Project Manager - Research for Development (R4D) in Integrated Pest Management

Reports to: Deputy Director General-Research

Location: Preferably in Rabat, Morocco with some flexibility to work from other project sites in UAE, Egypt, India and Nairobi, Kenya.

Main Purpose of the Position

The Project Manager will oversee the successful planning, execution, and completion of a multi-country Research for Development (R4D) project focused on delivering innovations in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for palm production systems. The role requires strong coordination between multidisciplinary research teams, strategic partners, and funding institutions. The Project Manager will ensure project deliverables are met within scope, budget, and timelines while maintaining high scientific standards, stakeholder engagement, and compliance with institutional and donor requirements.

The position will report directly to ICARDA’s Deputy Director General – Research (DDGR) and work closely with ICARDA’s research teams, national partners, and international collaborators.

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’s 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 take 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.

All CGIAR Centers are currently engaged into a reform process (“One CGIAR’”) that will help ICARDA and CGIAR achieve better impact through more strategically integrated research, unified governance, an integrated structure, and new research modalities across participating Research Centers. This transformation is supported by CGIAR donors who have committed to increased funding as a result of these reforms.

Main Responsibilities

Project Coordination & Management

· Lead the day-to-day operations of the project in collaboration with multidisciplinary research teams across six countries.

· Work with the Project Leader to recruit and manage project staff, including researchers, consultants, and technical specialists.

· Ensure effective communication and collaboration among project teams, partner institutions, and funding agencies.

· Oversee the procurement of research materials, field equipment, and services essential for project implementation.

· Organize and facilitate scientific workshops, stakeholder consultations, and project review meetings as needed.

Technical & Research Oversight

· Support research teams in the design, execution, and analysis of field trials related to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in palm production.

· Ensure alignment of research activities with project goals, funding requirements, and scientific best practices.

· Work with project scientists to synthesize findings into technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, and policy briefs.

· Track scientific and technological progress, ensuring results are translated into actionable recommendations for end-users.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

· Develop and implement the Project Performance Measurement Framework (PMF) in collaboration with the Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Specialist.

· Track and assess project milestones, key performance indicators (KPIs), and impact metrics.

· Identify risks, challenges, and corrective actions needed to ensure successful project execution.

· Ensure timely submission of progress reports, financial reports, and donor compliance documents.

· Manage project delivery and facilitate regular review meetings as per agreed timelines while ensuring ongoing adoption of any suitable developments.

Stakeholder & Partnership Engagement

· Work with the Project Leader, Legal Advisor, and Partnership & Resource Mobilization (PRM) team to draft and manage legal agreements with funding agencies and implementing partners.

· Maintain strong relationships with national and international research organizations, extension services, and policymakers.

· Ensure the project's outputs are effectively communicated to key stakeholders in scientific, policy, and farming communities.

Financial & Administrative Management

· Develop and manage the project budget, ensuring efficient use of resources.

· Forecast financial needs and ensure adherence to procurement and fund utilization policies.

· Support financial audits, procurement close-outs, and project closure activities, ensuring compliance with funders’ requirements.

Requirements

Education, Experience, and Qualifications

Essential Qualifications and Competencies

· Master’s or Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences, Entomology, Plant Protection, Environmental Sciences, Agronomy, or a related field.

· At least 7 years of experience in managing large-scale Research for Development (R4D) projects, preferably in Integrated Pest Management (IPM), sustainable agriculture, or crop protection.

· Strong knowledge of project management frameworks, particularly in scientific and donor-funded environments.

· Experience working in multi-country, multi-stakeholder projects with international research institutions, preferably in the Gulf and Northern African region.

· Familiarity with Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) methodologies, including data collection, impact assessment, and reporting.

· Proficiency in MS Project, Excel, Word, and project management tools (e.g., Gantt charts, logical frameworks).

· Strong written and verbal communication skills in English (knowledge of Arabic or French is an advantage).

· Ability to travel internationally to project sites as needed.

Desirable Qualifications and Competencies

· Experience working with CGIAR centers, international organizations, or donor-funded projects.

· 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 (3) years, renewable subject to satisfactory performance. The first year of appointment will be probationary period.