Program Manager, Cashew Input Strategy Program (m/f)

Description

• TechnoServe has been providing technical assistance to Mozambique’s industries, agribusinesses, and entrepreneurs with high growth potential for over 20 years, since our office first opened in 1998. We have helped create a competitive and sustainable commercial agricultural sector, which has generated opportunities for small-scale rural producers and suppliers, in addition to new employment opportunities for the rural poor. While we have worked in a number of value chains in Mozambique, TechnoServe is particularly known for creating lasting impact in the cashew sector
• TechnoServe initially worked to create a cashew processing sector in northern Mozambique, and later also assisted farmers to get access to better inputs, agricultural practices and more competitive markets. TechnoServe is currently expecting to secure funding for a program that would work closely with the Mozambique Cashew Development Institute (INCAJU) to transition the sector towards more sustainable, private-sector oriented provision of necessary chemical inputs to producers. The program is expected to encompass two phases, with Phase I (likely to last 18 months) focused on joint development of an appropriate subsidy withdrawal strategy with relevant stakeholders, and Phase II being the subsequent roll-out phase (likely over two and half years). Phase I will consist of three Components: 1) Confirming political will and generating stakeholder engagement; 2) Designing the subsidy withdrawal strategy; and 3) Designing the strategy roll-out plan (possibly in the form of a voucher system)
• Position Description: The Cashew Input Strategy Program Manager is expected to manage both Phase I and II of the program, leading program activities, donor engagement, reporting and impact measurement. The Program Manager will be assisted by a Senior Advisor, who will manage relationships with key national and international stakeholders, and drive design discussions. The Program Manager will also be supported by an in-house analyst, who will help gather data and information to form the basis of a recommendation at the end of Phase I. The Program Manager will also monitor the overall program budget and work plan, and ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of results as agreed upon with the donor

Duties

Program Management

• Develop detailed work plan, ensuring that team members clearly understand activities required for successful delivery
• With strategic guidance and support from the Senior Advisor, lead Component 1, confirming political will and generating stakeholder engagement – this will involve engaging with key stakeholders in MADER and INCAJU to ensure support for the initiative and identify critical design elements, confirming private sector engagement, and developing multi-stakeholder working structures for the program (see below, under Stakeholder Management)
• Together with the analyst from the Strategic Initiatives team, lead Component 2, designing the subsidy withdrawal strategy – this will involve overseeing program staff to map the current subsidy scheme, develop and assess options for transition to a privatized distribution model, perform an assessment of similar schemes in other countries, test 2-3 different strategies, and develop recommendations for the optimal subsidy withdrawal option for the cashew sector in Mozambique
• Lead Component 3, designing and implementing the strategy roll-out plan – this will involve overseeing the design of the strategy roll-out phase (Phase II), including the definition of all partner roles and responsibilities, hiring of staff, definition of monitoring, evaluation and learning plans for the implementation phase (see below, under Monitoring & Evaluation), development of technology requirements, and a detailed national-level roll-out plan

Stakeholder Management

• Develop and maintain close working relationships with critical personnel in government, in particular in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADER), and INCAJU
• Develop and maintain close working relationships with key industry personnel at national and provincial levels (including agro-chemical companies, agro-input dealers, processors, traders, and other critical stakeholders in the cashew value chain)
• Lead formation of multi-stakeholder working groups, including definition of governance structures, collaboration modalities, and dispute resolution mechanisms
• Coordinate constructive multi-stakeholder discussions and engagement, ensuring multiple viewpoints are recognized and captured, and decision points reached, with a clear way forward

Monitoring & Evaluation

• Understand all reporting requirements (donor as well as internal to TechnoServe)
• Ensure robust program monitoring plans and systems for program activities reinforce and reward accurate reporting, and utilize the available data to ensure program team is executing activities according to plan, adapting based on program learning, and on track to achieve targets
• Work with relevant M&E staff and consultants to develop clear monitoring and evaluation plan to support Phase II roll-out, including development of indicators and targets, a learning agenda, and evaluation plan

Reporting, Compliance, Budget Management

• Lead preparation of narrative reports for submission to the donor
• Ensure spending is in line with the donor-approved budget
• Ensure activities carried out are in accordance with TechnoServe, as well as donor, requirements

Consultant Management

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

Requisites

• A Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, agricultural economics, public policy or other relevant discipline plus 7 years of professional experience in a relevant field, including business consulting, development of agricultural value chains, agribusiness, and/or entrepreneurship; OR
• A Master’s degree plus a minimum of 5 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; relevant experience desired includes:
• Designing and implementing impactful public-private partnerships Developing successful public sector strategies and approaches, especially in the agriculture sector
• Prior value chain experience in cashew or other tree nuts
• Experience working with non-profit/International NGO organizations
• Strong program management skills
• Experience leading teams
• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural skills
• Proven ability to build rapport in a multi-stakeholder setting
• Results-oriented work ethic
• 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

Notes

• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted
• Qualified and interested applicants should submit a single Word-formatted document consisting of cover letter, resume and salary history. Please identify the position for which you are applying in the subject line.
• Only applicants meeting minimum qualifications will be considered or contacted. No phone calls please
• TechnoServe is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities