Overview
The Innovation Hub Coordinator for Western Africa will orchestrate regional innovation ecosystem development for agroecological transitions, combining project management with ecosystem facilitation. The role ensures alignment between country and regional activities and builds networks among innovation actors.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and implement Inception Phase activities (assessments, launching events, stakeholder engagement)
- Develop work plans and budgets ensuring timely delivery of milestones
- Coordinate Partner Hub Organizations through regular meetings and annual workshops
- Prepare project documentation and reports for FAO management and donors
- Support Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning system implementation
- Draft Terms of Reference and manage affiliate personnel and service providers
- Ensure quality and methodological compliance of Innovation Policy Labs and national roadmap processes
- Support agricultural innovation system (AIS) for agroecology transition assessments, and data collection in Senegal
- Co-design and market the four hub services (ENVISION, EMPOWER, UNLOCK, ACCELERATE)
- Oversee development of regional innovation portfolios for agroecological transitions
- Support training programs for innovation facilitators and the Community of Practice
- Build relationships with government, civil society, private sector, and community organizations
- Organize multi-stakeholder platforms and Policy Innovation Challenges
- Facilitate engagement with EU Delegations, DeSIRA+ implementers, and development partners
- Coordinate with regional continental and international organizations
- Organize and participate in project workshops, assessments, and roadmap discussions in Senegal
- Coordinate the technical development of regional hub guidebooks, documenting services and lessons learned
- Support the preparation of outreach materials and knowledge products with technical inputs
- Contribute to regional content for the TAPipedia platform and AIS country Dashboard
- Liaise with other subregional coordinators to exchange information and lessons learned
Required Experience
- At least five years of proven experience in: project management in international context; facilitation and coordination of multistakeholder innovation processes including interacting with policy- and decision makers at various levels; Working with regional-level programs or networks; Capacity development and training delivery.
- Demonstrated experience working in sub-Saharan Africa
- Familiarity with and knowledge of agricultural innovation systems and agroecology in the sub-region
- Experience working with FAO is an asset
Qualifications
• Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO (at least MSc) in agricultural innovation systems, rural development, agroecology, agricultural economics, development studies, innovation management, agricultural extension/education, other related social sciences; Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
