CONSULTANCY – INNOVATION MANAGER (Part-Time, K4GGWA Innovation Facility)

Reference Number: 202464
Duty Station: CIFOR-ICRAF
Job Category: Consultancy
Job Status: In-progress

About CIFOR-ICRAF: The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) are non-profit science institutions focused on tackling critical global challenges such as energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Their work spans agroforestry and sustainable land management, benefiting ecosystems and communities. As part of CGIAR, their mission is to reduce poverty, enhance food security, and restore ecosystems across Africa’s drylands.

Position Overview: CIFOR-ICRAF is seeking an Innovation Manager for a part-time role (50%) to lead the day-to-day operations of the Innovation Facility under the Knowledge for Great Green Wall Action (K4GGWA) initiative. This role focuses on supporting scalable innovations that promote sustainable land management and improve livelihoods within the Great Green Wall region. The successful candidate will be an organized, bilingual professional with a proven track record in innovation management, entrepreneurship, and administration, capable of collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Operational Management:

• Oversee the operations of the Innovation Facility, including managing timelines, budgets, and processes.

• Organize and facilitate biannual innovation competitions, ensuring smooth application and adherence to selection criteria.

• Manage the transfer of awards in compliance with EU and recipient country guidelines.

• Collaborate with the Project Management Unit (PMU) and the Innovation Facility Advisory Council to implement recommendations and provide support to grantees.

• Develop and implement communication initiatives in collaboration with K4GGWA’s communications consultant.

Innovation Support:

• Provide tailored support to grantees, including training, mentorship, and consultancy services.

• Develop and maintain relationships with innovators and field agents, ensuring continuous capacity building.

• Identify challenges faced by grantees and collaborate on proposing solutions and strategies for growth.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build and manage a robust network of field agents, advisors, and partners, including private sector, NGOs, governments, and international organizations.

• Foster collaboration with other innovation support projects, such as the Green African Drylands Innovation Hub (GADIH).

• Engage organizations promoting the interests of rural youth and women.

Monitoring and Reporting:

• Track progress of supported innovations and prepare detailed reports for the PMU, EU, and other stakeholders.

• Collect and analyze data to assess impact and inform future programming.

Resource Mobilization:

• Contribute to resource mobilization efforts to support innovators and the Innovation Facility.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bilingual Proficiency: Fluency in both English and French.

• Educational Background: Degree in innovation management, entrepreneurship, business administration, environmental management, or a related field.

• Professional Experience:

  • At least 5 years of experience in innovation support, entrepreneurship, business development, or environmental program management.

  • Experience managing complex projects with diverse stakeholders.

  • Familiarity with innovation ecosystems in Africa.

Skills:

• Strong administrative and organizational skills.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities.

• Experience designing and implementing support mechanisms for innovators (e.g., training, mentorship, funding).

• Proficiency in monitoring, evaluation, and impact assessment frameworks.

Desirable Attributes:

• Passion for sustainable development, particularly related to the Great Green Wall initiative.

• Knowledge of sociopolitical and cultural dynamics in the Sahel and African drylands.

• Experience with donor-funded projects and international organizations.

• Familiarity with land restoration principles in agricultural or pastoral contexts.

• Understanding of gender dynamics, value chains, and natural resource management in rural settings.

Terms and Conditions:

• Location: The Innovation Manager can be based in Africa or Europe, with remote work options. However, regular travel within Africa is required.

• Position Type: Part-Time (50%)

• Contract Duration: Initial 12-month contract, renewable based on performance and funding.

• Compensation: Competitive, commensurate with experience.

Application Process:

• Deadline: Applications are due by 15 January 2025.

• Applications should be submitted via the CIFOR-ICRAF website here.

• While all applications will be acknowledged, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

CIFOR-ICRAF is committed to equal opportunity employment.

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