Project Manager ODFB _ Ethiopia

Solidaridad
Solidaridad is a global civil society organization (CSO) that provides market-driven solutions for sustainable production practices across different supply chains. We envision a world in which all we produce, and all we consume, can sustain us while respecting the planet, each other, and the next generations. Our mission is to bring together supply chain players and engage them with innovative solutions to improve production, ensuring the transition to a sustainable and inclusive economy that maximizes the benefit for all stakeholders.
Duration: 1-year contract (extension based on performance and availability of resources)
Reporting line: Country Manager
Position Overview
The Oromia Dairy Farmers Bounty (ODFB) Project Manager (PM) will be based in Addis Ababa and will be responsible for the successful field implementation of the ongoing Oromia Dairy Farmer’s Bounty Project (ODFBP) and support the project team on the overall growth of the livestock program in Ethiopia. In direct coordination with the Project officers and other team members, s/he will be responsible for all project cycle management including planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluation according to the donor and government requirements.
ODFB Project
Solidaridad has been implementing, The World Bank BioCarbon Funded, ODFB Project in partnership with private sectors in the Oromia Forested Landscape Program (OFLP) areas. The main objective of the Project is to contribute to the sustainable transformation of the Oromia dairy sector by promoting climate-smart dairy farming while reducing GHG emissions through dairy service hubs. The project targets smallholder and commercial dairy farmers, dairy cooperatives, milk collectors, and milk processors to drive more sustainable dairy production in the Oromia region. Its approach is to test three business models; such as Dairy Service Hubs, Extension Support, and Commercial Fodder Production Centers, and by attracting Private Sector co-investments. These Climate Smart Dairy Services components of the project are implemented in partnership with private sector actors (i.e. processors and dairy farm input suppliers). The project will demonstrate improved business, environment, and social inclusivity. It will generate a more stable income for dairy farmers from sustained input and output markets throughout the year while enhancing access to improved and nutritious food, availability of animal source food for local markets, and reduction of GHG emission.
Position in the Organization
The Project Manager reports to the Country Manager. The Project Manager coordinates people and processes to ensure that the Solidaridad ODFB project is delivered on time and produces the desired results within the scope and allocated resource envelope. S/he will also be expected to work closely with the national and regional programming team, as well as the
Result Areas/Responsibilities
Project Planning;
Review the project proposal, budget, targets, and key performance indicators and ensure that the planning is realistic (Measurable, Reportable & Verifiable), both in terms of budget and implementation.
Develop detailed work plans and budgets in coordination with the respective partners as required
Assist project partners to develop their plans in line with the required project objectives and deliverables.
Support the project team by providing a longer-term vision, strategic direction, and appropriate planning aligned with Solidaridad regional and global network business plan.
Project Implementation;
Work with the concerned staff and partners to ensure effective implementation of the project.
Review the project periodically to ensure that they are realistic, in terms of both budget and overall project plan.
Regularly review & track the project progress against milestones and take corrective action where required, raising issues with the concerned personnel as needed timely and professional.
Project Management;
Promote and maintain effective partnerships with the partners and beneficiaries.
Guide and lead the project team to achieve specific goals, objectives and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of the project.
Ensure that work is appropriately delegated and staff members are empowered to carry out tasks independently where appropriate matching their skills and capacity.
Ensure efficient project management procedures are implemented to enable monitoring of projects and accurate reporting of progress.
Ensure strict adherence to Solidaridad’s ethics, and policy and pro-actively encourage transparency and openness in all activities.
Ensure procurement and contracts are prepared and issued to Solidaridad’s standards and procedures/ in-country legal frameworks/partners’ requirements and are managed effectively.
Manage financial resources of selected tasks and components while coordinating with the Regional Project Finance Manager regarding budget control and financial procedures.
Support collection and accurate reporting of impact data related to the project as guided by the PMEL staff at the country and region.
Networking with Government and non-Government Organizations, and Private Sectors;
Build strong relationships with the government authorities and arrange field visits and regular progress review meetings where necessary.
Learn good practices from other organizations and reflect these in the project.
Represent Solidaridad, building and maintaining relationships and partnerships with relevant service providers, government, national and international development partners, local stakeholders and communities, private sector and funder Partners representatives for effective implementation of projects.
Contribute to public communication while supporting a strong and positive Solidaridad brand that is visible and recognizable while working closely with the Country Manager and the Regional Communications Officer.
Project Monitoring and Reporting;
Pay regular field visits to intervention areas to observe progress, with a focus on ensuring ‘quality’ outputs.
Prepare project progress reports (Monthly and Quarterly) based on a structured M&E framework including a review of financial reports and provide necessary feedback.
Ensure quality-monitoring data collection from the field and timely reporting.
Organize government, and donors, conduct project monitoring, follow-up, and evaluation according to donor and government compliance.
Prepare donor and government reports according to the project design document, agreements, and other compliance issues.
Staff Management;
Supervise, coach, and provide mentorship to the project staff.
Assist in the recruitment of project staff (as and when required)
Manage the performance of the project staff.
Develop plans for capacity building of the project team to enable the team to be more self-standing in the future.
Support effective communications and joint working within the team and with other teams across the organization.
Fundraising;
Identify and discuss with the Senior Project Manager, Country Manager, and Regional BD Manager any potential future funding opportunities, which present themselves in the country and provide advice on their suitability and potential alignment with the Solidaridad strategic direction.
Initiate and participate in developing funding proposals
Job Requirements
Knowledge and Experience
Relevant academic level education; Master’s degree in a relevant field (dairy science, animal nutrition, agricultural economics, development economics, Project Management, and other related filed with a combination of experiences, etc.).
At least ten (10) years’ experience in managing projects funded by international agencies or development partners.
At least five (5) years’ experience in a management/Manager, coordinator,/ position with international organizations in the livestock sector/including climate-smart dairy practices
Vast experience managing livestock and value chain projects in Ethiopia both in rural and urban contexts
Must be familiar with the dairy industry perishables supply chains, especially in production and marketing
An understanding of the policy environment, issues, and stakeholders in the agriculture and/or agribusiness sector in Ethiopia.
Understanding the global and national climate change and environment guidelines/protocols/commitments and clear knowledge of the Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system (+dairy sector).
Record of accomplishment of delivering project goals within deadlines and budgets across public and private sectors and with NGOs.
Demonstrable record of accomplishment of effectively building and sustaining key external and internal relationships at community, utility, and governmental levels to realize project goals.
Led and managed complex project teams containing a wide range of stakeholders including staff.
Specific Job Requirements
Ability to work independently and lead diverse multi-disciplinary teams; stakeholder management skills.
Project management skills including strategy, planning, setting objectives and planning to meet those objectives, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, budgeting, financial management, and sustainability.
Strong analytical skills and problem-solving skills
Ability to define new projects, establish overall scope and budget able to influence at senior management level, take a strategic outlook, and manage change where necessary empowering project staff and others to strengthen their capacity and capability through mentoring and coaching.
Excellent planning, organizational, and time management skills, able to work well under pressure both proactively and prioritize a challenging workload.
Good communication skills; able to communicate complex concepts clearly and concisely to non-technical managers both in writing and verbally and to provide professional advice with confidence and tact.
Motivating and developing teams, including performance management and appraisals.
Collaborative approach to partnership working in a cross-cultural context; a team player, with strong problem-solving ability.
Able to carry out regular in country (and potentially) international visits and to deliver effective presentations.
Experience in designing and implementing certification programs is desirable.
Demonstrate experience in proposal development.
Demonstrate experience in a similar position.