Global Plant Protection News

Virginia Tech’s Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Integrated Pest Management is hiring a Country Program Manager for the Feed the Future Bangladesh Integrated Pest Management Activity (IPMA), an associate award funded by the USAID mission in Bangladesh. This activity will address managing current and emerging pest and disease threats of crops, human and institutional capacity building in Bangladesh, and developing, implementing, and scaling up IPM packages for rice, maize, mango, sesame, mung bean, sunflower, lentil, potato, groundnut, eggplant, and bananas. The Country Program Manager will manage the activity in Bangladesh and coordinate with the relevant international and national organizations/institutes/agencies in implementing the activity. See below for further details.

Virginia Tech Feed the Future Bangladesh Integrated Pest Management Activity (IPMA)

Terms of Reference (TOR)

Position:       Country Program Manager

Project:          Feed the Future Bangladesh Integrated Pest Management Activity (IPMA)

Work Site:     Dhaka city with travel to Dhaka, Khulna, and Barisal divisions, Cox’s Bazar, and Bandarban districts. In some cases, the whole country needs to be covered.

Report to:      Principal Investigator

Supervising:    Deputy Program Manager, Monitoring and Evaluation Manager, Accountant, Driver, Sweeper, Office assistants, and security guards.

Project Background: In Bangladesh, land scarcity, agricultural intensification, and rapid population growth are major issues related to food security. Pests and diseases cause nearly 50 percent crop loss. The IPMA project, an associate award funded by the USAID mission in Bangladesh, will operate for three years from August 1, 2021. It will address managing current and emerging pest and disease threats of crops, human and institutional capacity building in Bangladesh, and developing, implementing, and scaling up IPM packages for rice, maize, mango, sesame, mung bean, sunflower, lentil, potato, groundnut, eggplant, and bananas. Collaboration in-country with CIMMYT, FAO, value chains, and local institutions and agencies is required.

Job Summary: The Country Program Manager (CPM) will take guidance from and report to the Principal Investigator of the IPMA. S/he will manage the IPMA in Bangladesh and coordinate with the relevant international and national organizations/institutes/agencies in implementing IPMA. S/he will keep constant communication with the AOR of the IPMA project and the Principal Investigator. S/he will prepare and submit reports as specified in the Cooperative Agreement. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work with the Project Management team to develop a comprehensive workplan to meet the IPMA goals and objectives.
• Coordinate with CIMMYT, FAO, and relevant Bangladesh government institutions such as the Department of Extension, academia, financial institutions, judiciary, media, private sector, and value chain actors.
• Coordinate and prepare monthly reports, quarterly reports, annual reports, success stories, and other reports as needed.
• Organize workshops/symposia/meetings/conferences/webinars related to the project.
• Communicate with the AOR and Principal Investigator regularly and respond to their requests promptly.
• Manage IPMA progress and ensure compliance with the workplan.
• Participate in project monitoring and evaluation activities.
• Monitor, identify, and initiate or stimulate producing scientific and/or popular publications collaboratively.

Required Qualifications and Skills:

• Master’s Degree in a subject related to Agriculture and/or administration
• Significant international experience in the agricultural sector
• At least 7 years relevant professional work experience
• Prior experience working in IPM, agricultural research or extension, value chain/market system development projects or other institutions.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
• Experience with academic research programs
• Evidence of inclusive leadership
• Familiarity with project management approaches, tools, and phases of the project lifecycle
• Ability to work effectively at all levels in an organization
• Problem-solving and root cause identification skills; strong analytic and decision-making abilities
• Ability to take direction and to focus on and follow through on priority activities and assignments; ability to effectively handle multiple tasks without compromising the quality, team spirit, and constructive working relationships with all colleagues
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and flexible work style
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and/or sensitive information
• Computer Skills: Proficient in MS Office and internet applications

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:

• PhD in a relevant field, preferably in Entomology, Plant Pathology, or a field related to integrated pest management.
• Knowledge of and experience with USAID rules and regulations

How to Apply

To apply, please send the completed application found at this link Application and resume/CV by email to: FTFBIPMA.Employment@gmail.com, with “IPMA Country Program Manager” in the subject heading. Applications will be reviewed beginning on 1 September 2020, and the position will remain open until filled. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Recruitment is contingent upon the successful award of the project; this document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment.

Virginia Tech is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. Anyone having questions concerning discrimination or accessibility should contact the Virginia Tech Office for Equity and Accessibility.