Project Manager, Sugar Outgrower Capacity Building in Malawi

Concern Universal (CU) has between January 2010 and December 2012 implemented ‘Capacity Building for Sugar Outgrowers in Agricultural Methods and the Building of Sugar Outgrowers’ Management Capabilities in Malawi’, funded by the European Commission and Solidaridad. The project sought to (i) improve the capacity of sugar outgrowers in agricultural methods, and (ii) build sugar outgrowers’ management capabilities.

 

A second phase of 2 years has been approved, to build upon the gains of the first 3 years while giving greater emphasis to civic education in the sugar-growing areas. Specific objectives are:

1. Smallholder growers have enhanced understanding of the sugar industry so that they are empowered to bring about positive change and address issues which currently hinder their productivity and efficiency;
2. Increased productivity of cane and food crops through improved technical knowledge and husbandry practices;
3. Growers’ organisations effectively representing the interests of their members and providing high quality support to maximise the efficiency and effectiveness of their growers’ operations;
4. Greater smallholder growers’ engagement in governance of the sugar sector and contributing to a national regulatory framework.

 

CU invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced persons to fill the position of Project Manager.

 

Job Purpose

Reporting to the Sustainable Livelihoods Programme Manager, the Project Manager will be responsible for the overall planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of the project. S/he will manage the human, financial and other resources available to the project and is responsible for creating and nurturing a team that will successfully implement the project.

 

Location

Based in Blantyre, Malawi with extensive travel to project sites and meetings.

 

Duration of the contract:                     

Up to 31 December 2014

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities

·         Support, manage and motivate the project team to achieve their objectives;

·         Liaise with external consultants and advisers;

·         Represent CU and the project in relevant coordination fora;

·         Coordinate the preparation of annual and quarterly plans;

·         Prepare quality and timely reports for submission to donors;

·         Manage budget, ensuring efficient and effective use of resources.

 

Qualifications, Experience

·         Postgraduate degree level education in business administration, management, marketing, agriculture, development studies or other relevant discipline.

·         At least 8 years experience in project and/or organisational management, outgrower or smallholder development, ideally in the sugar sector.

·         Proven track record of building and effectively managing a project team;

 

Skills and Competencies

Essential

·         Project management, including managing a team

·         Budgeting and financial management skills.

·         Proven experience of, and commitment to, participatory methodologies to development.

·         Strong interest and commitment to work with rural communities in Malawi.

·         Training, facilitation and mentoring skills.

·         Ability to work collaboratively and constructively with a wide variety of people of different backgrounds, education levels and professions.

·         Good tact and diplomacy, networking, interpersonal and communication skills.

·         Excellent report writing skills.

·         Ability to work under pressure and to manage multiple tasks.

·         Willing to travel extensively to project sites and other reasonably required locations for meetings.

·         Computer skills especially word processing and spreadsheets.

·         Understanding of operations and practice of private sector, NGOs, donors and Government agencies.

·         Fluency is spoken and written English.

 

Desirable

·         Knowledge and experience of the sugar sector in Malawi or the region.

·         Competency in Chichewa.

·         Experience in value chain development.

 

The position attracts a generous benefits packages including a competitive salary, housing, medical insurance, annual flights, family allowances, etc.Those interested should request, complete and submit an application form to the contact below:

The Human Resources Officer,

Concern Universal,

P. O. Box 1535,

Blantyre.

 

E-mail application to: malawi.jobs@concern-universal.org

 

Closing date for the receipt of applications is Thursday 20th December 2012. Only short listed candidates will be acknowledged. For more information about CU, please visit our website atwww.concern-universal.org. CU is an equal opportunity employer.