Project Director, Project Nurture, East Africa

Bring your experience, skills and passion to help build businesses that increase prosperity in some of the poorest parts of the world.

Background
 

TechnoServe (TNS) is an international, non-profit economic development organization founded in 1968 out of a conviction that a vibrant private sector is an essential foundation for economic growth and poverty reduction. 

TechnoServe undertakes targeted, catalytic technical assistance and other programming to increase the competitiveness of entrepreneurs, businesses and industries that in turn provide sustainable employment, inclusion of the poor and increased incomes

TechnoServe is currently implementing an exciting pilot program to demonstrate the ability of African smallholder fruit farmers to double their fruit incomes by becoming sustainable suppliers of mango and passion fruit.

Project Nurture is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and The Coca Cola Company, and is implemented in Kenya and Uganda. 

We are working with 54,000 farmers, enhancing productivity and product quality, supporting farmer organization, and facilitating market linkages. 

The project is currently in the third year of its current phase, with a strong implementation team in place, trust-based relationships established with all partners, and impressive interim results.

Primary Purpose and Function
 

Working closely with the Country Directors and TechnoServe’s East Africa regional team, you will be responsible for timely and effective implementation of the program activities and achievement of the project’s goal to double the income of 54,000 smallholder fruit farmers. 

You will be responsible for project planning, overall implementation, including budget management and work plan monitoring, M&E and delivery of results as per the project log frame and agreed upon milestones. 

You will also be responsible for all partner/donor relations.

In collaboration with these partners, you will contribute to the design of a second phase and development of a proposal for their potential funding. 

You will oversee a large team across Kenya and Uganda, as well as three regional staff based in Nairobi.
 

Minimum Requirements

Graduate degree in business related studies required, and a degree qualification in Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Business Management or a related field preferred
At least 5 years of post graduate experience in analytical and strategic roles within the private sector and/or development spheres; experience with farmer co-operatives and/or agribusiness development in East Africa is preferred, especially horticultural experience
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, Kiswahili language skills preferred
At least 5 years relevant project management experience (e.g., international SME or value chain development programs, private sector management role), including budget management
Experience leading and managing high caliber, multi-cultural teams
Strong track record of building trust-based client and stakeholder relationships
Willingness to be based in Nairobi, Kenya or Kampala, Uganda with ad hoc domestic, regional and international travel up to 30% of the time

To Apply: 

Please submit your application (by email only) to kerecruit@tns.org with the position title placed in the subject line. 

Please include
 

(1) cover letter describing your interest, 

(2) curriculum vitae, 

(3) salary history, and 

(4) telephone contacts of three referees (Professional Only). 

Please include all requirements in one document (Word or PDF – labeled with your name).

Applications will be treated confidentially. 

Deadline for applications is 13th March 2013. 

Note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted. 

Detailed job description for the position can be accessed athttp://www.technoserve.org/jobs
 

TechnoServe is an equal opportunity employer.