Internal call - (RFP500588) Coordinator I, AgriTech West Africa Projects (Rome, Italy), Rome

The Organization

The Alliance of Bioversity International & CIAT delivers 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.

About the position

Based in Rome, Italy and under the direct supervision of Senior Manager, Business Development and Diversification, the position supports the design, development and implementation of acceleration programs for science-based innovations in West Africa. The position contributes to the scaling of research-based solutions, strengthening partnerships with innovation ecosystems, and supporting the positioning of CGIAR innovations among partners, investors and stakeholders.

Key duties and responsibilities

• Support the operational rollout and coordination ofA4IP-led or partnered programmes supporting research outputs valorization and technology transfer in West Africa.
• Provide operational and administrative support to the scaling and positioning of Alliance/CGIAR innovations within regional innovation ecosystems.
  
• Support programme development, partnership growth, and the long-term sustainability of A4IP initiatives.
  
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the A4IP business model and programme approach.
• Participate in and support logistics for  the Alliance/CGIAR in innovation ecosystem initiatives, events, workshops, and donor meetings.
• Act as focal point within the Montpellier International Innovation Hub and support relationships with key stakeholders.
• Liaise with donors, partners, innovation hubs, accelerators, and private sector stakeholders to support programme development and funding opportunities.
• Ensure Alliance/CGIAR innovations are effectively positioned and communicated to partners, investors, and innovation stakeholders.
• Supervise and mentor consultants and interns involved in project implementation and knowledge management activities.
• Track programme performance, partner satisfaction, and delivery outcomes.
• Develop and manage project documentation, including Terms of Reference (ToR), workplans, reports, background documents, and meeting minutes.
• Ensure effective coordination and tracking of project activities and support internal reporting requirements.
• Develop and maintain communication and visibility materials (presentations, website content, social media content, and communication outputs).
• Provide editorial and knowledge management support, including drafting and editing knowledge products.
• Review and report communication performance metrics using relevant tools.
• Maintain and update project databases and contact lists in coordination with the A4IP team.

  Requirements
  Required qualifications and experience 
  

  • Undergraduate degree in International Development, International Relations, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
  • Professional experience (preferably at least 4 years) in international cooperation, innovation, agritech, or a related field.
  • Proficiency of the English and French language, both written and spoken.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite packages (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with virtual collaboration tools.
    Required competencies
    
    • Demonstrated understanding of the agri-tech and agrifood innovation ecosystem, including key trends, stakeholders, and innovation dynamics.
    • • roficiency in data management and data visualization (e.g., Airtable, Power BI), with the ability to organize, analyse, and present data effectively.
    • Excellent writing and storytelling skills, with the ability to convey complex and technical content in clear, engaging, and concise formats.
    • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with team members and external stakeholders.
    • Dynamic, proactive, and opportunity-driven, with the ability to identify and act on potential partnerships and collaboration opportunities.
    • Meticulous and highly organized, with strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality outputs.

      Benefits
      Terms of employment

      This position is a nationally recruited staff position based in Rome, Italy open to internal candidates, namely: regular staff members, complementary staff members and individuals who are currently employed or have completed a contract with Bioversity in the last 12 months.
      The initial contract will be for up to one (1) year, subject to a probation period of six (6) months, and is renewable depending on performance and availability of resources.
      This position is graded at BG06 level, with a minimum annual basic salary of Euro 43,306 in a scale of BG02 to BG14 (BG14 being the highest level according to the Alliance job classification framework policy). We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits including but not limited to insurance, retirement plan, staff training and development, paid time off and flexible working arrangements.
      The Alliance of Bioversity International & CIAT is committed to fair, safe, and inclusive workplaces. We believe that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical for our mission. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority. We encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability statuses, sexual orientations, marital status, and gender identities. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

      Please note that eligible applicants must have the legal status to live and work in Italy:

      • Be Italian nationals holding a valid passport or identity card.
      • Or be EU citizens holding a valid passport or identity card and confirmation of registration from the Registrar’s Office (Anagrafe).
      • Or Non–EU citizens holding a valid Italian work permit (permesso di soggiorno per lavoro subordinato).
        Applications
        Applicants are invited to visit to get full details of the position and to submit their applications. Applications MUST include reference number RFP500588 – Coordinator I, AgriTech West Africa Projects as the position applied for. Cover letter and CV should be saved as one document using the candidate’s last name, first name for ease of sorting. The Alliance collects and process personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws.
        Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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        Applications closing date: 21 August 2026
        Please note that email applications will not be considered.
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