Specialist Programme Management and Operations

Swiss Forum for International Agricultural Research; Roma; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Alliance of Bioversity International & CIAT in Rome, Italy, seeks a Specialist, Programme Management and Operations to support planning, implementation, and monitoring of projects within the Business Development and Diversification unit. The role coordinates with HQ teams, country offices, and external partners to ensure timely delivery of outputs.

The position also supports procurement processes, budget monitoring, and donor compliance, contributing to strategic initiatives such as the Cacao

Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree required in a relevant field.
• 3–5 years of experience in international development, project or programme management, procurement or coordination.
• Experience managing complex projects and coordinating multiple stakeholders.
• Experience in procurement processes, budget monitoring and donor compliance is a strong asset.
• Excellent written and verbal English; knowledge of French and Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support planning, execution, and day-to-day monitoring of project activities within the BDD Unit.
• Assist in ensuring operational effectiveness of projects and partnerships.
• Support project design, implementation, and evaluation activities.
• Contribute to the Cacao Connect Initiative and coordinate with HQ, country offices and partners.
• Coordinate procurement processes, budget monitoring, and governance activities.
• Provide operational updates and analytical input to senior management.
• Participate in field missions, regional meetings, and stakeholder engagement.
• Draft and prepare project documents such as terms of reference, work plans, concept notes, and reports.

Skills

Project management

Coordination

Stakeholder engagement

English proficiency

Education

Master’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Law, or related field

Job description

(RFP500608) Specialist, Programme Management and Operations (Rome, Italy)

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 and under the direct supervision of the Senior Manager Business Development and Diversification, supports the effective planning, implementation, and monitoring of projects within the Business Development and Diversification (BDD) Unit. The position provides operational support, facilitates procurement processes and supports senior management with technical and strategic inputs to ensure high-quality project delivery and smooth partnership collaboration.

The role also supports the implementation of strategic initiatives, including Cacao Connect Initiative, ensuring effective coordination, communication, and alignment with organizational priorities.

Key duties and responsibilities

• Support the planning, execution, and day-to-day monitoring of project activities within the Business Development and Diversification (BDD) Unit.
• Assist in ensuring the operational effectiveness of projects and partnerships, supporting high-quality programme delivery.
• Support project design, implementation, and evaluation activities.
• Contribute to the effective implementation of initiatives under the Cacao Connect Initiative.
• Support operational coordination, procurement processes, and project governance activities.
• Act as an operational liaison between HQ teams, country offices, and external partners.
• Liaise with external technical partners, and stakeholders involved in project initiatives.
• Support senior management by providing timely operational updates and analytical input on projects and partnerships.
• Participate in field missions, regional meetings, and partner engagement activities.
• Coordinate tasks for consultants, interns, and support staff involved in project activities.
• Coordinate daily project workflows, monitoring, and reporting activities.
• Support the drafting and preparation of project documents such as Terms of Reference, work plans, concept notes, and reports.
• Assist with procurement requests, contract processing, and budget monitoring processes.
• Support the preparation of donor deliverables and ensure compliance with reporting requirements.
• Contribute to the planning and coordination of workshops, missions, and stakeholder meetings.
• Coordinate effectively communication across teams and partners to guarantee timely delivery of outputs.
  

Requirements

Required qualifications and experience

• Postgraduate degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Law, or a related field.
• Preferably at least 3-5 years of relevant professional experience in international development, project or programme management, procurement, or coordination within international organizations, NGOs, or multilateral institutions.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex projects and coordinating multiple stakeholders.
• Experience supporting project implementation, monitoring, and reporting.
• Experience in procurement processes, budget monitoring, and donor compliance is considered a strong asset.
• Experience working in international or multi-country environments is desirable.
  
• Strong project management and coordination skills.
• Good understanding of donor compliance, reporting requirements, and project governance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, Knowledge of French and Spanish is preferred.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and online collaboration tools.
  

Terms of employment

This position is a nationally recruited staff position based in Rome, Italy.

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 BG08 level, with a minimum annual basic salary of Euro 50,024 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).

Applications

Applications closing date: 29 October 2026