Job Identification : 13941
Rentals : Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Posting Date : 03/10/2023, 12:39 PM
Apply Before : 10/27/2023, 12:38 PM
Job Schedule : Full time
Agency : UNDP
Grade : NPSA-9
Vacancy Type : National Personnel Service Agreement
Practice Area : Inclusive Growth
Office : Regional Bureau for Africa
Contract Duration : 1 Year with Possibility for extension
Education & Work Experience : Master’s Degree – 2 year ( s ) experience OR Bachelor’s Degree – 4 year ( s ) experience
Other Criteria : Diploma in agricultural engineering
Required Languages : French
Desired Languages : English
Job Description
Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘ leave no one behind ’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
Through South-South technical cooperation, the Brazilian government seeks to contribute to the improvement of human development indicators for the countries of the African continent. This cooperation is based on an important body of technical knowledge and solutions easily applicable in countries facing similar problems. The major technical cooperation strategy undertaken by Brazil – which is by no means specialist, has no profit or can be linked to commercial actions – is centered on the institutional strengthening of partners, a fundamental condition for the transfer and absorption of knowledge to be effective.
The guiding principle that the Brazilian government implements in its actions is that the essence of technical cooperation is to seek to accelerate the socio-economic development of partners by sharing experiences and the available techniques developed by Brazilian institutions of excellence in different sectors of knowledge and the economy.
The Brazilian government, through the Brazilian Cooperation Agency ( ABC ), with the support of UNDP Brazil, the Federal University of Lavras ( UFLA ) and the Association of Cotton Producers of Minas Gerais ( AMIPA ), within the framework of Project BRA / 12/002-S015 « Increase in the productive potential of cotton in Côte d’Ivoire », responds to requests from Côte d’Ivoire, an African country which traditionally cultivates cotton, thanks to the financial resources allocated by the Brazilian Cotton Institute ( IBA ). Like the other initiatives implemented by the Brazilian Cotton Program, the project in question aims to develop the capacities of local institutions and to transfer Brazilian cotton technologies.
Currently, the Brazilian government is carrying out the following initiatives in the cotton field with African countries: the regional project « Shire-Zambezi » ( second phase under negotiation ) ; the regional project « Cotton Victoria »; the country project « Cotton Solos », in Mali; the project for « Strengthening the cotton sector in Zimbabwe », the « country project Increase in the productive potential of cotton in Senegal », the « country project Increase in the productive potential of cotton cultivation in Cameroon », the « country project Strengthening the cotton sector using best practices for classifying cotton fiber on the international market », in Benin ; and the « Country Project Improving cotton production in the Awash River Valley region » in Ethiopia,as well as six other projects in partnership with FAO in Latin America.
The hiring of the professional in question will be for the country project « Increase in the productive potential of cotton in Ivory Coast », whose specific objective is to increase the productivity of cotton per hectare in the North region of Côte d’Ivoire. The initiative is supported by UFLA and AMIPA. The hired professional will also support negotiations for new projects to start in Côte d’Ivoire.
On the basis of this objective, the project will develop specific training courses, cultivate experimental fields, carry out validation tests and encourage the improvement of seeds, among other activities, to increase the competitiveness of the cotton sector in Côte d’Ivoire
The objective of hiring is to ensure technical and managerial coordination during the execution of the activities of the project « Increase in the productive potential of cotton in Côte d’Ivoire ». The ABC plans to respond to other requests for projects in Côte d’Ivoire. Thus, the coordinator will also support the negotiation of these new projects.
This contract therefore meets the need to support the implementation of the activities provided for in the project, in particular for the installation and supervision of technical demonstration units ( UTD ) in Bouaké and Kohrogo, the purchase of equipment as part of the project, the installation of the composting unit, the installation of the bio-factory, as well as that of supporting the ABC and the Brazilian institutions in the organization and monitoring of technical missions and management, both within the framework of this initiative and for the other requests to be satisfied.
The local technical coordinator must be able to interact and negotiate with public inspection and technical assistance services, with local suppliers of agricultural equipment and inputs, with producer associations and with private companies involved in the multiplication, treatment and sale of seeds.
Thus, this contract responds to the need to strengthen technical support and local coordination for the implementation of the « project Increase in the productive potential of cotton in Côte d’Ivoire », by allowing technological validation, training and production actions for cotton seeds, with priority for the provision of premises, of machines and equipment in technical demonstration units
Duties and Responsibilities
Provide the technical support necessary for the implementation of the following activities : Activities I
Participate in meetings to coordinate and monitor the technical and financial progress of the project.
