ICRISAT is seeking applications from West and Central Africa nationals to support the program- Africa RISING. The program assistant will be based in Mali-Bamako and report to the Africa RISING Program Coordinator in Mali. Africa RISING is an acronym for the Africa Research in Sustainable Intensification for the Next Generation supported by the United States Agency for International Development as part of the U.S. government’s Feed the Future initiative. Through action research and development partnerships, Africa RISING will create opportunities for smallholder farm households to move out of hunger and poverty through sustainably intensified farming systems that improve food, nutrition, and income security, particularly for women and children, and conserve or enhance the natural resource base.
The Job
Handles the preparation of contract documents with partner institutes
Work on  daily project activities such as handling mails, preparing travel Authorization, travel claims, phone calls
Maintain project database contacts and update them as required
Assist in organizing, administrating meetings and events and make available the necessary logistics connected to the project including training, seminars and workshops as well as monitoring and evaluation team/tours
Handle the preparation and distribution of documents, handouts or minutes for meetings inside or outside the office/station
Handle fund requests and ensure follow up on disbursements of project activities, funds/grants and provide all necessary supporting documents for accounting and reporting purposes
Handle and assist project coordinator in project timely reports delivery
Monitor reporting deadline to alert project coordinator and collaborators
Prepare draft of all correspondences regarding the project implementation for project coordinator
Provide administrative and logistical support to project coordinator as well as any other project internal and external team member in the project implementation course
Conduct any other jobs assigned by the project coordinator to ensure successful implementation of the program in Mali
The Person:
MA degree in Business Administration, Project Management, Sociology or related field with at least 6 to 8 years experience in national and international organizations
Strong analytical and communication skill
Fluency in English and French, both written and oral
Demonstrated ability of handling multi-tasked project activities
Willingness to travel both local and regional
Prepare clear, accurate and concise reports, records and other materials
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing
Ability to operate a computer using word processing, database and spreadsheet software
Ability to collect, evaluate and interpret varied information and data
Women applicants are highly encouraged
The Reward:
The initial contract will be for 1 year with a possibility of renewal for another year based on satisfactory performance. The position is in the category of NRS (Nationally Recruited Staff), with a competitive salary (monthly basic salary minimum of 304,566 FCFA) and other annual allowances paid monthly.
How to apply:
Applicants should apply on or before 30 March 2014 by email to: k.yena@icrisatml.org, with a letter of motivation, latest Curriculum Vitae, and names and contact information of three references that are knowledgeable of the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience. The reference name of the position (Project Officer-Africa RISING) should be clearly indicated in the subject line of the email.
Interviews will be held in the first week of April in Bamako-Mali. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.