Project Manager at Green Habitat Initiative (GHI)

Background

• Green Habitat Initiative is planning to pilot a small-scale solar-powered hydroponics system as a strategic solution to address the convergence of issues stemming from climate change, insecurity, and food security in Kaduna State, Northwest Nigeria.
• Hydroponics is expected to reduce reliance on unpredictable weather patterns, especially erratic rainfall due to climate change, and can be operated within controlled environments, shielding farmers from the vagaries of violent conflicts and insecurity that have disrupted traditional farming practices.
• The aim of this project is to enhance sustainable agriculture and community resilience by introducing functional hydroponics systems, providing secured livelihoods, imparting agricultural and technical expertise, offering localised adaptation solutions, and fostering climate-resilient practices, ultimately contributing to improved food security and reduced conflict risks in the target community.
• As such, GHI is currently seeking to engage a professional project manager on a contract basis to oversee the successful implementation of the technical assistance.

Position Summary

• As the PM, you will be responsible for the overall delivery of the technical assistance. Your outputs must be in line with GHI and donor’s expectations as will be set out. You will oversee the activities and outputs of all staff appointed to support the technical assistance. You shall report the progress of the work to the Project Director/Team Leader of the technical assistance accordingly.

Expected Results:

• At the end of the TA, it is expected that GHI will support its partners in designing a small-scale and household hydroponics system that supports smallholder farmers in the planning and execution of their farming activities.
• The technology will be tested and evaluated by its targeted beneficiaries, and it must meet a high-quality standard. The capacity of the farmers needs to be effectively built on how to use the system.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the implementation of a 12-month project in Kaduna State, Nigeria, ensuring adherence to timelines and objectives.
• Manage and lead the project team in the implementation of all activities, providing guidance and support to ensure effective collaboration and achievement of project goals.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to identify opportunities for project enhancement and optimisation.
• Ensure timely and accurate documentation of project milestones and deliverables.
• Foster continuous learning and skill development to enhance project outcomes.

Core Values:

• Integrity: Prioritise honest communication, ethical decision-making, accountability, and fair treatment of team members. They foster a culture of trust and reliability within the team.
• Strategic: Holds a clear, forward-thinking vision for the project and its impact. They align actions with long-term strategic objectives to drive organisational success.
• Innovation: Encouraging creative thinking and novel approaches within the project team, as well as the value of identifying efficient solutions to challenges and the continuous improvement of processes.

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Climatology, Meteorology, Climate Forecast Engineering, Environmental Science, Biology, Agricultural Engineering or similar is required to qualify for this position.
• You must have extensive experience in managing a diverse team in a development setting.

Qualifications and Required Experiences:

• Demonstrated experience working in the agricultural sector with an NGO.
• At least 3 years of experience in a project management role is required.
• Understanding of climate change issues and how they affect agricultural practices in Nigeria.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills are necessary.
• Experience working in conflict-related areas is desirable.
• Experience in capacity building of partners is desirable.
• Knowledge of the terrain is desirable.

Required personal competencies:

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Sustainability Knowledge: Knowledge of the sustainability agenda and its relationship with business. Must possess a strong interest in driving corporate action on sustainable development. Must have an international and innovative outlook and mindset.
• Computer/Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in MS Office Suite (Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). Experience with the use of project management software (e.g., Clickup, Slack, etc) is desirable.
• Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive relationships with key decision makers by gaining their trust and respect; Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; responds to questions, concerns, and requests from executives; meets timeline for delivery of services to a client.
• Research and Analytical Skills: Exceptional ability to conduct research effectively and assemble this information in a timely manner. Proven critical thinker with strong analytical skills. Ability to explain complex information in a clear, concise, and practical manner. Exceptional attention to detail that demonstrates an ability to evaluate complex information or problems to find a precise and digestible solution.
• Communication and Language Skills: Advanced communication skills, including outstanding written and spoken English skills that enable him/her to communicate professionally and confidently. Ability to interact with a broad set of businesses and present over the phone, virtually, and in person. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others, and responds appropriately. Ability to communicate persuasively in written form to help engage at scale. Asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Exceptional attention to detail, including tailoring language, tone, and content to match various audiences. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Proven ability to provide technical leadership and support.
• Ability to engage and manage strategic stakeholders, including government, implementing partners, academia, beneficiary communities, and the private sector.
• Experience in capacity building.
• Excellent written and communication skills in English are required.
• Knowledge of the Hausa Language is desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries.
• Hybrid working options (4 days in the office, 1 day at home, or a similar arrangement).
• Health insurance.
• Flat organisational structure. Everyone has ideas.
• Autonomous working culture (no micromanagement, dynamic culture, etc.)
• Amazing young colleagues to work with.