Support the administrative and financial and technical management of the ( project preparation of financial reports, expenditure plan for UTD, organization of documents for accountability ).
Activities II
Support the organization and maintenance of technical and project monitoring missions to the Brazilian Embassy in Abidjan.
Define technical needs and coordinate the program at the local level, as well as the calendar of missions carried out by experts and trainers from cooperating Brazilian institutions.
Support training activities throughout the project by ensuring direct liaison with Ivorian counterparts in order to validate the dates and organization of the missions, as well as the equipment and logistics necessary for capacity building.
As part of these activities, support field visits, demonstrations and conferences.
Support the installation of the composting unit.
Contribute to the development of the sowing protocol, as well as to the monitoring provided by Brazilian partner institutions.
Ensure technical monitoring in setting up the strategy for implementing the sowing protocol.
Activities III
Support the supply of goods, equipment and machines for UTD ( indicate possible suppliers of equipment and inputs, monitor and help suppliers to submit proposals to UNDP, monitor purchases and deliveries of equipment and inputs, maintain goods and equipment ).
Activities IV
Technically support the mid-term evaluation of the project carried out by the ABC and the Brazilian institutions.
Coordinate the preparation of quarterly and semi-annual monitoring reports as well as reports on the physical and financial progress planned.
Prepare quarterly technical and administrative reports and support the preparation and submission of accountability arising from advances made to pay local expenses.
Activities V
Support the restructuring of the seed laboratory.
Support the installation of the bio-factory.
Skills:
Basic skills:
Achieve results : LEVEL 1: Plan and monitor your own work, pay attention to details, deliver quality work on time.
Think in an innovative way : LEVEL 1: Open ( e ) to creative ideas / known risks, solves problems pragmatically, brings improvements.
Continuing education : LEVEL 1: Open ( e ) mindful and curious ( se ), share knowledge, learn from mistakes, ask for comments.
Adapt with agility : LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively manages ambiguity / uncertainty, is flexible.
Act with determination : LEVEL 1: Demonstrates dynamism and motivation, capable of delivering calmly to adversity, confident.
Engage and associate : LEVEL 1: Demonstrate of compassion / understanding towards others, form positive relationships.
Facilitate diversity and inclusion : LEVEL 1: Appreciate / respect differences, be aware ( e ) of unconscious prejudices, face discrimination.
Transversal and technical skills ( up to 7 skills ):
Thematic area Name Definition
Business management and strategy: Development and operational efficiency : Ability to maintain information and databases; Analyze general information and select media; Ability to analyze data, identify and correct discrepancies; Ability to solve problems analytically and analyze figures; Ability to ensure precise and well-documented follow-up in accordance with the required standards; Ability to process a large volume of work, possibly within tight deadlines.
Business development: Knowledge and learning management : Ability to share knowledge and experience; Ability to work actively to promote the continuity of personal learning and the application of newly acquired skills; Capacity and fundamental knowledge about processes, methods and procedures; Understand the main work processes and methods, as well as the policies and organizational procedures relating to the position and apply them consistently within the assigned responsibilities; Demonstrate a good knowledge of information technologies and apply them at work; Promote organizational learning and knowledge sharing.
Business development: Promotion of change and organizational development: Ability to submit information on best practices in organizational change; Ability to identify problems, deal with and manage conflicts and propose solutions.
Functional skills: Leadership and self-management: Show self-development and initiative; Ability to act as a team member, facilitate teamwork and encourage effective communication; Create a synergistic environment through self-control; Ability to collect data and implement management systems; Ability to use information / data / other management systems; Ability to prepare reports to internal and external clients in a timely and appropriate manner; Ability to organize and prioritize working hours to meet needs and deadlines.
Professional skills: Ethics: Demonstrate a commitment to the mission of UNDP, its vision and its values; Show sensitivity and adaptability to differences in culture, gender, religion, race or nationality.
Required Skills and Experience
Education: Diploma of agricultural engineer or in a related field, issued by a higher education establishment recognized by the Ministry of Education of the country of origin, or Master of Agronomy or in a related field.
Experience: The Master’s Diploma is required with 2 years of experience in agronomy or in a related field.
The Engineering / Bachelor Diploma is required for 4 years of experience in agronomy or in a related field.
Two years of experience in planning, evaluating and implementing projects in the fields of agricultural production and agricultural production systems in general ;
One year of experience in the field of technology transfer and rural supervision.
Disclaimer
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employ that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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