Country Project Manager at Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA)

POSITION SUMMARY

• Under the supervision of the Regional Director, the Country Project Manager will lead the CAD 20M Resilient and Inclusive Agri-food Systems Empowering Women and Youth (RISE) initiative to strengthen agri-food systems in Northern Nigeria. The role holder will oversee project implementation across rice, maize, groundnut, and soyabean value chains in Bauchi, Kaduna, and Kano. The Country Project manager will develop strategies to empower women and youth through climate-smart agriculture, increased productivity, and market linkages while managing partnerships with local organizations and government stakeholders.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Project and Staff Management - 65%

• Provide leadership to a diverse implementation team and strategic partners including Sahel Consulting, AFEX, Extension Africa, FOMWAN, WIBFO, Emeraid Capital, and DEC to collaboratively achieve project outcomes and sustainable impact across target communities.
• Prepare, review, and approve annual work plans and budgets, monitor performance against goals, manage deviations, and identify areas for improvement or adaptation.
• Ensure implementation aligns with donor contractual requirements, MEDA's strategic objectives, and policies and procedures.
• Oversee the timely preparation, review, and submission of financial and narrative reports.
• Supervise project finance systems and processes, including reviewing and authorizing transactions, maintaining stringent financial controls, and minimizing risk exposure.
• Manage effective and efficient project planning, monitoring, evaluation, performance, and reporting requirements.
• Handle relationships with clients and direct/indirect partners.
• Lead staff performance management and development of a strong team.
• Communicate overarching program objectives to align staff efforts accordingly.
• Collaborate with program management, technical advisory, communication, P & C, finance, and legal teams for effective project implementation.

Operational Partnerships - 20%

•  Enhance MEDA's profile within value chain, contributing to positioning MEDA as a leader in transformative agrifood market systems development.
• Identify and nurture partnerships with agrifood market actors to co-create long-term, impact-driven initiatives aligned with MEDA's strategy and country development goals.

Representation and Compliance - 15%

•  Act as MEDA's operational representative for the project in collaboration with partners.
• Ensure project operations comply with governance articles, local laws, and technical standards/certifications.

Position Qualifications

•  Master’s degree in fields such as Business Administration, Agro-economy, Agricultural Sciences, International Development Studies, Geography, or equivalent.
• Experience leading projects funded by Global Affairs Canada, from the inception phase (including Project Implementation Plan development) to execution, with demonstrable expertise in reporting according to Global Affairs Canada standards, is a significant asset.
• Professional experience in leading projects at the implementation/operations scale across multiple regions.
• Interpersonal Skills: Building collaborative relationships, active listening, empathy, leadership, and team motivation.
• Communication Skills: Active listening, articulate and persuasive internal/external communication, and good writing skills.
• Negotiation Skills: Patience, persuasion, adaptability, rigorous planning, and integrity.
• Proficiency in French is required; proficiency in English is an asset.
• Understanding of business principles, international development, and MEDA's business solution approach to poverty.
• Travel within Bauchi, Kaduna, and Kano and occasional travel within Nigeria and/ or the region (Africa).

Additional Qualifications

• Appreciation and support for MEDA's mission, vision, and values.
• Experience managing official development projects in a leadership role.
• Experience with professional, tactful communication, persuasion, and influence with host country ministries, officials, and key partners while maintaining optimal collaboration with key stakeholders.
• Coordination skills for multi-stakeholder platforms/initiatives.
• Communication Skills: Facilitating updates to key stakeholders and officials, ensuring alignment with country development priorities, and maintaining professional communication with donors, consortium members, and clients.
• Experience managing agrifood system projects.
• 6 to 10 years of management experience within Nigeria desired
• Professional Requirements for All Staff
• Organizational Policies and Procedures
• Ensure compliance with all MEDA management, professionalism, financial, audit, legal, HR, security, and corporate policies.
• Prepare quarterly and other internal reports and planning documents.
• Participate in required training sessions.

Organizational Culture

• Demonstrate understanding and commitment to MEDA’s mission of creating business solutions to poverty.
• Uphold MEDA’s core performance values: Collaboration, Respect, Entrepreneurship, and Accountability.

Image and Engagement

• Uphold MEDA’s image and values.
• Respect the board-approved branding strategy.
• Promote MEDA through conferences, media appearances, and conventions as necessary.

Staff Management

• Manage and lead staff according to MEDA’s policies, procedures, and values.
• Contribute to a healthy work culture and environment for staff.