Program Manager at FINDEF

 Reports to:    Northwest Regional Coordinator

About the Project

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Program Manager to manage  the "Strengthening Food Systems to Promote Increased Value Chain Employment Opportunities for the Youth in Nigeria" project. The project aims to create sustainable job opportunities and income generation for young women and men in the agribusiness sector, focusing on sorghum, millet, groundnut, soybean, and horticulture value chains. It is providing capacity building and training in business development, financial literacy, and technical skills, empowering participants to become successful entrepreneurs and leaders in their communities.

 Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day management of the project, ensuring timely and effective implementation of all activities.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, including government agencies and partners.
• Coordinate project planning, monitoring, and evaluation processes.
• Supervise and support project staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Provide technical guidance in agribusiness development, value chain enhancement, and post-harvest management.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations, highlighting project achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.
• Document and share best practices, success stories, and innovative approaches to enhance project visibility.
• Offer technical solutions to emerging issues, ensuring timely resolution and minimal disruption.
• Facilitate market linkages between project participants and buyers, off-takers, and financial service providers.
• Deliver business development services to support the growth of youth-led enterprises and SHF cooperatives.
• Develop and implement strategies to ensure the inclusion and active participation of youth and women in all project activities.
• Collaborate with project teams to integrate gender-sensitive approaches and youth-focused initiatives across all project components.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with project implementation.
• Present regular progress reports to the Project Management Unit (PMU) and other stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Advance 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 sector.
• Proven experience in managing multi-stakeholder projects, including experience with donor-funded projects.
• Proven track record working 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.