MVIWATA Manyara Jobs , May 2014

PROGRAM OFFICER 
MVIWATA (Mtandao wa Vikundi vya Wakulima Tanzania literally means Network of
Small Scale farmers’ groups in Tanzania) is a membership organization of small
scale farmers (crop growers and livestock keepers). MVIWATA Manyara is a middle
level network of MVIWATA. It started in 2006 by the farmers and the coordination
office in Babati town was established in 2008 with support from Trias Tanzania (a
Belgian NGO). Now, it works in five districts of Manyara region namely Babati,
Hanang, Kiteto, Simanjiro and Mbulu with 48 Local Networks, 281 Producer Groups
and 5666 group members.

Currently, MVIWATA Manyara implements Building assets (Empowerment of Family
Farmers) Program. This program wants to support family farmers especially women
and youth to become part of economic growth by linking them to potential sectors
and value chains and by helping them to acquire and build assets. We will do this at
the individual level (building of financial assets but also assets in the form of skills
and self-confidence) as well as on the organisational level (by making their
organisation stronger and more sustainable).

The chains we selected are organised around three areas of Mbulu district (Bashay
and Dongobesh) and Hanang district (Endasak/Endagaw) that are connected to the
trans-Africa highway, connecting Tanzania with Kenya. We want the farmers to
become better integrated in the East-African market. Especially the value chains of
onions and garlic have a regional outreach.
Therefore, MVIWATA Manyara seeks a talented, outgoing, self-motivated and
experienced Program Officer to play a significant role in execution of the program.

Key Responsibilities:
The Program Officer will work closely with MVIWATA Manyara Coordinator to
Supervising work execution; Providing resolution for problems; Maintaining
programme schedules; Planning & Reporting on project status; Managing project
team; Accounting for project cost, time and budget; and Mitigating programme
risks. More specifically, the Program Officer will:
• To be the assistant to the Coordinator on project proposal preparation;
planning and reporting
• To plan and supervise the implementation of organizational programs
• To monitor activities of the farmers groups and the local networks.
• To advise the Coordinator on all matters related to organization and its
programs.
• To ensure that small scale farmers are linked to reliable markets

• To identify value chain challenges and facilitate identification of appropriate
solutions
• Support value chain analysis
• Provide information to the membership concerning the credit scheme
• Make credit decisions in a timely fashion to meet member needs
• Assist management in drafting written procedures that clearly state how each
step of the lending process is performed
• Advise and make suggestions to the Coordinator concerning changes to any
matter related to credit management
• Evaluate the credit scheme’s lending performance annually and compare it to
past periods by reviewing a breakdown of the number and amount of loans
outstanding by purpose and collateral, total number and amount of loans
approved and declined, the total number of borrowers, the ratio of borrowers
to members, the average loan size, the delinquent loan to total loan ratio,
the net charge off/average loan ratio and the amount of delinquent and
charged off loan granted
• To organize and prepare training programs and schedules within the network.
• To organize and prepare membership recruitment activities including
preparation of preparation of promotion materials and motivation for
farmers/members.
• Ensure that monitoring and evaluation of projects is executed accordingly
including management of information and membership database
• To help the groups and networks to prepare the long term and sustainable
plans and to make follow up and implementation of the plans.
• To discuss with and give reports to the groups and networks on results of
different technical trials and experiences on different institutions and other
people in the village and distribute the results to more farmers.
• Produce quarterly, mid and annual program’s progress reports and ensure
timely delivery of the same to the management, Steering Committee and
funding partner.
• Ensure functioning of a strong, effective and coordinated Program’s technical
team.
• Ensure effective networking and linkages of MVIWATA member groups and
development actors.
• Perform any other appropriate duties as may be assigned by MVIWATA
Manyara Coordinator.

Qualifications:
We are seeking an individual with direct experience in successful project
management and working with farmers’ organizations with relevant graduate –
level education and experience. Understanding of agricultural and agribusiness
sector will be critical. In addition, the general qualifications for this position are:
• Undergraduate degree or higher in business administration, agribusiness,
economics, credit management/microfinance with equivalent work
experience
• At least three years’ experience working at senior level on program
management, marketing and/or credit management , in particular experience
working with farmers and members of the agricultural community and
understanding of the Tanzanian commodity agricultural value chain, including
key actors and incentives is a plus
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in both Kiswahili and English
and the ability to work with colleagues and partners of varied backgrounds
and experience
• Strong analytical skills and experience in performing rigorous analysis in
support of highly visible work
• Sense of humour and strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to adapt quickly to new situations and changing demands
• An ability to work both independently and as a member of small team in a
fast-paced, dynamic and creative environment
• Excellent project proposal; planning and reporting skills
• Excellent advocacy; leadership and supervisor skills.

NOTE: Regular travel between project locations required

OFFICE SECRETARY CUM CASHIER 
MVIWATA Manyara seeks a self-motivated, committed and experienced person who
will offer his / her knowledge, skills, experience and cooperation to realize the
objectives of the organization. S/he will provide personal administrative support to
management and the organization through conducting and organizing
administrative duties and activities including receiving and handling information.

Main Job Tasks and Responsibilities

prepare and manage correspondence, reports and documents
organize and coordinate meetings, conferences, travel arrangements
take, type and distribute minutes of meetings
implement and maintain office systems
maintain schedules and calendars
arrange and confirm appointments
set up and maintain filing systems
collate information
communicate verbally and in writing to answer inquiries and provide
information
liaison with internal and external contacts
coordinate the flow of information both internally and externally
operate office equipment such as scanner, photocopier, television, etc.
manage office space
Manage petty cash and check books
Ensure that cash is safely handled and kept
Receive telephone calls and process incoming emails and other materials
Perform any other appropriate duties as may be assigned by MVIWATA
Manyara Finance and Administration Officer

Education and Experience
relevant training or qualification
knowledge and experience of relevant software applications - spread sheets,
word processing, and database management
knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures
knowledge of business principles
proficient in spelling, punctuation, grammar and other Kiswahili & English
language skills
proven experience of producing correspondence and documents
proven experience in information and communication management
required typing speed

Key Competencies
verbal and written communication skills
attention to detail
confidentiality
planning and organizing
time management
interpersonal skills
customer-service orientation
initiative
reliability
stress tolerance

Remuneration
MVIWATA Manyara offers a competitive and negotiable remuneration based on
qualification and experiences established according to MVIWATA Manyara framework.

Engagement
The successful candidate will be employed for a two years contract with possibility for
extension based on performance appraisal to be carried out annually. Successful
candidate should be read to start working by mid May 2014.

Application procedures
If you consider yourself qualifying for this position, apply with confidence by only
sending your CV that is not more than three pages and motivation letter not
exceeding one page by e-mail to:
CHAIRPERSON
Recruitment Committee
E-mail: manyara@mviwata.org

The deadline for application will be on 9
th May 2014. Only short-listed candidates will
be contacted and if you do not hear from us by 15th May 2014, consider yourself
unsuccessful. No telephone calls that will be accepted and entertained from
applicants. Interviews will be organised in the 4nd week of May 2014.