Project Manager - Research for Development (R4D)

CGIAR; Abu Dhabi; On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in agricultural research is seeking a Project Manager based in Abu Dhabi. The role involves overseeing complex multi-institutional projects aimed at combating the Red Palm Weevil through research-for-development initiatives. The successful candidate will support project planning, stakeholder engagement, and ensure effective communication among various teams. This position requires extensive experience in project management within agriculture or environmental sectors.

Benefits

Attractive compensation package

Housing allowance

Medical insurance

Non-contributory retirement plan

Leave provisions

Qualifications

• 15 years managing complex R4D or donor-funded projects.
• Experience in multi-country, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Proficient in English and Arabic, knowledge of French is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily project activities and manage operations.
• Ensure alignment of research implementation with project objectives.
• Develop and implement the Project Performance Measurement Framework.

Skills

Project management tools

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

Negotiation

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in project management, Agriculture Economy, or related field

Tools

MS Project

Excel

Gantt charts

Job description

Reports to : Deputy Director General – Research

Location : United Arab Emirates

Main purpose of the position

ICARDA is leading a Global Consortium of CGIAR Centers & partners under the Consortium for the Red Palm Weevil Control (C4RPWC) to deploy research-for-development (R4D) capacity to combat the Red Palm Weevil (RPW) pest in the UAE and beyond. This multi-partner initiative requires coordination across multiple institutions, complex planning, and high-level execution of activities, budgets, and delivery timelines. To ensure effective implementation, ICARDA is seeking a dedicated Project Manager (PM) to support day-to-day operational delivery and coordination.

The PM reports to ICARDA’s Deputy Director General – Research (DDGR), who serves as the Consortium Program Director (CPD). The PM will work in close collaboration with the Regional Director for The Central and West Asia, and North Africa (CWANA), the Consortium Project Coordinator (PC), the Head of the Technical Team (HoTT), Workstream Leads (WSLs), and the Program Finance and Compliance Manager (PFCM).

The Project Manager (PM) will play a key role coordinating daily project activities, acting as the operational anchor that links scientific, administrative, and stakeholder functions. The PM will support the implementation of project plans, monitor progress, coordinate reporting and communications, and help ensure the delivery of a multi-country; multi-partner Research for Development (R4D) project focused on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) innovations for palm production systems.

About ICARDA

The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) is a treaty-based international non-profit research organization supported by CGIAR. ICARDA’s mission is to reduce poverty, enhance food, water, and nutritional security, as well as environmental health in the face of global challenges including climate change. We do this through innovative science, strategic partnerships, linking research to development, and capacity development that takes into account gender equality and the role of youth in transforming the dry areas. ICARDA works in partnership with governments, universities, civil society, national agricultural research organizations, other CGIAR Research Centers, and the private sector. With its temporary Headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon, ICARDA operates in regional and country offices across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. For more information :

Main responsibilities

Project Coordination & Management

• Support the CPD and PC in implementing project plans in line with technical and financial priorities.
• Lead day-to-day operations of the project, coordinating closely with ICARDA’s Workstream Leads (WSLs) and multidisciplinary research teams.
• Provide operational support for staff recruitment and coordination, in collaboration with the CPD.
• Ensure efficient communication and collaboration among project teams, consortium members, and external partners.
• Support planning and execution of procurement for research materials, field equipment, and services, in coordination with the Procurement Unit and PFCM.
• Facilitate the organization of workshops, technical committee meetings, and annual Steering Committee meetings.

Technical & Research Oversight

• Ensure alignment of research implementation with project objectives, donor requirements, in coordination with the HoTT.
• Contribute to the quality control and packaging of scientific outputs, including reports, publications, briefs, and extension materials, in collaboration with ICARDA’s Communications and MEL teams.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Develop and implement the Project Performance Measurement Framework (PMF) ensuring its consistent use and implementation across partners
• Track key milestones, performance indicators (KPIs), and progress towards project outcomes
• Identify and escalate implementation risks, proposing a mitigation strategy as needed.
• Consolidate and submit timely technical and financial reports, donor updates and compliance documentation.

Stakeholder & Partnership Engagement

• Support development and execution of partnership agreements in collaboration with the WAAR-RD, Legal Advisor and PGU team.
• Maintain engagement with key UAE and regional stakeholders, including MOCCAE, ADAFSA, and KIADPAI.
• Ensure effective dissemination of outputs to scientific, policy, and farming audiences, in close coordination with the CARDA Communication Unit.
• Monitoring project budgets, and expenditures in coordination with the PFCM and ensure compliance with ICARDA and donor policies & reporting requirements
• Support financial reporting, subgrant reviews, and coordination with partner organizations.
• Ensure efficient project closure, including completion of deliverable, documentation and procurement close-out.

Requirements

Education, qualifications, and experience

• Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree in project management, Agriculture Economy, Development Studies or a related field.
• At least 15 years of experience in managing complex R4D or donor-funded projects, preferably in agriculture or environmental sectors.
• Strong knowledge of project management tools (, MS Project, Excel, Gantt charts, logical frameworks), particularly in scientific and donor-funded environments.
• Demonstrate experience in multi-country, multi-stakeholder environments, preferably with CGIAR centers or regional agriculture institutions.
• Proficiency in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems, data collection, and impact assessment methodologies.
• Demonstrated proficiency in project management tools and methodologies, including the use of MS Project, Excel, Word, and other relevant platforms (, Gantt charts, logical frameworks, work breakdown structures) to plan, monitor, and report.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Arabic (knowledge of French is an advantage).
• Ability to work under pressure, deal with complex issues, & travel internationally to project sites as needed.
• Familiarity with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches agricultural R4D context.
• Experience of working with CGIAR centers, international organizations, or donor-funded projects.
• Experience in the Gulf States, or similar agroecological settings, including field-based work.
• Strong leadership and problem-solving skills with the ability to adapt to diverse cultural and research environments.
• Knowledge of pest control strategies, biological control agents, and sustainable agriculture practices is an advantage.

Terms of appointment, salary, and benefits

This is an internationally recruited position for which ICARDA offers an attractive compensation package including a competitive salary, housing allowance, non-contributory retirement plan, medical insurance and leave provisions. All benefits are denominated and paid in US Dollars. The successful candidate will be offered an initial contract of three years, renewable subject to satisfactory performance. The first year of appointment will be probationary period.

ICARDA accepts applications only in English which is the organization’s official communication language. Applications in other languages will not be considered.

Only shortlisted applications will be contacted.