Team Lead at Ikore International Development Limited

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• This project team lead is responsible for project leadership, technical delivery, operations delivery, and all aspects of a Mechanization for rural farmers project to ensure project objectives are met.
• The agricultural mechanization service intervention is aimed at enhancing access of smallholder farmers to affordable and sustainable mechanization services in five states in Northern Nigeria – Adamawa, FCT, Kaduna, Kano, and Nasarawa.
• The project aims to create work opportunities for mechanization service providers, tractor operators, and others in the mechanization value chain. The project’s primary target is young men and women in peri-urban and rural communities, providing bundled mechanization services.
• Ultimately, the project focuses on capacity-building, affordable last-mile services, financial inclusion, technology integration, and policy enhancement.

Responsibilities

• Project Management: Oversee the overall planning and implementation of the Mechanization project, ensuring adherence to the project objectives, timelines, and budget, as well as project partner requirements.
• Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks and issues. Develop contingency plans and proactively address potential challenges to minimize project disruptions and successful outcomes.
• Team Leadership: Provide guidance, support, and supervision to the project team, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with partner organizations, government agencies, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to build and manage relationships and ensure effective coordination.
• Technical Expertise: Utilize your knowledge of agricultural mechanization technologies, equipment, and best practices to provide technical guidance and support to the team.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Work with the project team to develop and implement monitoring and evaluation systems to track project progress, measure impact, and identify areas for improvement.
• Budget and Resource Management: Work closely with the operations and finance teams to develop and manage the project budget, ensuring efficient utilization of all project resources.
• Communication and Coordination: Facilitate effective communication and coordination among team members, partners, and stakeholders, ensuring all parties are well-informed and reports are submitted to project partners on time.
• Support in the management of human resources including analysis of staffing needs and resources, mentoring, and capacity building.
• Reporting and Documentation: Prepare regular reports on project activities, achievements, challenges, and lessons learned. Maintain accurate project documentation.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Engineering, Project Management, Agricultural Economics, or a related discipline. Masters in a relevant field would be an advantage.
• At least Ten (10) years of progressive, relevant experience in agricultural development, focusing on agricultural mechanization.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of agricultural mechanization technologies, equipment, and best practices, particularly in the context of smallholder farmers
• Knowledge of agile project management is required to provide oversight for the software arm of the project.
• Project Management Skills: Proven ability to manage complex projects, including planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Familiarity with project management tools and methodologies is essential.
• Leadership and Communication: Excellent leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team. Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage with stakeholders and facilitate training sessions.
• Problem-solving: Demonstrated ability to identify challenges, develop innovative solutions, and make informed decisions in the context of agricultural mechanization interventions.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Sensitivity to the cultural norms, practices, and social dynamics of the communities in the target states.
• Knowledge of local languages in context target states is a plus.
• Ability to adapt to changing project requirements and remain resilient in the face of challenges.