Programs Director (m/f)

Description

• As TechnoServe Mozambique continues to grow, it takes on increasingly large and complex programs. This growing body of programs requires increased leadership support and guidance, as well as greater strategic leadership. The Programs Director (PD) will support the implementation and impact of a selection of programs in Mozambique, in line with TechnoServe’s priority of programmatic excellence
• TechnoServe Mozambique has as a strategic objective to promote local talent into program manager and program director roles. These senior staff members are often recruited from the private sector and will require some time to adapt to their roles in development. The PD will coach and mentor program managers and program directors in their roles so as so assist them in being able to deliver in their roles as quickly and effectively as possible
• The PD will develop and assure the use of program management best practices, evidence-based decision-making for course correction and strategic changes when required. S/he will ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of results as agreed upon with donors. At the same time, s/he will assure compliance with policy and contractual requirements of TechnoServe and our donors as well as high caliber project reporting and knowledge management. The PD is expected to lead or co-manage relationships with key national and international stakeholders, monitor program budgets and work plans for the relevant portfolio. Finally, the Programs Director will work to develop new programs that align with the existing portfolio of programs, in consultation with the Country Director and working closely with our global Business Development team

Duties

Strategic Leadership and Program Management

• Oversee operations of a select number of TechnoServe Mozambique projects and Program Managers/Directors to ensure programmatic excellence
• Support cross-cutting learning for portfolio programs, leveraging insights across programs and from sources outside TechnoServe Mozambique
• Support dedicated Program Managers/Directors to develop robust and realistic work plans that build upon project logical frameworks and proposals with clear sequencing, achievable timeframes, recognition of critical dependencies and clear accountability
• Ensure portfolio programs adequately leverage existing TechnoServe resources and technical expertise to ensure that projects are executed to TechnoServe’s high quality standards using or building upon our Good Project Standards
• Perform regular field assessments, making periodic visits to facilities/program areas to provide field staff support, address programmatic challenges, and explore potential program possibilities and innovations. The PD will be expected to conduct quarterly program reviews and propose modifications to strategy in response to changes in markets and enabling environments
• Coordinate with the Mozambique Senior Management Team to ensure sufficient resources are mobilized in a timely way that allows achievement of targets
• Develop and keep current a risk log for programs, working closely with Country Director and Program Managers/Directors
• Maintain frequent communication with Country Director to ensure program activities, status and effectiveness are well-understood, drawing in the Country Director or other senior staff for problem-solving or other engagement as needed

Monitoring & Evaluation

• Understand all reporting requirements (donor as well as internal to TechnoServe), and ensure that program monitoring plans are in place to meet them and consistently followed by teams
• Ensure robust program monitoring plans and systems for program activities, reinforce and reward accurate reporting, and utilize the available data to ensure program teams are executing activities to plan, adapting based on program learning, and on track to achieve targets
• Ensure programs systematically integrate program monitoring, learning and evaluation into management decision-making and work planning; assure that teams are monitoring not only their execution of activities and achievement of outputs but also regularly assessing progress toward outcomes and goals and adapting strategies as needed to ensure they are reached
• Review data being gathered and make suggestions for course correction to country and program leadership, as necessary

Reporting, Compliance, Budget Management

• Support preparation of portfolio narrative reports for submission to the donor
• Ensure that program expenditures and activities are in compliance with donor budgets and requirements, TechnoServe policies, and local laws
• Develop and keep current a program risk log, working closely with Country Director and dedicated Program Managers
• Ensure the technical and financial reporting requirements both within the organization and to other stakeholders are fulfilled in a timely, accurate and professional manner

Stakeholder Management

• Support Program Managers/Directors to manage relationships with local stakeholders in consultation with Country Director, including local/district government, local business partners and NGOs and others to ensure that we work as a collaborative partner and communicate effectively particularly around program start-up and exit
• Lead interaction with important stakeholders at national and international level, ensuring that communication is consistent and aligned with TechnoServe Mozambique’s overall strategic plan

Consultant Management

• Support program staff to develop consultants and Fellows scopes of work, interview and shortlist candidates
• Manage Program Consultants and Fellows where relevant

Program Manager/Director Development

• Establish strong program management systems and processes, and coach/mentor Program Managers/Directors and Senior Business Advisors to create a deep bench of middle management within TechnoServe Mozambique
• Manage dedicated Program Managers/Directors, including recruitment, development and retention; establish annual performance objectives and conduct semi-annual performance appraisals; review and approve as appropriate advance/expense reports, leave requests and other supervisory functions
• Establish an internal calendar of meetings and reports, including monthly check-ins with the CD and Project Status Reports, that promotes early identification of problem areas, recognition and communication of innovations and lessons learned, and timely problem-solving
• Identify common capacity shortfalls among staff and work with the Country Director and Human Resources to source and fund training and/or development that can help to close the gaps

Business Development

• Identify relevant business opportunities for TechnoServe Mozambique and, in time, develop primary responsibility for key sectors or clients
• Contribute to the development and implementation of new business outreach Contribute to the preparation of high quality technical and financial proposals to meet specifications
• Manage program initiation and implementation activities as appropriate

Requisites

• A Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Agricultural Economics, Public Policy or other relevant discipline (Master’s preferred)
• A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in a relevant field, including business consulting, development of agricultural value chains, agribusiness, and/or entrepreneurship
• Substantial relevant professional experience in Sub-Saharan Africa, Mozambique preferred
• Strong program management skills (management, planning, budgeting and financial management, M&E, team leadership and staff development) in development programs
• Experience leading teams, especially cross-cultural teams
• Proven ability to build rapport among internal and external stakeholders
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills
• Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English and Portuguese, including report writing and presentations
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically approximately 40%, and internationally when necessary
• Strong skills in business software (Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

Notes

• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted
• Indicate the source of this job post: emprego.co.mz
• Qualified and interested applicants should submit a single Word-formatted document consisting of cover letter, resume and salary history
• No phone calls please
• TechnoServe is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities

How to Apply

1. Documentation

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae

2. Application

• Send your Documentation to dboa@tns.org with the Subject line “Programs Director”