Call for Applications for the position of ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT FOR THE GEF 7-EBONY PROJECT

(NATIONALLY RECRUITED STAFF)

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Cameroon is looking for an Administrative Assistant for the GEF 7 supported portion of the Ebony Project with solid ability of planning, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of the project activities in collaboration with the project partners and stakeholders. The position will be based at IITA Station, Yaoundé and will report directly to the Program Coordinator.

The Congo Basin Institute is joint program between IITA and UCLA hosted by IITA for higher learning and scientific excellence in Central Africa. We generate research that decision makers can use to address sub-Saharan Africa’s environmental and development challenges. CBI is driven by dedicated researchers and donors that support research and training in the Congo Basin.  The Ebony Project is a partnership where business, communities, and researchers work together to protect a valuable timber species, reforest degraded land, address local food security issues, and improve rural livelihoods, and is funded in part by GEF 7.

A – Duties and Responsibilities

• Planning, coordinating, and monitoring the GEF 7 project activities in collaboration with the project partners and stakeholders.
• Tracking and reporting the project expenditures and income and ensuring compliance with GEF 7 and partner financial rules and regulations.
• Collecting and documenting the project data and results and preparing and submitting technical reports and deliverables to GEF 7 and partners.
• Facilitating and maintaining effective communication and coordination between the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the Higher Institute of Environmental Studies (HIES), the two main research institutions involved in the project.
• Working closely with the project accountant to ensure accurate and timely budget reporting and accounting.
• Lead the team in work planning for the GEF 7 Ebony Project, in partnership with project leadership and field staff, including developing work plans, monitoring progress, and course correcting where needed.
• Take primary responsibility for project logistical activities, including coordination with administration and procurement to coordinate field missions and maintain supplies.
• Establishing and maintaining good relationships with the project donors, such as the International Climate Initiative (IKI) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF 7), who recently funded a few communities in the project area.
• Perform other activities as directed by supervisor 

B – Qualification

Education:

• A Master's degree or equivalent in Management, Finance, Environmental sciences or similar field.

Work Experience: 

• At least three (03) years of relevant experience in project management, preferably in the field of forestry, environmental science, natural resource management, international development, or related fields. 
• Candidates with no experience in these fields are nonetheless encouraged to apply. Experience working in an international team or abroad is an advantage

Language:

• The candidate must communicate fluently in English and French both written and spoke.

C - Key Competences

Core competencies:

• Excellent knowledge of project planning, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting tools and methods.
• Highly motivated and proactive, and able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Organized, including tracking and balancing deadlines and sorting different information streams.
• Able to communicate effectively with diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Willing and able to travel to the project sites and other locations as needed (expected travel time 10%).

Technical/Functional Skills: The Administrative Assistant shall have:

• Experience writing grants, technical project reports and compiling project financial reports.
• Experience with logistics, including planning and supporting field work, preferred
• Strong financial management and budgeting skills, and familiarity with financial procedures and standards.
• Proficient in data collection, analysis, and documentation is preferred.
• Able to use various software and applications, such as Microsoft Office, Slack, R, etc.

D - Workplace

The incumbent of the position will be based in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

D – Contract type and duration

This will be a twenty-four (24) month position with the option of an additional one-year renewal.

E – Working hours

The incumbent must be available to work full time with flexible hours.

F – Restriction

The position is limited to Cameroonian citizens;

G - Equity in employment

IITA encourages applications from women, men, young people who believe they meet the requirements of the position. All applications will be assessed in a fair and objective manner.

H – Application folder

The application file shall include the following documents:

• a completed online application form; kindly fill the form in addition to sending your application file available on https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdkeKdto4RSa-8L1dDk6MqLgw8XPIlIdQQRd9_SECP5ZCw2hA/viewform?usp=pp_url
• a detailed curriculum vitae but NOT exceeding three pages;
• a letter of motivation (MAXIMUM of two pages; including the full names of the candidate, their full address, phone number and email address);
• a copy of the national identity card;
• a copy of the highest academic credential (certificate) and;
• a list of three professional referees including their contacts (one of them must be a current or former supervisor of the candidate).

Applications shall be addressed to (e-mail attachments ONLY), latest by November 22^nd, 2024 to: 

The Resident Representative

International Institute of Tropical Agriculture in Cameroon

P.O. Box 2008 Yaoundé (Messa)

Tel : (+237) 673030471 ; +(237) 696838958

Email: IITACA-HRS@cgiar.org
Application to the position of: GEF 7 EBONY Project Administrative Assistant

In addition to your application folder sent by email, kindly fill the mandatory form available on https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdkeKdto4RSa-8L1dDk6MqLgw8XPIlIdQQRd9_SECP5ZCw2hA/viewform?usp=pp_url

Only applications received in French or English with a completed online form will be considered and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.