Coordinator, Program Delivery and Partnerships

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Coordinator, Program Delivery and Partnerships
Ref: IRS/PS/DR4D/2025/40

The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) is seeking a highly qualified Coordinator, Program Delivery and Partnerships who will be based at AfricaRice Research Station M’be, Bouake – Côte d’Ivoire. S/He will work under the supervision of the Deputy Director general and Director of Research and Innovation.

About AfricaRice
The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) contributes to reducing poverty, achieving food and nutrition security and improving livelihoods of farmers and other value-chain actors in Africa by increasing the productivity, profitability and inclusiveness of rice-based agri-food systems, while ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources. AfricaRice, a CGIAR center and an intergovernmental association of 28 African member countries created in 1970, drives research and innovation through formal partnerships with national agricultural systems, academic institutions, public and private organizations, policy makers and development partners. Its strength lies in the development of
technological innovations along the entire rice value chain from breeding, agronomy, value addition, to marketing and policy recommendations and in strengthening locally tailored rice research-for-development capacity for reaching impact at scale.

Position purpose
The African continent faces dire challenges in the rice sector. Africa imports 40% of the rice it consumes at a cost of about US$6 billion annually, while the continent has ample potential to close this gap that comes at an estimated cost of around US$10 billion. The demand for the capabilities of AfricaRice to support African governments, local NARES, regional economic communities and other relevant stakeholders to attain rice self-sufficiency is on the rise.
For the Center to be able to provide these high-quality services, its internal operations must be extremely smooth, including optimal project implementation, optimal management of its research facilities and close relations with its most important clientele. AfricaRice therefore seeks a Coordinator to assist the AfricaRice Deputy Director General and Director of Research and Innovation (DDG-DRI) in Program Delivery.
The Program Delivery and Partnerships Unit Coordinator will also support the DGG-DRI in managing partnerships with NARES, Advanced Research Institutes, Regional Economic Communities, Regional and Sub-Regional Organizations, development organizations, academia, Government institutions, NGOs and the private sector.

Position responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Deputy Director general and Director of Research and Innovation, the Coordinator,Program Delivery and Partnerships will undertake activities with specific tasks that include, but are not limited to:
Program Delivery
• Assisting with the development of an annual staffing plan, based on a strategic staff plan and availability of project funds.
• Assist with the writing of project proposals and budgeting of service activities like workshops, meetings and other events.
• Closely monitor and track progress to ensure timely delivery of project deliverables and reporting.
• Liaise with project coordinators and internal teams to ensure smooth delivery, assisting project coordinators when needed.
• Cooperate with and guide the Contracts and Grants Manager for smooth alignment of agreements with project activities.
• Review technical and financial reports to be submitted to donors to ensure that they meet with donor’s requirements.
• Interact with our local partners in countries and regions to facilitate effective communication and exchange of knowledge and information, such as the Task Forces between AfricaRice and NARES.
• Revise the Task Forces network governance structure for efficient and dynamic NARES led CGIAR-NARES partnership.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of our engagement with partners and suggest avenues for
improvement.
• Assist the DDG-DRI with any other issue related to staff and project management.
• Assist the DDG-DRI in any other matter related to the Research and Innovation Department, such as
preparation of documentation for Board of Trustees meetings and coordination of the preparation of annual reports.
• Ensuring risks are considered in the delivery of the assigned duties and responsibilities.
Partnerships:
• Develop and maintain relationships with donors, development agencies, private sector stakeholders,
and governments.
• Negotiate and manage partnership agreements, including Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and contracts.
• Make inventories and maintain an up-to-date record of partners and partner’s demands and suggest
follow up implementation mechanisms.

Qualifications/Selection Criteria
Education:
• MSc in Financial Management, Organizational Development, Agricultural Economics, or a related field.
• Conversant with sustainable development or partnerships in agriculture and with field or laboratory
operations.

Work experience and key competencies required:
Required professional experience:
• At least 5 years of experience in areas including Project Coordination, Operational Management or similar background.
• Experience working with local institutions, including R&D organizations, NGO’s, policy makers, private sector actors and other stakeholders.
• Acquaintance with IP related matters will be an important asset.
• Knowledge of African agricultural production systems and of African cultures will be relevant.

Required competences:
• Pleasant and effective communication and interpersonal skills with excellent presentation abilities.
• Analytical abilities and strategic problem-solving capabilities.
• Strong presentation and writing skills in English and French.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a scientific team.
• Acquaintance with and ability to operate in a multi-cultural environment.
• Strong time management and organizational skills, and ability to deliver under severe time constraints.
• Proactive in his/her undertakings.

Terms and Conditions
• Competitive salary and additional benefits, including health insurance, pension plan and housing allowance.
• Dynamic and collaborative work environment with highly dedicated staff.
• Opportunities for career growth and professional development.
• The duration of the contract is 3 years, with a probationary period of 3 months, and renewable annually upon a satisfactory performance evaluation.

How to apply
1. To apply, click on the following link: https://jobs.africarice.org/
2. Create an account if you are a new user, if not log on with your credentials to access active vacancies
3. Select “Coordinator, Program Delivery and Partnerships”
4. Follow the step-by-step application procedure.
Only online applications will be considered (If you encounter any technical issue on the career site during your application, or you are prevented to proceed with your application until its final completion: Please kindly revert to us along with the screenshot of the issue through this email: africariceHR@cgiar.org ).
Applications are not allowed through this email.

Not later than 20 August 2025