Project Manager on Extension related projects
Andrea Bohn
Visiting Project Manager
Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Location: Urbana Campus
The primary function of the Visiting Project Manager is to manage USAID funded Associate Awards to the Modernizing Extension and Advisory Services (MEAS) project such as the Farmer Advisory Services Tajikistan Program (FAST) and the Strengthening Extension and Advisory Services Activity (SEAS) in Georgia. FAST and SEAS are cooperative agreements administered by the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics. The Visiting Project Manager will be a campus based position.
Under the direction of the MEAS Project Director, the Visiting Project Manager’s main responsibilities are administrative oversight and strategic planning and implementation support to FAST, SEAS, and similar programs or activities. The position will be supported by the MEAS project manager in terms of grant management, to build skill sets with regard to extension system reform and to strengthen linkages with the general MEAS project so that FAST and SEAS will benefit from expertise developed under that project. The Visiting Project Manager will travel to Tajikistan and Georgia to oversee work done by collaborating institutions or persons, as well as subaward institutions, especially to verify expenditures, to evaluate and improve administrative procedures, and to assist with semi-annual and annual reporting.
Additionally, the position includes creating performance reports, tracking the financial and performance aspects of the project, and managing project records. The Visiting Project Manager will demonstrate strong administrative responsibility.
Appointment: The position is defined as a 100% time, 12 month visiting academic professional appointment. This position may become non-visiting and/or full-time in the future dependent upon funding and programmatic need. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. The start date will be as soon as possible after the close date of the search.
Responsibilities
Project management, administration, and coordination include, but are not limited to:
- Collaborate with the faculty FAST and SEAS Program Directors/MEAS Director on management, administrative, and implementation issues of the FAST program and SEAS Activity, as well as future associate award programs
- Communicate clearly with the Chiefs of Party, Deputy Chiefs of Party (based in Tajikistan, Georgia, etc.) and the MEAS Project Director on all aspects of project performance and implementation;
- Actively work to identify opportunities and challenges in meeting project output objectives and direct project partners to meet project performance goals;
- Manage all aspects of grant execution to comply with University and funding agency guidelines, deadlines, and regulations; including but not limited to writing of the annual work plan, performance monitoring plan, output documentation, report preparation and budget management;
- Organize and document outcomes of the FAST program and SEAS activity, etc., through publications, newsletters and web site;
- Identify and coordinate opportunities to collaborate with other relevant entities, in particular the MEAS project
- Overseas travel will be required.
Administrative Relationship: Reports to the MEAS Project Director.
Required Qualifications
Master’s degree in related subject work such as grant management in development projects, agricultural development, agricultural economics, extension education, adult education, community development, business management, or related areas. At least two years of experience in project management, development project management (especially USAID funded projects) and implementation.
Preferred Qualifications
Budget management, report writing, staff supervision, and other project management experience. Excellent skills in writing and presenting reports and findings to peer and non-peer audiences.
Application Procedure: Please create your candidate profile at http://jobs.illinois.edu and upload a cover letter and resume addressing your qualifications as they align with the job description. In addition, step one of the online application will require the names and contact information of three professional references. [https://jobs.illinois.edu/academic-job-board/job-details?jobID=35439&job=visiting-project-manager-department-of-agricultural-and-consumer-economics-a1300499]
Illinois is an Affirmative Action /Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity. (www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu).