Assistant Program Manager at FINDEF

Reports to: Northwest Regional Coordinator 

Purpose / Role:

We seek a dynamic and experienced Assistant Program Manager to oversee the \"Strengthening Food Systems to Promote Increased Value Chain Employment Opportunities for Youth in Nigeria\" project. This project aims to create sustainable job opportunities and generate income for young men and women in agribusiness, with a focus on the sorghum, millet, groundnut, soybean, and horticulture value chains. It includes capacity building and training in business development, financial literacy, and technical skills, empowering participants to become successful entrepreneurs and leaders within their communities. The Assistant Program Manager will support the Northwest Regional Coordinator in implementing project activities in their designated area. This role involves ensuring the relevance, quality, and timeliness of activities under FINDEF guidelines and donor requirements. Additionally, the APM will assist in designing strategies for Sokoto and propose new interventions for ongoing activities.

Responsibilities:

• Support in identifying and securing new funding opportunities by the development of competitive proposals, budgets, and concept notes in line with programs and project objectives. Strengthen relationships with existing donors and build new partnerships to expand the program portfolio.
• Ensure that all programs comply with the policies, donor regulations, and relevant legal frameworks. This includes monitoring grants, ensuring that all financial and programmatic reports are submitted on time, and following donor requirements.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and capacity building to the program team, ensuring staff have the skills and tools to deliver high-quality programs. Promote a culture of learning and accountability within the team. 
• Review, approve, and monitor all training plans and scope of work developed by the Northwest Regional Coordinator
• Lead the development of new, innovative programming that addresses the evolving needs of the communities. This includes adapting programs to respond to humanitarian crises and ensuring sustainability in development initiatives when required. 
• Maintain close formal and informal networking and communications with partners and stakeholders, ensuring that the community needs are communicated to them for technical advances, policy changes, and relevant information. 
• Collaborate with technical staff to discuss work plan ideas, develop timelines, and detail procurement needs; conduct market research to support anticipated operations and technical requirements.
• Contribute to building and maintaining institutional and human resource technical capacities and competencies (e.g. coaching, mentoring, training) 
• Provide inputs to manage staff performance including providing inputs to regular performance evaluation of the technical staff.
• Support relevant HR processes, e.g. development and review of job descriptions, recruitment and onboarding processes.
• Support in improving administrative and finance processes that can facilitate effective and efficient program implementation
• Contribute to analyzing and addressing logistical needs and bottlenecks that affect program implementation.
• Any other task required to achieve the project objective or fall within the mandate of the organization.
• Develop strategic partnerships and maintain effective working relationships with key donors, government actors, UN agencies, and international and local NGOs.

Requirements:  

• Strong leadership, management, and analytical skills. 
• Strong planning and organizational skills. 
• Ability to learn fast and adapt quickly to change. 
• Willingness to work the hours needed to meet deadlines and work well under pressure. 
• Desire to work in a collaborative and proactive team environment, but able to work independently with little or no supervision. 

Qualifications: 

• Advanced degree in Agribusiness, Development Studies or related field. 
• At least 7 years of experience in managing large-scale development projects, particularly in the agriculture and agribusiness sectors.
• Proven experience in managing multi-stakeholder projects, including experience with donor-funded projects.
• Proven track record working with small and medium enterprises (SMEs). 
• Strong understanding of agricultural value chains, particularly in Nothern Nigeria.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and diverse environment.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of local languages is an advantage.
• Proven expertise in business development, developing funding proposals, budgeting, and financial reporting.
• Excellent organizational skills and proactive management and coordination of work.
• Strong problem-solving and leadership skills.
• Excellent communication and drafting skills for effective reporting 
• Experience in community development initiatives.
• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Ability to operate in a cross-cultural environment requiring flexibility.

Note:

• FINDEF does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. FINDEF\'s recruitment process is transparent and merit-based. Lobbying of any form is not allowed and can lead to disqualification.
• FINDEF has zero tolerance for Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of beneficiaries. Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) is everyone’s responsibility, and all staff are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct, that enshrines principles of PSEA, at all times (both during work hours and outside work hours).
• Familiarization with, and adherence to FINDEF’s Code of Conduct is an essential requirement for all staff, in addition to related mandatory training.
• Any offer made to the candidate concerning this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation. 

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