(RFP500124) - Junior Consultant, Programme Assistant in Sustainable Cocoa Value Chains Project

(RFP500124) - Junior Consultant, Programme Assistant in Sustainable Cocoa Value Chains Project

The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) deliver research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people’s lives. Alliance solutions address the global crises of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.

The Alliance works with local, national and multinational partners across Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and Africa, and with the public and private sectors. The Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources and ecosystem services.

The Global Partnerships Unit is looking for a self-motivated and proactive professional to support the design and implementation of the Sustainable Cocoa Value Chains initiative in West Africa, funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI). The incumbent will play a key role in providing efficient logistical, operational, and administrative support to ensure the success of the project, with travel on the ground as needed.

This position is preferably based in Europe (remote), or in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, with extensive field missions, under the supervision of the Senior Manager, Partnerships & Innovative Finance.

Responsibilities

1. Support the organization of consultations, workshops, and high-level meetings with stakeholders across West and North Africa, managing the booking, catering, logistics, security and protocol for events.
2. Document meeting discussions and outcomes, ensuring that key findings are captured accurately and efficiently.
3. Draft job descriptions, terms of reference (ToRs), invitations, agendas, and other required documents for events and activities.
4. Arrange travel for the project team and guide staff on payments, travel claims, and related processes.
5. Assist with hiring processes for interns, research fellows, and national and international staff, ensuring compliance with institutional requirements.
6. Facilitate requests for goods and services, follow up on implementation, and coordinate with accounting staff to process payments.
7. Support the preparation of budget estimates and expenditure forecasts, monitor resource allocation, reconcile expenses and ensure alignment with planned activities.
8. Prepare regular and ad hoc reports, maintain accurate spreadsheets and databases, and oversee internal controls for financial and administrative records.
9. Collaborate with administrative and research teams to identify and implement efficiency improvements.
10. Actively participate in fieldwork to gather insights.
11. Contribute to research writing exercises and other project documentation as needed.
12. Perform other relevant tasks as assigned by the Supervisor.

Minimum Requirements

1. Bachelor’s degree in Project or Business management and Administration, Logistics, Accounting, or related discipline.
2. Previous professional work experience (minimum 3 years) in similar administrative and project support role.
3. Fluency in both written and oral English and French is essential.
4. Sound interpersonal, communications, and teamwork skills; courtesy, tact and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different cultural and national backgrounds.
5. Sound personal organization, priority setting and problem-solving skills.
6. Sound judgment and initiative; ability to work independently within assigned areas.
7. Ability to work with ambiguity and take ownership of deliverables and manage multiple concurrent projects independently.
8. Interest in cocoa value chains in West Africa.

Terms of Employment

This is a remote, full-time, 11-month international consultancy opportunity, preferably based in Europe (remote), or in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, with extensive field missions, renewable based on extended needs and requirements. All consultancy fees and conditions will be administered in line with the Alliance approved policy for consultants.

Application Process

1. A detailed curriculum vitae (CV) and cover letter (CL) (using the candidate’s last name, first name for ease of sorting).
2. In the CV, include the names and email addresses of three professional referees who have worked with you and are knowledgeable about your skills and professional abilities.
3. Proposed consultancy fees for the period, indicated in daily USD.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Closing date for applications: 29 January 2025

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