Solidaridad Program Manager Job in Kenya

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 position:-

1.    Program Manager – Horticulture and Food Security

This position will be responsible for coordinating the day-to-day activities of different projects with producer organizations and private sector in Kenya. 

These projects focus mainly on implementation of sustainable practices and assistance to producer organizations to improve primarily on the productivity of quality products as well as management capacity and market access, among others. 

The candidate will be based in Nairobi but will regularly travel within the region where various projects are being implemented.

The responsibilities of the candidate include:-

• Project management, including planning, formulation, coordination, monitoring and provision of support to current and new projects of Solidaridad;
• Preparation and organization of project activity reports to be submitted to Solidaridad and other partners/stakeholders;
• Assessment and writing of new project proposals, including financial assessment of various organizations/groups;
• 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.
• Any other assignments that may be allocated by the Director of SECAEC

Minimum experience and qualifications:

• At least 5-10 years professional experience within NGO and/or business sector, especially in the fruits and vegetables sector;
• Masters degree level of education in agriculture (or other relevant discipline) from a recognized university or other learning institution;
• Management experience in production and/or trading in preferably fruits and vegetables (or another relevant commodity);
• Work experience with producer organizations within the East Africa Region, including experience with organizational development and financial assessment.
• Demonstrated experience in initiatives which focus on sustainable production;
• Excellent writing, presentation and training skills, with the ability to represent Solidaridad at all relevant fora;
• Excellent communication skills in Kiswahili & English, so as to be in a position to provide oral and written project proposals and reports;
• Individual with a high level of integrity;
• Self motivated, team player, meeting deadlines and ability to work without supervision are some of the key qualities for the candidate in this position.

If you feel you are qualified for this position please send a justification on why you feel suitable for this position and a copy of your CURRENT CV to consult@syn-solutions.com by 3rd of August 2012.  

Only successful applicants will be acknowledged.