrovia with occasional travel to the project areas.
Application Procedure
A full description for each of these positions may be found on: www.e-mansion.gov.lr Applications with detailed curriculum vitae (CV), including telephone and email contacts, copies of educational certificates and names and contact details of three references of high standing, should be sent by both courier and e-mail to: Director, Program Management Unit Ministry of Agriculture Somalia Drive, Gardnersville Monrovia, Liberia E-mail: mmzinnah57@yahoo.com Deadline for receipt of application is Friday, March 16, 2012 at 1600 p.m.
Only suitably qualified and shortlisted candidates will be contacted to attend interviews.