Angebote » Head, Capacity Development Unit (ICARDA)

Head, Capacity Development Unit (ICARDA)

The initial contract will be for 3 years, of which the first year will be probationary period. Subsequent employment is decided based on the merit and productivity of the staff member, and continued need for the position.
Organisation/Location: ICARDA, Amman, Jordan
Application deadline: 31-March-2014
Website: https://apps.icarda.org/iea/
Details:

Main Purpose of the position
ICARDA has an immediate vacancy for the Head of its Capacity Development Unit (CDU).

ICARDA’s capacity development and training program contributes to the Center’s joint research programs and responds to the needs and priorities of the National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS).

In addition to effectively managing and growing ICARDA's existing training and capacity development activities, a priority focus for the Unit Head will be to put in place new approaches such as distance learning and innovative approaches for upgrading the capacity of farmers, and ensuring knowledge sharing and dissemination in the newly re-oriented Capacity Development Unit.

About ICARDA
The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) is an international autonomous, non-profit, research organization with its temporarily headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). ICARDA is committed to the improvement of livelihoods of the resource-poor in dry areas by enhancing food security and alleviating poverty through agricultural research, and the equitable use of natural resources. For more details: www.icarda.org

Background
Since its creation in 1977 ICARDA has played an active role in enhancing the research capacity of its national partners through both formal and informal training activities. Over 20,000 scientists and 720 post-graduate students from 100 countries have benefited from training opportunities offered by ICARDA. The training includes postgraduate degree training (MSc and PhD), specialized non-degree courses, individual training, and on-site training of NARS’ scientists.

Training is provided through group courses and demonstrations given in classrooms, fields and/or laboratories and in supervised programs for individual trainees. Courses are given at ICARDA’s offices in regions and countries, particularly in countries hosting ICARDA’s Research Platforms and Thematic Research Locations. Training approaches include classroom sessions, laboratory activities, multimedia and includes a new trust to develop distance learning approaches.
ICARDA’s Capacity Development Unit is aligned with and served the Consortium Research Programs (CRPs) in which ICARDA is involved, particularly, the program on Dryland Agricultural Productions Systems that is led by ICARDA.

Main responsibilities
He/she will be based at ICARDA’s Office in Amman, Jordan. He/ she will report to the Assistant Director General for International Cooperation and Communication, will ensure full integration of training into the Center’s research programs and CRPs, and oversee the smooth and effective functioning of the Unit. The Head will develop annual training programs, and enhance the Center’s partnership with NARS, other CGIAR centers, and developing and developed country universities and training institutes

Specific tasks of the Head of Capacity Development:

Complement the strategy for capacity development, aligned with ICARDA’s Strategic Plan and CRPs.
Develop and/or upgrade detailed policies for the CDU, e.g. training candidate identification, course evaluation, and international liaison.
Manage and oversee the smooth and effective functioning of the CDU and assure full cooperation of the Unit with all ICARDA programs, units and outreach offices.
Ensure high quality practices and guidelines for training.
Develop and/or upgrade guidelines and criteria for organizing training programs and the selection of candidates, and follow-up on the impacts of training on agricultural development in the participating countries.
Develop demand-driven training programs using gap analysis and feedback from NARS, through the Center’s regional and national coordination meetings and other sources.
Develop training materials and modules, utilizing current ICT technologies.
Administer the financial resources and project funding related to training.
Develop and strengthen linkages with national agricultural research centers, universities and national training programs.
Represent ICARDA in the CGIAR-level committees, meetings and initiatives related to capacity development.
Work very closely with CRP Focal Points for developing the training Program of CRPs where ICARDA is involved.
Develop degree training programs with universities in areas of mutual interest.
Facilitate and explore opportunities for enhancing the institutional capacity of NARS.
Strengthen cooperation in capacity development with other international agricultural research centers and regional and international organizations.
Contribute to mobilizing resources for capacity development and identify potential support from donor agencies and foundations.
Contribute to continuous training activities of ICARDA staff.

Education, qualifications and experience

A PhD or equivalent in any of the following fields: agriculture, rural development, social sciences, education, business administration, or related fields.
A minimum of 5 years’ experience in organizing training programs, preferably in an international organization.
Minimum of 2 years in a management position.
Good command of spoken and written English, knowledge of Arabic and/or French will be an advantage.
Excellent inter-communication skills, an ability to work in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, and to communicate with national agricultural managers, researchers and other professionals in NARS, universities, etc.
Proven experience in fund raising.
Demonstrated experience in teamwork and networking with community of practice in capacity development.

Terms of appointment, salary and benefits
The initial contract will be for 3 years, of which the first year will be probationary period. Subsequent employment is decided based on the merit and productivity of the staff member, and continued need for the position.

How to apply
Please apply online at www.icarda.org/iea/ by 31 March 2014
Website: https://apps.icarda.org/iea/