Reports to: Deputy Director General \u2013 Research
Location: United Arab Emirates
Main purpose of the position
ICARDA is leading a Global Consortium of CGIAR Centers & partners under the Consortium for the Red Palm Weevil Control (C4RPWC) to deploy research-for-development (R4D) capacity to combat the Red Palm Weevil (RPW) pest in the UAE and beyond. This multi-partner initiative requires coordination across multiple institutions, complex planning, and high-level execution of activities, budgets, and delivery timelines. To ensure effective implementation, ICARDA is seeking a dedicated Project Manager (PM) to support day-to-day operational delivery and coordination.
The PM reports to ICARDA\u2019s Deputy Director General \u2013 Research (DDGR), who serves as the Consortium Program Director (CPD). The PM will work in close collaboration with the Regional Director for The Central and West Asia, and North Africa (CWANA), the Consortium Project Coordinator (PC), the Head of the Technical Team (HoTT), Workstream Leads (WSLs), and the Program Finance and Compliance Manager (PFCM).
The Project Manager (PM) will play a key role coordinating daily project activities, acting as the operational anchor that links scientific, administrative, and stakeholder functions. The PM will support the implementation of project plans, monitor progress, coordinate reporting and communications, and help ensure the delivery of a multi-country; multi-partner Research for Development (R4D) project focused on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) innovations for palm production systems.
About ICARDA
The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) is a treaty-based international non-profit research organization supported by CGIAR.
ICARDA\u2019s mission is to reduce poverty, enhance food, water, and nutritional security, as well as environmental health in the face of global challenges including climate change. We do this through innovative science, strategic partnerships, linking research to development, and capacity development that takes into account gender equality and the role of youth in transforming the dry areas. ICARDA works in partnership with governments, universities, civil society, national agricultural research organizations, other CGIAR Research Centers, and the private sector. With its temporary Headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon, ICARDA operates in regional and country offices across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. For more information: www.icarda.org.
Main responsibilities
Project Coordination & Management
Support the CPD and PC in implementing project plans in line with technical and financial priorities. Lead day-to-day operations of the project, coordinating closely with ICARDA\u2019s Workstream Leads (WSLs) and multidisciplinary research teams. Provide operational support for staff recruitment and coordination, in collaboration with the CPD. Ensure efficient communication and collaboration among project teams, consortium members, and external partners. Support planning and execution of procurement for research materials, field equipment, and services, in coordination with the Procurement Unit and PFCM. Facilitate the organization of workshops, technical committee meetings, and annual Steering Committee meetings.Technical & Research Oversight
Ensure alignment of research implementation with project objectives, donor requirements, in coordination with the HoTT. \u00b7Contribute to the quality control and packaging of scientific outputs, including reports, publications, briefs, and extension materials, in collaboration with ICARDA\u2019s Communications and MEL teams.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
Develop and implement the Project Performance Measurement Framework (PMF) ensuring its consistent use and implementation across partners Track key milestones, performance indicators (KPIs), and progress towards project outcomes Identify and escalate implementation risks, proposing a mitigation strategy as needed. Consolidate and submit timely technical and financial reports, donor updates and compliance documentation.
Stakeholder & Partnership Engagement
Support development and execution of partnership agreements in collaboration with the WAAR-RD, Legal Advisor and PGU team. Maintain engagement with key UAE and regional stakeholders, including MOCCAE, ADAFSA, and KIADPAI. Ensure effective dissemination of outputs to scientific, policy, and farming audiences, in close coordination with the CARDA Communication Unit.
Financial & Administrative Management
Monitoring project budgets, and expenditures in coordination with the PFCM and ensure compliance with ICARDA and donor policies & reporting requirements Support financial reporting, subgrant reviews, and coordination with partner organizations. Ensure efficient project closure, including completion of deliverable, documentation and procurement close-out.Requirements
Education, qualifications, and experience
Bachelor\u2019s or a Master\u2019s degree in project management, Agriculture Economy, Development Studies or a related field. At least 15 years of experience in managing complex R4D or donor-funded projects, preferably in agriculture or environmental sectors. Strong knowledge of project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Excel, Gantt charts, logical frameworks), particularly in scientific and donor-funded environments. Demonstrate experience in multi-country, multi-stakeholder environments, preferably with CGIAR centers or regional agriculture institutions. Proficiency in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems, data collection, and impact assessment methodologies. Demonstrated proficiency in project management tools and methodologies, including the use of MS Project, Excel, Word, and other relevant platforms (e.g., Gantt charts, logical frameworks, work breakdown structures) to plan, monitor, and report. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Arabic (knowledge of French is an advantage). Ability to work under pressure, deal with complex issues, & travel internationally to project sites as needed. Familiarity with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches agricultural R4D context. Experience of working with CGIAR centers, international organizations, or donor-funded projects. Experience in the Gulf States, or similar agroecological settings, including field-based work. Strong leadership and problem-solving skills with the ability to adapt to diverse cultural and research environments. Knowledge of pest control strategies, biological control agents, and sustainable agriculture practices is an advantage.Benefits
Terms of appointment, salary, and benefits
This is an internationally recruited position for which ICARDA offers an attractive compensation package including a competitive salary, housing allowance, non-contributory retirement plan, medical insurance and leave provisions. All benefits are denominated and paid in US Dollars. The successful candidate will be offered an initial contract of three years, renewable subject to satisfactory performance. The first year of appointment will be probationary period.
ICARDA accepts applications only in English which is the orhanization\u2019s official communication language. Applications in other languages will not be considered.
Only shortlisted applications will be contacted.