Project Manager- PRiFN at TechnoServe

Job Summary:

The Project Manager will identify and manage internal team members as well as   that will support the implementation of an 18-month project in Kano States, Nigeria. S/he will lead the overall implementation and management of the project, including providing oversight of activities, developing work plans, overseeing the project budget, overseeing monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and reporting to the donor on delivery and progress. The Project Manager will continuously develop operational efficiencies and drive innovations in delivery. S/he will serve as the primary point of contact with the donor, ensuring that the project meets established objectives and targets.

Program/Practice/Department Overview:

TechnoServe’s Promoting Rice Fortification in Nigeria (PRiFN) will support two large mills to produce fortified rice that will be channeled through the Home-Grown School Feeding program (HGSFP), targeting 200,000 primary/secondary school children. The overarching goal is to build the capacity of millers to produce fortified rice, while improving the nutrition of school-fed children. 

Primary Functions & Responsibilities:

Project Inception Phase

• Work with the HR team to recruit and onboard project team members.
• Complete a rapid assessment of the selected communities and develop a database of stakeholders playing in the rice value chain in the project geographies, i.e., rice producers, millers/processors, school communities where the HGSFP is taking place.
• Develop the work plan for the entirety of the project, as well as detailed yearly work plans which must be signed off by the Deputy Country Director.
• Support the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) officer in developing the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Package and tools.
• Support the procurement of contractors by developing the ToRs/RFPs/EOI as required.
• Drive community entry and sensitization activities using simple and engaging models that encourage and attract buy-in from target beneficiaries and stakeholders in the communities.
• In collaboration with the Deputy Country Director and the Operations lead, develop a procurement plan based on resource requirements for the duration of the project.

Project Implementation Phase

• Lead the implementation of activities that will achieve all the project targets and milestones.
• Develop a risk register that would capture the risks and mitigations encountered throughout the life of the project
• Ensure that monthly/quarterly/annual reports are submitted to the donor(s) on or before the due date(s)
• Update project work plans monthly and ensure timely implementation of the activities in line with work plans and activity schedules.
• Monitor project budget regularly to ensure that spending is aligned with i) donor’s burn rate expectation and, ii) TechnoServe’s policy of zero spend on non-allowable expenses.
• Work closely with the project MEL specialist as well as the regional MEL advisor to ensure high-quality data for internal programming and reporting purposes.
• Together with the MEL Specialist and communications Specialist, develop a detailed knowledge and communication plan for disseminating learnings and impact to both internal and external audiences.
• Lead the development of the training materials and manage the train-the-trainer sessions.
• Continuous engagement with the relevant state government agencies focused in the rice value chain especially with the desk officers.
• Assist program management and business development when required.
• Represent the project and organization, at internal and external functions, as assigned.

Basic Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Human Nutrition, Food Science and Technology, Agriculture Economics or a related discipline with at least 5 years’ experience or a Master’s degree in similar fields listed with at least 3 years’ experience in the below:
  • At least 3 years of project management leadership in the development sector.
  • At least 3 years of experience in implementing agriculture/value chain development projects in Nigeria.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Related work experience and knowledge of the Nigerian economic, social and development context preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in the management of multi-stakeholder relationships.
• Experience in implementing projects with nutrition or fortification outcomes is an advantage.
• Experience in market linkages i.e., linking producers with end users.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills in a multicultural
• Ability to work with tight deadlines while managing multiple tasks and projects.
• Ability to develop well-written, cohesive analyses and reports.
• Proven experience managing and motivating teams.
• Demonstrated understanding of the end-to-end operations of food processing at the micro and small enterprise level.
• An in-depth understanding of the rice value chain in Nigeria.