AfrOnet Programs Director

AfrOnet Programs Director:

Sustainability in Agriculture is an unsolved challenge despite growing evidence of the need for a paradigm shift towards new production systems that put ecological resources, rural societies, cultural expressions, public social welfare and the economic viability of smallholder family farming in the foreground.

Organic Agriculture offers solutions that can contribute to sustainable development in rural areas. This is particularly the case in addressing livelihood improvements of vulnerable smallholder family farming households in need of innovation and adaptation and challenged by food insecurity, biodiversity loss, climate change, the depletion of natural resources and economic shocks. Holistic, people-centered approaches with a focus on access to nutrition – particularly for women and children – and market-oriented value chain facilitation form the backbone of our work toward poverty alleviation.
AfrONet was established in 2012 to unite and coordinate ecological organic actors and initiatives in the continent. It facilitates partnerships, exchange and advocate for adoption of ecological organic practices in achieving sustainability goals, food security and poverty reduction.

There are about 1 million ha certified organic land and 580 000 certified producers with an upwards tendency in the continent. At the same time there are vast non-certified organic areas and producers.
Currently, the Program Director will report to the AfrONet President and eventually to the Executive Director. In the case of partnership projects, the Program Director will report to Project leading Organization and or donors, based on the requirements of the project agreements and contracts.
Currently, the Programme Director is required to work for 12 days per month on the Organic Trade Development in East Africa (OTEA) - a partnership project with IFOAM and 5 NOAMs in East Africa. IFOAM – Organics International leads, unites and assists the global Organic Movement. It has about 800 affiliates in nearly 120 countries and also acts as a Global Action Network with numerous allies. In Africa, IFOAM has about 60 members. IFOAM is the project holder and leader of the OTEA project.
The remaining 10 days per month, the Program Director will be responsible for fundraising and implementing AfrONet/EOA project supported by SDC/BvAT.

The AfrONet office is in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

QUALIFICATIONS and EXPERIENCE:
• We are looking for an experienced Programme Director with proven skills in supporting institutional development, in networking, in project acquisition, fundraising and in implementation and management. 
• We are looking for the following key competencies in particular:
• Sound knowledge of Ecological Organic Agriculture systems and practices and of the Organic Agriculture Movement and its challenges in Africa. A high level of commitment to and passion for sustainability in agriculture;
• Stable personality with very good self-management skills and ability to set up own operations. A very high level of self motivation, discipline and dedication to interact remotely with peers and supervisors;
• Very good organizational, social and intercultural communication skills. Ability to build capacity with participatory approaches and to gain trust and respect of the African partners;
• First-hand experience in planning and implementation of complex international projects in a civil society environment that is cooperating with the private and public sectors. Familiarity with the basic tools and concepts of facilitation of rural development in Africa;
• Sound organizational skills including the management of budget and activities, and an understanding of accountancy and financial management systems;
• Professional, pragmatic and outcome-oriented working style, capable of achieving fast progress in complex and parallel multi-stakeholder processes;
• A good understanding of, and skills in developing value chains for smallholder farmers from local to global markets. Previous experience in market or supply chain development would be a distinct advantage;
• Event management skills: experience in the management of meetings, facilitation of workshops and management of conferences;
• Good fundraising capabilities including networking, proposal development, delivery on commitments and accountability;
• Proficiency in English and good knowledge in French. Skills in further languages that are common in Africa (Kiswahili, Arabic, Portuguese etc.) will be an advantage;
• Capacity to contribute to a culture of open dialogue and constructive, mutual feedback as part of IFOAM’s intercontinental team.

How to apply: 
Please submit electronically a full CV, letter of motivation, salary expectations and the contact details of two references in one PDF document before 30th July 2015 to Mwanzo Millinga, the communication Specialist at AfrONet, afronet2015@gmail.com

For strategic and content related questions can be directed to Jordan Gama, the President, jordanusgama@gmail.com
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.