KOMAZA KENYA - Program Manager

Wanted: Mid-career (5+ years experience) business, development, agricultural or environmental professional with operational experience to help aggressively scale field operations

Industry: Social Business/International Development/Start-Up/Non-profit
Employer: KOMAZA
Position: Operations Program Manager
Commitment: 2 year minimum, longer preferred
Location: Kilifi, Kenya
Comp/Benefits: Modest, provides for a comfortable standard of living in Kilifi, Kenya
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Start Date: As soon as available

Overview

KOMAZA is an award-winning non-profit social enterprise working to end rural poverty by developing economic opportunities for smallholder farmers living in Africa’s infertile and drought-prone regions.

Founded in 2006 and based in Kenya, our innovative grassroots model dramatically boosts household income for rural families by equipping them with resources, knowledge and market linkages to produce high-value climate-appropriate crops on their previously degraded land.

The Role

Collaborating closely with KOMAZA leadership and field staff leadership, the Operations Program Manager will be responsible for coordinating and overseeing operational systems, including identifying areas for improvement, and planning and managing the design and implementation approach. This role is focused on developing and improving the overall KOMAZA program rather than day-to-day operations by managing a team of diverse and talented international and Kenyan staff. The Program Manager is given significant ownership of operational business decisions. Areas and projects for which the Program Manager may be responsible for include:

Ongoing Support of Field Operations: Assisting with the planning and logistics of planting, maintenance, and harvest activities; assisting with the planning and logistics of field expansion plans
Operational Strategy: Researching short term crop production and native reforestation programs; developing tree growth models to inform strategic operational decisions
Operational Process Improvements
Logistics: Researching and identifying a cost effective and operationally appropriate water delivery system for planting
Tree Maintenance: Implementing an effective Integrated Pest Management Program to be used by field staff to minimize pesticide use (and costs) without affecting tree health
Tree Nursery Research and Development: Researching nursery production and consulting with industry experts to develop an operational nursery on our experimental farm
Monitoring and Evaluation: Building on existing operational monitoring and evaluation systems, assist in creating a best-in-class and scalable operational tracking model
Value Chain Enhancement: Building out networks and buyer/supply channels in the coastal wood market; initiating a mobile wood processing program to build organizational capacity
Training: Developing additional content in an operational manual for field staff that can be used as a reference document during training and work in the field

Field Component: This role, while based in the Kilifi town office, may have a hands-on field component that can be challenging. The work may involve: long, dirty and uncomfortable bus/motorcycle rides, basic rustic facilities, work in areas far from any infrastructure (stores, electricity, paved roads), hours spent outside in the equatorial sun and heat.

Qualifications

Education and Relevant Work Experience:
5+ years work experience in NGO, international business, agro-forestry, or similarly related fields; at least 2+ years in a management capacity with evidence of strong project management abilities
Knowledge and understanding of development context, as well as of operational systems and/or agro-forestry field
Top performing academic background with a bachelor of science in forestry, agriculture, or similar; or solid non-profit/business management background (MBA strongly preferred)
Effective Management Skills: Demonstrated ability to manage a diverse team, including giving guidance and direction, helping to set priorities and manage workloads, mentoring and motivating team
Excellent Communicator: Personable yet persistent; ability to manage expectations; build consensus and influence decision-making process; excellent oral and written communication skills
Excellent Project Management Skills: Knowledge and experience with project management cycles
Decisiveness: Excellent problem-solving skills and business judgment; aptitude for involving others internal to the organization and outside information to arrive at well thought-out conclusions and decisions
Cultural Sensitivity: High emotional intelligence and ability to adapt to local cultural norms and communication styles
Execution with Strong Attention to Detail and Flexibility: Executing projects/tasks and implementing recommendations with strong attention to detail; ability to create backup plans and be flexible in sometimes logistically challenging environments
Patience and a Sense of Humor: Please see the FAQs on the KOMAZA recruiting website for a more detailed description of important “fit” criteria
Preferred:
Experience in social enterprise
Significant work/volunteer experience in a developing country
Kiswahili
Serious desire to commit to living and working overseas

More / LessHow to apply

Please apply online at www.komaza.org/recruiting/