Vacancy Announcement | Project Manager, Kofi Annan Commission on Food Security

This position has been filled. Applications are now closed.

The Kofi Annan Foundation seeks a Project Manager for a 13-month full-time assignment with the Kofi Annan Commission on Food Security, starting in January 2024.

Key Information

Role: Project Manager, Kofi Annan Commission on Food Security (13-month full-time assignment)

Location: Not fixed. We are open to candidates from various locations.

• The Project Manager can be based in Geneva if they hold a valid work permit for Switzerland or are a national of Switzerland or the European Union. They will then receive a fixed-term staff contract.
• If working remotely, the Project Manager will be offered a 13-month consultancy contract.

This person will be expected to travel to Geneva regularly and to other locations where the Commission may meet or where consultations may be held.

Duration of Assignment: 13 months, starting in January 2024/as soon as possible, full-time.

Application Process: Interested candidates should send a CV and letter of motivation to hr@kofiannanfoundation.org. Early applications will be prioritised. Applications will close as soon as a suitable candidate has been identified.

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Background

We are not on course to reach Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2) for a world free of hunger by 2030, where all people, especially the poor and vulnerable, can access safe, nutritious, and sufficient food all year round. The rise in hunger and food insecurity, fueled by a complex interplay of factors, demands immediate attention at the highest political level and coordinated global efforts to alleviate this critical developmental and humanitarian challenge. The Kofi Annan Foundation proposes to convene a credible, impartial multi-stakeholder group of leaders in the form of a Commission to review the challenges to the global food security architecture and develop policy recommendations based on research and consultations to help transform current food security governance.

The Kofi Annan Commission on Food Security will outline the possible models of a global food governance system fit for the purpose of achieving a world with sustainable, equitable and resilient food security. The Commission will convene for the first time in the first quarter of 2024 and produce its final report by the third quarter of the same year. An advocacy campaign to disseminate and promote the findings and recommendations of the report will then be held over the last quarter of 2024.

Responsibilities

Working under the supervision of the Executive Director and the Head of the Democracy, Governance and Elections Programme, the Project Manager will be responsible for the overall project management and the day-to-day administrative management of the Commission. Associated responsibilities and tasks will include:

• Planning of commission activities under the guidance of its Chair and the Executive Director of the Kofi Annan Foundation.
• Making all necessary arrangements for the meetings of the Commission and consultations/dialogues – internal and with external partners and experts.
• Maintaining communications with and amongst Commissioners; assisting the Chairman and other members of the Commission in performing their duties as required.
• Liaising with Commission partners; providing updates on the work of the Commission; coordinating Commission activities in areas of mutual interest/engagement.
• Identifying and sourcing experts to advise Commissioners as required.
• Drafting and overseeing production of the Commission’s final report and any interim reports that may be submitted (editing, translation, printing, etc.)
• In cooperation with the Kofi Annan Foundation’s Head of Communications, designing and implementing a communications and media/outreach strategy for the Commission.
• Sourcing expertise to carry out external evaluation reports at the end of the project and liaising with the expert/company preparing the evaluation report.
• Drafting the final narrative report for the donor and working with the Foundation’s Head of Administration and Finance to prepare a final financial report for the donor.

Essential Competencies

• Excellent planning and organizational skills
• Excellent communication, advocacy, diplomatic and interpersonal skills
• Ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relationships with internal and external parties in a multi-cultural environment
• Very good English drafting skills
• Resourcefulness, initiative, and maturity of judgement
• The capacity to work under pressure, manage stress and adapt to rapidly evolving situations
• Creativity, openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Requirements

Required Education/Qualifications:

Master’s degree – or equivalent post-graduate qualification – in development studies, international relations, agronomy, political science, economics, social sciences, international law or closely related fields. Candidates who do not meet the educational qualification requirement but have exceptional relevant experience and a first-level university degree are encouraged to apply. 

Required Experience:

• 8 to 10 years of professional experience managing or contributing to large-scale projects involving research, consultations, report drafting and advocacy.
• Solid knowledge of global issues related to food, nutrition and/or agriculture.
• Experience working in the multilateral system or development cooperation.
• Experience working in the secretariats of high-level panels, international commissions or other such mechanisms would be a definite advantage.

Language:

The working language of this position is English. A working knowledge of French would be an advantage.

Contact and Application Process

Applicants are required to submit their CV and letter of motivation in English to hr@kofiannanfoundation.org. Early applications will be prioritised. Applications will close as soon as a suitable candidate has been identified.