Program Director – Soil Values

Responsibilities

Leadership


Provide the overall vision and leadership of the project;
Build, guide and steer a strong implementation team of experts;
Represent the project in meetings, conferences, and other opportunities conducive to publicizing, promoting and marketing the project’s (and project partners’) achievements;
Maintain coherence between activities in West Africa, activities by project partners and the private sector partners;
Maintain strong and effective working relationships with DGIS and country EKNs through frequent updates as per the communications plan and other adhoc communication required.


Overall programmatic management


Lead regular project management meetings with our consortium members;
Initiate and organize project supervisory board meetings at least twice a year and other key meetings;
Ensure consistency among activities implemented in the 4 priority countries;
Monitor project overall expenditure and private sector contribution against budgets and ensure financial compliance to both donor requirements and IFDC procedures;
Supervise completion of timely and high-quality work plans, progress reports and financial reports;
Monitor project indicators in accordance with the Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Plan, evaluate program results and take necessary corrective actions whenever needed;
Collaborate with IFDC HQ to ensure that managerial, administrative and financial procedures comply with provisions of the project contract, the donor regulations and IFDC policies.


Communications and outreach


Oversee the convening, outreach and communications strategy of the project;
Supervise communications specialists and guide them on topics to be highlighted through success stories, case studies, fact sheets and other outreach materials;
Oversee the knowledge & learning including advocacy strategy of the project;
Review and approve all public relations materials.


Finance and administration


Approve and monitor overall project expenditure including expenditure rates of the project and consortium partners;
Ensure all activities are conducted within the scope of the project budget;
Assure that cost share is obtained from partners as planned and properly accounted for and that buy-in targets are met;
Compile and approve annual financial reporting and monitoring and evaluation reports and outcomes.


Requirements


Master’s degree (or equivalent) in business management, agribusiness, agricultural economics, development economics; rural development;
A minimum of 15 years of hands-on experience in international agricultural development, with a sizable portion of this experience in West Africa;
Proven record of accomplishment and expertise in soil fertility management, with a deep understanding of sustainable agricultural practices;
Demonstrated senior management and leadership experience, including overseeing complex projects or teams;
Established and active relationships with key stakeholders in West Africa, both in the public and private sectors, related to agricultural development and soil fertility;
Experience in developing partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including governments and government entities, private sector actors, and development partners;
Fluent in both French and English, enabling effective collaboration in multicultural settings;
Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively convey project objectives and achievements.