AGA KHAN FOUNDATION, TANZANIA
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
SENIOR PROGRAM OFFICER
The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is a private, non-denominational, international development agency promoting creative and effective solutions to selected problems that impede social and economic development in parts of Africa and Asia. AKF-Tanzania is part of the AKF-East Africa regional structure that supports programmes in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. In Tanzania, AKF is managing a robust and expanding portfolio of multi-sectorial initiatives that includes programmes in inclusive economic development, health, nutrition, early childhood development, education and civil society strengthening. AKF operations are currently being carried out in Dar-es-salaam, Mtwara, Lindi, Arusha, Mwanza, Morogoro and Zanzibar.
Project Background:
Aga Khan Foundation Tanzania is working towards strengthening capacities of smallholder rice farmers and famer groups to enhance productivity and reduce postharvest losses, in Morogoro region. AKF will implement the rice value chain project to enhance productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, facilitate value chain actors to enhance business services, improve infrastructure and management of post harvest storage facilities, collective marketing, value addition and market linkages. The overall objective is to increase competitiveness and improve post-harvest value chain efficiencies among smallholder farmers in the rice sector.
AKF is therefore looking for well a qualified professional with unquestionable integrity to fill the Project Manager position
Work Location: Morogoro
Reports to: Senior Program Officer
Major role: To lead implementation on post-harvest management methods, increase smallholder farmer’s access to market opportunities and finance, strengthen coordination and linkages between market actors.
Key responsibilities:
Steer project implementation, budget control, human resource supervision, and reporting;
Facilitate program team to increase smallholder access to market opportunities, facilitate value chain actors to enhance business services, improve infrastructure and management of post-harvest storage facilities;
Collaborate with government, associations of rice millers, rice producers and traders to improve competitiveness of rice;
Ensure quality delivery, impact and cost effectiveness of the project.
Develop project annual work plans to meet project objectives in compliance with donor procedures;
Coordinate between the program staff and other departments related to the implementation of the post harvest management project;
Lead on technical design of project implementation in terms of training methods for post-harvest management, producers and businesses, market linkages, access to finance;
Ensure that the technical work is thorough and appropriately related to realistic conditions, and that farmers using the proposed post-harvest methods, mechanization of post-harvest processes and essentials of farming as a business can realize the results projected;
Plan for long-term capacity development and sustainability to ensure that the project contributes to the empowerment and self-reliance of local people and institutions;
Closely work with other implementing partners ensuring an enabling environment and coordinated approach;
Qualifications/Experience required:
Minimum of BSc in Agriculture Business or related field. Preferably a Masters in Agricultural Economics but candidates with experience will be looked at closely.
Minimum of 5 years’ experience in project management focused on agriculture and business in a private sector company working in the rice or similar sector.
Core understanding of market systems approach, working towards systemic change within the rice or similar sectors.
Commitment to teamwork with minimal supervision. Must have a good sense for efficiency and effectiveness, and an eye for innovation.
A strong work ethic, energetic, creative, and willing to learn.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Strong understanding of post-harvest management and market systems (market development) and how to pursue marketing opportunities for rice farmers.
Must be willing to live in Morogoro Tanzania and spend long periods in rural areas.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV (not exceeding four pages) and the names and contact information of three referees before close of business by 31st July 2017, to Country Human Resources Manager, Aga Khan Foundation, Tanzania, by e-mail through recruit.akftz@akfea.org
Please mention the title of the position in your email and do not attach any document other than the CV and cover letter.
Qualified Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.