Program Manager Job in Nairobi, Kenya

An international nonprofit organization that supports smallholder producers in collaboration with private entities and other stakeholders is seeking to recruit a program manager for its horticulture portfolio.

Based in Nairobi, with county offices within other Eastern Africa Countries, the organization works with private companies, cooperative societies and other NGOs to improve the livelihoods of small holder producers along various agricultural commodity value chains.

Program Manager, Horticulture  

Location:  Nairobi, Kenya

Position Summary: 

The Program Manager, Horticulture will be responsible for the successful implementation of the
organization’s Horticulture Program and lead the overall growth of the program initially in Kenya and to other countries within the Eastern Africa Region. S/he will be responsible for coordinating implementing partners’ activities and managing sub grants and/or consultants.

S/he will maintain relationships with key stakeholders and partners, ensure that producers, producer groups and participating partners implement program activities in line with the organization’s annual and commodity plans and in tandem with the organization’s vision and mission. S/he will work closely with colleagues in the organization’s global network, especially the Head of Department for Fruits and vegetables.

Responsibilities 

Policy Development:
  • Responsible for developing a long-term strategic policy in the areas of Sustainable Chain Development in Horticulture;
  • Following developments (in the industry, both scientific and political developments) on sustainable horticulture;
  • Translating policy, in dialogue with partners and other stakeholders in projects with specific objectives, activities and outcomes;
  • Coordinating the organization of proper and timely delivery of information to donors (according to donor-specific needs).
  • Program Planning and Leadership:
  • Implementing / coordinating the development of strategic plans, annual plans, reports and program evaluations on horticulture and food security;
  • Monitoring and evaluating the effects of policies, identify challenges and take initiatives leading to improvements, and report to the Board of Directors accordingly
  • Relationship and knowledge management:
  • Sharing knowledge and experience with colleagues, project partners and other organizations on sustainable horticulture food security;
  • Providing information and advice to internal and external parties and stakeholders, through training or publications.
Internal management:
  • Performing administrative tasks related to own program;
  • Being responsible for own program budget and providing input for external funding applications in conjunction with the department of institutional fundraising.
  • Grants management:
  • Responsible for selecting and appraising new partners that include private companies, cooperative societies, NGOs and consultants.
  • Responsible for managing own program grantees to ensure timely disbursement of funds, progress reporting and monitoring
  • Any other duties as assigned
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Agricultural Extension, Agronomy or related field; a Master’s Degree will be an added advantage 
  • 5-10 years’ experience managing horticulture projects in Eastern Africa Countries, especially in Kenya; must be familiar with the horticultural industry supply chains and especially in production and marketing
  • Farmer training and/or extension experience, especially in the design, organization and delivery of training events and development of training materials
  • Familiarity with Global GAP and Fairtrade certification/verification issues and systems, ideally involving agriculture and small-scale producers 
  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills in English; Swahili and French/Spanish are an advantage
  • Proven ability to work effectively in cross-cultural situations
  • Excellent computer skills (Microsoft office and Internet)
  • Experience in the development of work plans and budgets; ability to work independently and in a team towards defined objectives and goals; and
  • Willingness and ability to travel extensively in Kenya and other countries within Eastern and Central Africa up to 30% of the time
Salary:  Commensurate with experience

To apply: 

Send cover letter and CV including salary history to; consult@syn-solutions.com on or before Friday, 10 October 2014.  Please use PROGRAM MANAGER – HORTICULTURE as your email subject title.  


Only those applications that fulfil these requirements will be considered. Applications will be viewed as they come in.