Program Manager, Solutions for African Food Enterprises (SAFE)

Job Description

I. Program Description: Solutions for African Food Enterprises, SAFE, is a program implemented by TechnoServe (TNS) in Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania and Ethiopia through a partnership with USAID and Partners in Food Solutions (PFS). PFS is a non-profit organization which links the technical and business expertise of volunteer employees from General Mills, Cargill, Royal Dutch DSM, Bühler and The Hershey Company, with local food processors. SAFE seeks to increase competitiveness of the African food processing sector to expand availability of affordable and nutritious foods.

II. Position Description: The position is overall responsible for management and representation of the SAFE program in Ethiopia. The PM oversees business and technical capacity building for Ethiopian food processors and manages performance of the country program team consisting of Food Technologists and Business Advisers. The PM has overall accountability for delivery against agreed targets and objectives which include: to develop a pipeline of appropriate food processing companies; to select companies for engagement, identify their capacity building needs, draft project charters, support volunteer technology and knowledge transfer; to identify sector wide knowledge gaps and support the delivery of trainings around those gaps; to provide insight and support to Business Advisers and Food Technologists who support the capacity building requirements of the processors. S/he will work closely with the SAFE Regional Management Team and PFS to provide strategic business leadership to the country program including new business development, stakeholder management and commercialization of nutrition.

III. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1.   Strategy Development and Program Management

• Work with the regional management support team to develop a strategy, work-plan and budget


• Establish targets and a monitoring and evaluation system


• Team management, coordination and coaching


• Ensure timely implementation of program activities in accordance with sound managerial, technical, financial, human resource, and overall programmatic practices


• Lead regular meetings with the program team and implementing partners to track implementation progress, review progress, revise work-plans, share learnings and provide input on the business component of our support to local food processors


• Review the quality of the work completed by the program team on a regular basis to ensure that it meets TechnoServe standards


• In cooperation with the local Finance and Admin manager, monitor program budgets and approve relevant program expenditures in accordance with budget and TechnoServe policies


• Produce statistical and narrative reports for internal and external consumption, including success stories, challenges, case studies and impact results against selected indicators (monthly updates, PSR etc.)


• Represent SAFE at a national level, including coordination with other TechnoServe programs in Ethiopia.

2. Client Identification and Initial Development

Oversee and ensure quality of processes of client selection, on boarding and early wins in accordance with program standard procedures and best practice.

3. Business Development

• Develop understanding of the food processing industry environment and key stakeholders


• Cultivate relevant relationships to identify potential partnerships and opportunities for new business development


• Identify knowledge gaps in the local food processing industry and design relevant interventions


• With chosen partners, facilitate the design and delivery of sector-wide trainings


• Support country program team in business growth planning with selected food processors, including as appropriate: marketing strategies; business planning; capital raising; equipment procurement; profit and loss forecasting; finance, market and operational planning


• Develop a comprehensive program of SGB capacity development through coaching and practical knowledge transfer


• Develop strong understanding of local markets (both retail and food aid), oversee marketing studies for different food products and support market linkages for food processors


• Develop relations with financial lending institutions and support assisted food processors to access loans

 4.      Program Monitoring & Evaluation, Reporting & Learning

• Ensure the objectives and measures against which the program will be evaluated are clearly defined and understood by all team members

• Ensure appropriate processes / systems are in place to track program data necessary for monitoring, evaluation, and reporting

• Ensure a baseline is determined at the start of each client engagement

• Ensure program data and reports are transmitted to the M&E Manager on a timely basis

•  Prepare monthly report of project progress

• Proactively raise issues of concern with the regional management team

• Share lessons learned and best practices with the wider regional program team ti refine our engagement model for optimal efficiency and impact.

 5.      Stakeholder Management

• Establish and actively manage strong working relationships with implementing partners including USAID Ethiopia Mission, Micronutrient Initiative and CNFA

• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with other stakeholders including relevant Government ministries, financial institutions, private sector companies, business associations and civil society organizations

• Represent SAFE and TNS internal and external functions, respecting and promoting TNs’ values, vision and strategy

IV. Required Skills & Experience:

Candidates applying should possess the following requirements:

• Ethiopian citizen or right to work in Ethiopia

• Experience in program development and management, ideally with knowledge and experience of managing a USAID-funded project

• Strong interpersonal skills; proven ability and experience working with and managing teams, with ability to mentor and coach others

• Strong financial and business analysis skills preferred

• Knowledge of the agribusiness sector and/or nutrition in Ethiopia; experience in the private sector, particularly food processing, is an added advantage

• Degree in business program management or related discipline, Masters preferred

•  Minimum 5 years relevant working experience

• Good computer skills in business software (Excel, MS Project and PowerPoint)

• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to develop well-written, cohesive analyses and reports

• Fluency in English required together with Amharic

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Track record of building strong client and stakeholder relationships

• Ability to generate innovative solutions in work situations

• Willingness to travel to remote rural locations and internationally

V. Required Competencies:

• Process and project cycle management


• Leadership and Team management


• Planning and Organization


• Business development and Communication


• Internal and external stakeholder management


• Financial, Risk and Knowledge management

Closing date: April 29, 2016

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How to Apply

VI. Application Instructions:

Qualified and interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume and salary history to ethiopiajobs@tns.org or send through post office in the below address by Friday 29^th April 2016. Please identify the position/the Job ID for which you are applying in the subject line.  Only applicants meeting minimum qualifications will be contacted. No phone calls please.

Address:  TechnoServe Inc.

PO Box 100598

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

 

TechnoServe is an equal opportunity employer. Women are highly encouraged to apply.

This position is dependent on funding confirmation and TNS has the right to cancel this advertisement.

Job Categories: Management Jobs. Job Types: Full-Time. Job expires in 30 days.

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