Country Coordinator - Sierra Leone

About the Organization

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing agricultural innovations that tackle critical challenges across Africa such as hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and environmental degradation. Collaborating with partners throughout sub-Saharan Africa, IITA focuses on improving livelihoods, food and nutrition security, employment, and sustainable natural resource management. It is part of CGIAR, a global research consortium aiming for food security.

Position Overview

The Country Coordinator for Sierra Leone will lead the strategic, technical, operational, and administrative functions associated with the I-Youth 2.0 Project in the country. This role oversees planning, execution, financial oversight, donor compliance, partnership development, stakeholder relations, team leadership, and performance management. In addition, the Coordinator acts as the national custodian of IITA's Youth in Agribusiness (IYA) framework, nurturing the youth agripreneur network, coordinating alumni and mentorship programs, and linking local activities to the continental IYA network. The Coordinator also represents the project nationally and works to strengthen youth employment and sustainable agribusiness initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the country-level implementation of the I-Youth 2.0 Project, providing strategic direction and oversight.
• Develop and execute annual work plans, budgets, and operational schedules while ensuring efficient procurement processes.
• Manage all technical aspects including capacity building, enterprise and workforce development, partnerships, digital transformation, monitoring and evaluation, communication, and safeguarding.
• Supervise the country project team including field coordinators, ensuring strong coordination, staff development, and delivery of outcomes.
• Monitor project activities to guarantee alignment with approved plans, donor agreements, and institutional standards.
• Engage strategically with government bodies, development partners, private sector players, financial institutions, academia, and civil society to support project goals.
• Build and sustain partnerships that promote project sustainability, investment, and scalability.
• Oversee the establishment and functioning of Agribusiness Parks and enterprise incubation programs nationally.
• Drive effective workforce development, enterprise support, school-based programs, digital initiatives, and ecosystem strengthening efforts.
• Track and evaluate project performance against targets and indicators.
• Ensure responsible financial management, compliance with budgets, and meeting donor financial obligations.
• Maintain adherence to all applicable organizational policies, donor guidelines, procurement rules, safeguarding standards, and environmental/social safeguards.
• Lead risk management efforts including identifying risks and implementing mitigation strategies, escalating issues as needed.
• Coordinate timely preparation and submission of comprehensive technical, financial, and donor reports.
• Represent the project at national fora including meetings, policy dialogues, conferences, and donor events.
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities, strategic investments, and program expansions within Sierra Leone.
• Serve as the country focal point for the IYA brand, overseeing the growth and engagement of youth agripreneurs and alumni networks.
• Coordinate youth communication and mentorship activities, fostering peer exchange and leadership development.
• Manage mentor recruitment and support linked to incubation and agripreneur activities.
• Connect country-level IYA successes and activities with the continental IYA network and related initiatives to promote cross-country learning.
• Advocate for widespread adoption and recognition of the IYA and Agribusiness Park model by government and partners as a sustainable youth employment strategy.
• Support documentation and dissemination of success stories and lessons learned for internal learning, donor reporting, and public outreach.
• Organize country participation in continental IYA events such as competitions and exchange visits.
• Assist with resource mobilization and raising visibility for the IYA brand locally in partnership with communication teams.
• Undertake any additional tasks assigned by supervisors.

Candidate Requirements

Educational Background: A Master’s degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Business Administration, Development Studies, Economics, Project Management, Public Administration, International Development, or related fields is essential. Professional project management certification (PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent) is highly desirable.

Experience: A minimum of 10 years managing large, multi-sector development projects, with at least 5 years in senior leadership roles.

• Proven expertise in leading donor-funded multi-stakeholder programs.
• Strong background in youth employment, enterprise and workforce development, agribusiness, agricultural transformation, or rural development.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams across multiple locations, including sub-national levels.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex budgets and ensure donor compliance.
• Skill in establishing and nurturing strategic partnerships with diverse stakeholders including government, private sector, financiers, and research institutions.
• Track record in managing alumni, mentorship, or professional networks is an advantage.
• Competence in program planning, results-based management, risk mitigation, and organizational leadership.
• Experience representing organizations at national and international forums.
• Strong skills in financial, operational management, stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and advocacy.
• Excellent command of communication, reporting, and interpersonal skills with professionalism and integrity.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management tools.

Contract and Benefits

The position is based in Freetown, Sierra Leone with an initial contract duration of three years. The remuneration package is internationally competitive and paid in US dollars.

Application Process

Applicants should submit a cover letter detailing their relevant experience, curriculum vitae, and contact details for three referees (including a current or previous supervisor). Applications will be reviewed following the closing date of September 1, 2026. The employer is committed to equal opportunity and diversity, especially encouraging female candidates to apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.