1.    Background

The Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA) is a sub-regional organization (SRO) created by the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) member states to coordinate cooperation in agricultural research and development. The SADC region is being adversely affected by climate change. This impact is also affecting the agricultural sector and it is posing a major threat to regional food and nutritional security. The impact is more severe on resource poor farmers who are the majority of rural dwellers. Nonetheless, opportunity exists for various stakeholders to work together to harness their skills and capacities to contribute towards the transformation of regional agriculture through adoption of innovative approaches.

A newly launched EU initiative on the Development of Smart Innovation through Research in Agriculture (DeSIRA) intends to boost the transformation of innovation in agriculture and food systems in partner countries make them to be more resilient to climate change and better responding to development demands. This specific Action will support the African continental and sub-regional organisations (SROs) for agricultural research and innovation (SAOARI), namely: FARA, AFAAS, ASARECA, CCARDESA, and CORAF. The direct beneficiaries of this action are the national agricultural knowledge and innovation systems (NAKIS) in African countries, while the ultimate beneficiaries of the transformation of these agricultural knowledge and innovation systems are the rural poor comprising smallholder farmers, women and youth agri-preneurs and pastoralists, as well as marginalized communities.

CCARDESA will implement this initiative in the SADC region as the “Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program ex Pilar IV” (CAADP-xP4) programme in collaboration with other SROs and other key stakeholders in the regional agricultural knowledge and innovation space.  This regional program that will be funded by the European Union through the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) will cover 7 countries (Botswana, Eswatini, Namibia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. These Member States require capacity strengthening on assorted areas, including: policy analysis, harmonization, advocacy, MEL, coordination, fiduciary processes, resource mobilization, and other internal protocols.

Project Goal

The project support will contribute to AU’s Agenda 2063 and in implementation of Agenda 2030. It contributes primarily to the progressive achievement of SDG Goal 2 (zero hunger), and combat climate change and its impacts (SDG13). It also promotes progress towards ending poverty (SDG1), gender equality (SDG5), decent work and economic growth (SDG8), and responsible consumption and production (SDG12).

Overall Objective (Impact): The programme will promote climate-relevant, productive, and sustainable transformation of agriculture and food systems in low and middle-income countries in Africa, thereby specifically contributing to the achievement of the SDG Targets.

Specific Objective (Outcome): The Action is anticipated to eventually contribute to improved capacities of CCARDESA to strengthen and support agricultural knowledge and innovation partners at all levels in Africa to transform agriculture and food systems and to influence policy formulation through effective linkages to and the use of climate relevant science, knowledge and innovation.

CCARDESA therefore seeks to appoint a qualified and experienced Programme Coordinator to lead the successful implementation of the CAADP-XP4 project. The selected candidate will be based at CCARDESA headquarters in Gaborone, Botswana, and will be offered a 3 year fixed term renewable performance-based contract.

CAADP-XP4 Project Coordinator

1.1.    Job Description

The CAADP-XP4 Project Coordinator will report to the Programme and Grants Manager of CCARDESA and will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of all activities that CCARDESA will carry out under CAADP-XP4 with responsibilities also to the Research and Advisory Services Coordinator. With direct management support from the CCARDESA Executive Director, the CAADP-XP4 Coordinator will ensure that the CAADP-XP4 Project implements the commitments as set out in its Strategic Plan and Annual Work Plans.  S/he will ensure that suitable monitoring and project reporting is done in a comprehensive and timely manner to ensure that the Project achieves the desired outcomes/impacts. S/he is expected to contribute to development and implementation of Projects both within the CCARDESA Secretariat and among CCARDESA’s stakeholders or key partners engaged in implementing sub-projects and different regional initiatives. In carrying out the duties, the CAADP-XP4 Coordinator will be assisted by a Programme Officer.

