Project Director at Widows and Orphans Empowerment Organization (WEWE)

Direct Reports: WEWE Executive Director

Key Relationships

• Internally: WEWE Executive Director, WEWE Finance and Admin Director, Finance Manager and State Programme Manager.
• Externally: AGRA at the national level, and some interaction with local implementing partners and other stakeholders at the local level.

Purpose and Scope of Work

• The Project Director will have overall responsibility for the implementation of the project in line with the approved design, and in compliance with the donor requirements.
• S/he will be required to liaise with all implementing partners and government agencies in Niger and Kaduna State.
• The post will be based in the WEWE Abuja office (Project Secretariat) with frequent trips to the project sites, State offices (Niger and Kaduna).

Responsibilities
Project Coordination:

• Overall coordination, management and delivery of the project in line with the donor requirements and as per the approved design, implementation plan and budget;
• Work with the State Programme Manager, Finance Manager, M&E Manager, Audit/Compliance Officer, the management team and other relevant technical advisors to ensure high quality programming, with periodic design/ redesign of interventions based on lessons learned;
• Ensure accurate plans and budgets are prepared in suitable formats, up to date, and according donor requirements;
• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting to WEWE Project Secretariat.
• In charge of the management as Team Lead in the Project State Office.

Managing People and Coordination of Activities:

• Manage performance of the State M&E Officer, State Finance Officer, Human Resource Associate, and indirectly that of the Project Officers, providing the coaching and mentoring support needed to improve their performance.
• Effective coordination of project staff and partners to ensure structures work effectively;

Monitoring & Evaluation, Documentation and Reporting:

• Ensure high quality monitoring and evaluation of the project and generation of quality periodic reports, success stories, field observation reports and case studies in line with WEWE’s guidelines.
• Prepare regular narrative, quarterly reports and oversee financial reports in line with organisational and donor requirements;
• Document and advocate on policy demands related to improvement of inclusive and sustainable agricultural transformation in the maize value chain to improve food security drawing on the voices of impoverished smallholder farmers at the rural level.
• Compile and manage risks associated with or incidental to the project.

General Responsibilities

• Advance a data based approach to development, with high levels of transparency and accountability to both donors and communities in line with WEWE’s vision to be the most financially compliant NGO in Nigeria.
• Observe with all WEWE and donor’s performance management standards and indicators.

Critical Competencies:

• Strong skills in the following areas: project and people management skills; budgeting & financial management; information management and reporting, networking and stakeholder engagement, negotiation and persuasion; planning and organising; problem analysis; oral and written communication; and organisational learning and capacity development.
• The post-holder is expected to be results and data orientated; a team-player; pro-active and creative; culturally and gender sensitive; a good listener; committed to self-development; and able to make sound judgements under pressure.

Job Requirements (Knowledge/Skills Competencies)
Qualifications:

• A post-graduate Degree in any of Agronomy, Agricultural Extension, Agribusiness or related field.

Minimum Working Experience:

• At least 15 years' experience in market led value chain management with experience managing donor funded food security interventions or similar projects, preferably in fragile or conflict affected states.
• Experience in working with international NGOs, local civil society organizations, government, bilateral and multilateral donors in a multi-cultural, politically sensitive environment.
• Thorough understanding of program management, donor reporting requirements and managing donor relations.
• Demonstrated financial management skills.
• Demonstrated capability to design and implement M&E systems
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage a variety of internal and external relationships, including relationships with donors and research partners.
• Proven ability to manage team, with strong leadership, conceptualizing ideas and able to work independently.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skill with ability to analyse and interpret internal and external communications.
• High degree of accountability and integrity and ability to coach, mentor and inspire subordinates.
• Literacy in effective computer-based Communication tools, Presentation, Word Processing, Spreadsheet and other standard programs.
• Fluent in English Language (Written or Oral).

Desirable Experience:

• Knowledge and experience of Crop rotation farming techniques, resilient and sustainable
• Agriculture
• Knowledge and experience in implementing gender sensitive and inclusive value chains programming.
• Certification in Project Management.
• Experience with USAID.
• Understanding of Hausa Language.