Program Manager – Cotton and Sugarcane

Solidaridad Eastern & Central Africa Expertise Centre (SECAEC) based in Nairobi is a member organization of Solidaridad’s international network with its head office based in the Netherlands (www.solidaridadnetwork.org).

As a development organization, Solidaridad is convinced that decent and sustainable trade is the best instrument to combat structural poverty: since a secure income is the basis for a dignified existence. Solidaridad works on sustainable production chains from producer to consumer, which encourages producers to enhance their capacity in managing a professional business.

Solidaridad works together with various partners, including private sector, government and civil society, in creating a support network and improvement program that addresses the economic, environmental and social needs of the (smallholder) producers and facilitates the process of acquisition of quality standards and volumes required by the market. Sustainable production systems and increased food security are important objectives in its work.

SECAEC is seeking to recruit for the following positions:-

1. Program Manager – Cotton and Sugarcane

This position will be responsible for coordinating the day-to-day activities of different projects with producer organizations and private sector in within the region, particularly focused on the cotton and sugarcane.

It will also be heavily involved in program development/ proposal writing for funding of new projects as well as negotiating with private sector and other relevant stakeholders. The candidate will be based in Nairobi but will be required to travel regularly to represent SECAEC in international fora.

The responsibilities of the candidate include:-

• Identification and formulation of new projects and programs together with various partners, especially private sector;
• Preparation and presentation of fundraising proposals to possible donors including financial projections of projects;
• Prepare and organize project activity reports to be submitted to Solidaridad and other stakeholders;
• Organizing meetings, collaborating, creating and maintaining linkages among various stakeholders along the value chain within the region;
• Training of various stakeholders, including producer groups in the implementation of sustainable production practices and the requirements of sustainable Codes of Conduct;
• Guiding producer organizations while setting up and executing capacity building projects;
• Developing and sharing best practices in sustainable production;
• Organizing and coordinating exchange visits among producer organizations within the region as well as facilitating sharing of their experiences;
• Creating links between producer organizations, retailers and exporters to create improved market opportunities in consuming countries;
• Represent SECAEC in international fora;
• Any other assignments that may be allocated by the Director of SECAEC

Minimum experience and qualifications:

• At least 10 years professional experience within NGO and/or private sector;
• Masters degree level of in Business Management with a first degree in agriculture (or any other relevant discipline) from a recognized university or other institution;
• Management experience in production and/or trading in palm oil, soy and livestock will be an added advantage;
• Demonstrated experience in initiatives which focus on sustainable production;
• Excellent writing, presentation and negotiation skills;
• Excellent communication skills in both English and Swahili
• Demonstrated entrepreneurial skills;
• Demonstrated understanding of the agri-supply chain with special emphasis on cotton and sugarcane;
• Management experience in working with good agricultural processing and manufacturing practices while addressing the environmental concerns.
• Self motivated, team player, punctual in meeting deadlines and ability to work without supervision are some of the key qualities of the candidate being sought.

These positions are on local terms and will be for an initial period of one year, renewable, subject to availability of resources and proven performance.

If you feel you fulfill the above criteria for any of the positions please send your application stating your suitability to consult@syn-solutions.com.

Save your application as one file using your names as the document name with the subject heading on the email as the position you are applying for.

Applications will be considered until 20th of February 2012 and only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.