1.2. Terms of reference for CAADP-XP4 Project Coordinator

With the overall responsibility of technically supporting CCARDESA to coordinate the CAADP-XP4 Project, the main functions of the CAADP-XP4 Coordinator are:

1.2.1.    Provide Project Leadership and Coordination

a. Convening annual regional strategic planning meetings to assess results, identify priority areas for improving the performance of national agricultural R&D systems, and approve annual work plans.
b. Providing technical support to capacity building initiatives targeting the participants in the overall agricultural innovation system, including researchers, extension agents, farmers, private firms, and civil society organizations.
c. Working closely with the project national focal points and stakeholders to develop, review, and validate concept notes and project proposals to implement high-priority climate-relevant agricultural R&D in the targeted commodities.
d. Preparing a regional monitoring and evaluation framework and supporting the seven participating countries in developing and implementing national M&E plans and in conducting impact assessments.
e. In collaboration with participating countries and other stakeholders, facilitating the harmonization of policies and regulations governing the transfer of improved agricultural technologies across SADC countries.
f. Developing and implementing an advocacy strategy, including the production and dissemination of public awareness materials such as case studies, policy papers targeted at development partner, policy makers and end users.
g. Conducting regular analysis and action planning meetings to review progress against milestones, targets, and quality expectations; identify issues requiring further attention and define action needed
h. Design, carry out and/or supervise consultants conducting assignments under the CAADP-XP4 Project.

1.2.2.    Facilitation of Organisational Learning

a. Seek to identify learning points across the range of work carried out by CCARDESA and partners, and identify opportunities to share this learning through meetings, workshops, reports, CCARDESA website etc.
b. Identifying, document, store and share lessons learned that have implications for refinement of best organizational and programmatic practice.

1.2.3.    Capacity building

a. Promote and strengthen the understanding of the importance of climate relevant interventions within CCARDESA and implementing partner teams
b. Mainstream gender and youth participation during program design and implementation
c. Identify, recommend and implement a capacity building programmes for staff and other stakeholders in the CAADP-XP4 Project.

1.2.4.    Planning

a. Ensure the linkages of the CAADP-XP4 Project to the overall planning and the annual work plans of CCARDESA.
b. Ensure planning linkage with CAADP-XP4 project stakeholders and partners
c. Integrate cross-cutting issues such as HIV/AIDS, youth and gender;

1.2.5.    Representation

a. Promotion of CCARDESA’s positive image through collaboration and networking.

1.2.6.    Reporting

a. Undertake quality control and final editing of all reports and documents generated at CCARDESA level, ensuring all documents reflect sound practice and are accurate, clear and informative.
b. Facilitate the dissemination of the reports through various channels such as conferences, planning and review workshops, stakeholder workshops or other CCARDESA channels.
c. Developing and maintaining a comprehensive database of CAADP-XP4 activities and overseeing the production and dissemination of progress reports to CCARDESA partners and stakeholders.

1.3.    Minimum Qualifications and Requirements

1.3.1.    Knowledge

A post graduate degree, preferably at the PhD level, in agriculture, international development, agro-climatology or other relevant field.

1.3.2.    Experience

1. Proven 10yrs experience in programme/project management, preferably in an international organization or regional project, with proven experience in proposal writing, project management, and monitoring and evaluation.
2. At least 5 years high level supervisory and administrative experience.

1.3.3.    Skills and Abilities

1. Proficiency in computer and strong analytical skills, in Microsoft Word, Excel, power point, statistical analysis packages and email.
2. Excellent communicator
3. The working language will be English. Therefore, fluency in written and spoken English is required.
4. Knowledge of the other two SADC working languages (French and Portuguese) will be an added advantage
5. Proven experience of developing bankable regional projects/programmes.

1.3.4.    Personality Traits

1. Proactive leadership skills and accountable
2. Ability to lead by example and drive change.
3. Results-oriented,
4. Ability to work in a team
5. Demonstrated ability to work in multicultural, international environment.
6. Willingness to travel extensively including in farming areas
7. Ability to learn new approaches and to mentor others

2. Submission of Applications

CCARDESA is an equal opportunity employer. Women and those with French or Portuguese language skills are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications including an expression of interest and a comprehensive curriculum vitae, together with the names, titles, addresses, and email and telephone contacts of three referees should be sent by email to:

he Finance and Administration Manager,
CCARDESA Secretariat, Ground Floor,
Red Brick Building, Plot 4701, Station Exit Road,
Private Bag 00357, Gaborone, Botswana;
Telephone: +267 391 4997; Fax: +267 316 7211.
E-mail Address: [email protected] copied to [email protected];

3. Remuneration

The position is full time and based at the CCARDESA Secretariat in Gaborone, Botswana. Remuneration is highly competitive and is based on CCARDESA approved grading system.

4. Closing Date

Applications will be accepted up to 31 January, 2020. Only shortlisted applicants