The Organization
The International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) is part of the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT. CIAT delivers research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people’s lives. CIAT solutions address the global crisis of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.
CIAT works with local, national and multinational partners across Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and Africa, and with the public and private sectors. CIAT is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to transforming food, land and water systems in a climate crisis.
About the project
The 36-months 3S project aims to enhance climate resilience and promote the socio-economic and environmental sustainability of agricultural practices in ASEAN countries through the introduction of sustainable agriculture practices and agricultural mechanization solutions for the maize, cassava, and sugar supply chains. The direct target of the project are 80 policymakers, representatives of National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) and farmers organizations of ASEAN members states (AMS) who will benefit from high level trainings. Moreover, three pilot projects involving at least 300 farmers will be realized in 3 AMS to be selected by the steering committee during the inception phase.
The expected impact aligns with the “people” pillar, in line with the 2030 Agenda goal to “End hunger and poverty and ensure dignity and equality for all in ASEAN member states.” The project’s overall objective is to ensure, by 2030, sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, help maintain ecosystems, strengthen the capacity to adapt to climate change, extreme weather events, drought, flooding, and other disasters, and progressively improve soil quality.
To achieve this objective, the initiative is harmonized with the food security and agricultural development goals outlined in ASEAN guidelines to promote climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices, the ASEAN regional guidelines for sustainable agriculture, the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint 2025, the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework, the ASEAN Cooperation in Food, Agriculture, and Forestry 2016-2025, the ASEAN Integrated Food Security (AIFS) Framework, and the Strategic Plan of Action on Food Security in the ASEAN region (SPA-FS) 2021-2025.
About the position
The International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) is seeking a Project Coordinator with a rural development background to coordinate the implementation of a component of the 3S project. The project is funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation and is implemented by a consortium led by the University of Milan (Department of Agricultural Mechanization) in partnership with the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna di Pisa (which will focus on participatory improvement of cassava varieties) and The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT.
The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT is responsible for the technical coordination of the project, the organization of the trainings, the supervision of the 3 pilot projects and, in close coordination with the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna di Pisa, the work on cassava.
The Project Coordinator will work under the supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI) and coordinate a team of technical experts from the Alliance. He/She will work in close coordination with the other members of the consortium and the ASEAN Secretariat; contribute to the design and supervision of the pilot projects; coordinate the drafting of technical reports and work closely with the M&E expert recruited by ASEAN; assist the PI in the institutional relations with the AICS Hanoi, the Italian Embassy in Jakarta, ASEAN and AMS representatives.
The position is critical to supporting the project’s strategic objectives in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
Key duties & responsibilities
Project Management
- Plan, in coordination with UNIMI, SSSA and ASEAN, the implementation of the project activities;
- Coordinate and supervise the team of experts that will implement the activities entrusted to the Alliance;
- Authorize and monitor expenditures related to the activities entrusted to the Alliance. In this endeavor, the Project Coordinator will be supported by the PI and the Alliance administrative and financial departments;
- Propose, in coordination with UNIMI, SSSA and ASEAN and the PI, effective solutions to technical, logistical, social and financial problems encountered during the implementation of project’s activities.
Technical and Methodological Management
- Coordinate the design and supervise the implementation of the activities entrusted to the Alliance;
- Contribute to the design of the data collection for the baseline of the project;
- Contribute to the design and adaptation of training modules according to actual needs of trainees (in coordination with ASEAN, UNIMI and SSSA);
- Coordinate the design and supervision of the 3 pilot projects.
Strategic Collaboration and Reporting
- Actively participate in meetings with strategic partners to ensure technical activities align with project objectives;
- Prepare technical reports in English, including recommendations based on advanced analyses and field findings;
- Ensure that results and technical recommendations are clearly and effectively communicated to internal and external stakeholders.
Required qualifications and experience
- Master’s degree in Agricultural Sciences or related fields. PhD is a plus;
- Significant professional experience in the field of sustainable rural development in South-East Asia, including coordination of research and development interventions; previous working experience with CGIAR organizations is a plus;
- Significant experience in working with Universities/NARS in South-East Asia;
- Significant experience in fostering community dialogue and design of innovative technologies, including in indigenous communities in South-East Asia;
- Advanced English proficiency (oral and written).
Competences
- Advanced communication skills to interact with multidisciplinary teams and strategic partners;
- Leadership and autonomous decision-making capabilities;
- Results-oriented with attention to detail;
- Critical thinking and innovation;
- Strategic planning and time management skills;
- Strong collaboration skills for interdisciplinary teamwork.
Terms of contract
This position is a national recruited position based in Hanoi, Vietnam. The position is expected to start from early October 2025 (or earlier if possible). The position will begin with an initial six-month temporary staff contract which may be renewed or converted to a regular staff contract depending on performance and project administrative procedures. The position is entitled to SHUI and Trade Union contributions as per Vietnamese Labour Law.
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.
Applications
Please send applications to [email protected] with the subject line: Temporary Staff – Project Coordinator. Cover letter and CV should be saved as one document using the candidate’s last name, first name for ease of sorting (Cover letter should illustrate your motivation to apply and suitability for the above position against the listed qualifications and work responsibilities. Detailed curriculum vitae should include the names and email addresses of three professional referees who are knowledgeable about your skills and professional abilities).
CIAT collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws.
Applications closing date: 14 September 2025
Please note that email applications will not be considered.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
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