Knowledge Transfer Manager at East-West Seed

Overall Purpose of the Job

• The Knowledge Transfer Manager will provide strategic direction and support all pre-commercial project activities under the direction of EWS Knowledge Transfer and in close cooperation with project partners.
• You will ensure that all KT activities align to group objectives; to increase the profitability and sustainability of vegetable production with smallholder farmers in areas where the company has long-term ambition to grow new (or strengthen undeveloped) markets.

Tasks & Responsibilities
Development of Knowledge Transfer projects:

• Work closely with Knowledge Transfer Support (KTS) to identify project opportunities
• Support with the development of concept notes and project proposals; liaising with partners and cooperating closely with KTS in the design and scope of activities
• Ensure development of projects is aligned towards KT objectives (1) to increase the profitability and sustainability of vegetable production with smallholder farmers (2) in areas where the company has long-term ambition to grow new (or strengthen undeveloped) markets.

Management of knowledge transfer activities:

• Provide leadership, coaching  and strategic direction to a team of Technical Field Officers
• Enable delivery of appropriate technical solutions to farmers (methodology and content) through identifying needs of team
• Regular visit to project areas to maintain an overview of all project activities
• Ensure operations adhere to EWS and partner policies and regulations
• Report to management and partners as required
• Long term thinking to anticipate challenges and discuss with management team and KTS to identify potential solutions

Partnership management:

• Foster constructive working relationship and closely coordinate activities with NGO partners
• Steer KT activities according to project agreements to ensure agreed targets and objectives are met

Stakeholder engagement:

• Participate and network in workshops, meetings and trainings which help  increase impact and outreach of knowledge transfer activities
• Act as main point of contact for any matters related to pre-commercial knowledge transfer
• Pro-actively promote the impact of EWS-KT with relevant stakeholders in govt, NGOs and private sector and advocate vegetable production as income opportunity
• Foster relationships with national and international organisations to promote vegetable production as a valuable source of income for small scale farmers.
• Support ways to promote EWS-KT activities in different media (in close cooperation with group communication)

Monitoring and evaluation:

• Support team to effectively use KT monitoring tools to provide accurate and up to date information on progress and impact of project activities
• Make regular use of data to analyse progress and steer projects accordingly
• Monitor and track project progress and handle any issues that arise

Others:

• Support preparation of presentations, workshops and trainings
• Maintain close contact and cooperation with KTS team and other KT managers to ensure  benefits of sharing experience and information
• Foster team spirit; with EWNG-KT being an active part of EWS-KT through participation in forums such as Google Plus, trainings, workshops and other group organized events.
• Maintain good communication with commercial team; ensuring KT participation in integrated events and relevant trainings organized by the company

Work Relationships:

• The Knowledge Transfer Manager will report to the EWS-KT director on overall management of the extension activities and coordinate closely with the KTS team.
• You will liaise closely with the Business Development Manager of EWS in Nigeria on administrative and HR issues and coordinate with the Marketing & Sales to ensure that activities are aligned towards the company’s long-term future commercial interest. 

Requirements
Are we looking for you?

• M.Sc in Agriculture or a relevant field
• Proven experience as a Program Manager or  any area related agricultural extension, Agronomist at least 5 years
• Thorough understanding of project/program management techniques and methods
• Track record in training trainers and farmers
• International work experience an advantage
• Proven experiences working with NGOs, donors and government
• Solid leadership and organizational skills including attention to detail and multitasking
• Independent thinking, practically oriented
• Good understanding of vegetable production and markets in the Nigeria