Deputy Program Director, Solutions for African Food Enterprises (SAFE), Kenya

I. TechnoServe Background:

TechnoServe is an international, non-profit economic development organization founded in 1968 out of a conviction that a vibrant private sector is an essential foundation for economic growth and poverty reduction.  TechnoServe undertakes targeted, catalytic technical assistance and other programming to increase the competitiveness of entrepreneurs, businesses and industries that in-turn provide sustainable employment, inclusion of the poor and increased incomes.  TechnoServe operates in 25 developing countries with over 1000 employees.  A substantial portion of our work is in agriculture, enhancing farm productivity and commodity quality and addressing gaps in processing and other agribusiness capacities.  Our programs increase smallholder access to new technologies, aggregation and storage mechanisms, markets, critical information and finance.  TechnoServe also undertakes structured programs to identify and support high potential entrepreneurs in various sectors through leadership mentoring networks, formalization support, access to capital and development of sustainable business services such as accounting, finance, marketing and human resource management.

II. Program Description:

Solutions for African Food Enterprises (SAFE) is a TechnoServe program in partnership with USAID and Partners in Food Solutions, with the aims of increasing the competitiveness of the African food processing sector and expanding availability of affordable and nutritious foods. Partners in Food Solutions (PFS) is a non-profit organization formed by General Mills to link the technical and business expertise of volunteer employees from General Mills, Cargill, and Royal Dutch DSM. This program provides knowledge and technology transfer to build the capacity of African food processors, improving availability of nutritious foods and creating market opportunities for small holder farmers. This will be a 4 year position beginning November 1st 2012

III. Position Description:

TechnoServe is seeking a Deputy Program Director (DPD) for a USAID-funded regional program, Solutions for African Food Enterprises (SAFE). This regional program will be implemented across Kenya, Malawi and Zambia in partnership with several of the world’s leading food companies. SAFE aims to increase the competitiveness of the African food processing sector and to expand availability of nutritious foods. SAFE will build on the success of the existing African Alliance for Improved Food Processing (AAIFP), a partnership currently being implemented by TechnoServe in Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania and Zambia

The DPD will work closely with the Program Director providing regional management support and will assume responsibility for implementation of all program activities at the country level. S/he will work closely with dedicated food technologists and business advisor teams in each country who will be responsible for identifying suitable local food processing companies, developing specific capacity building project charters with each company, and linking with experts from the global food companies to provide customized solutions. As well as customized technical assistance this will include developing short term trainings for broader groups, supporting market and financial linkages and strengthening sustainability through inclusion of local universities and BDS providers.
They will also be responsible for identifying potential issues in implementation that may affect timely delivery against project targets and developing solutions to be presented to the Project Director. S/he will liaise closely with our implementing partner to ensure alignment and the use of best practices and will lead knowledge-sharing activities between country teams, ensuring efficient and effective dissemination of learnings.

IV. Required Skills & Experience:

• Advanced degree in Business Administration, Project Management or Food Technology related fields
• Strong market orientation, grasp of business concepts and proven management skills
• Innovative thinker that can identify opportunities, develop appropriate solutions to challenges and take action that is consistent with available facts and probable consequences
• At least 5 years relevant project management experience (e.g., within a multinational food company, international development programs, USAID project management, private sector agro-processing, or other related industry)
• Experience managing complex, multi-disciplinary and challenging field operations in developing countries and to deliver strong results within appropriate timelines
• Experience leading and managing multi-cultural teams, preferably with some experience managing remotely. Demonstrated successful experience mentoring and building staff capacity
• Experience in food processing or commercial food industry and/or managing USAID projects an added advantage
• Experience living and working in sub-Saharan Africa an advantage
• Verbal and written fluency in English.
• Ability to develop and present well-written, cohesive analyses and reports
• Willingness to be based in Nairobi, Kenya and travel internationally and to remote rural locations

IV. Essential Physical Requirements

• The incumbent is expected to sit and work at a computer for long hours.
• Must be capable of talking on the phone or Skype frequently throughout the day.
• Must occasionally lift a box of paper or other items which weigh approximately 20 lbs.
• or be capable of lifting their luggage when traveling.
• Other requirements include climbing stairs, walking, bending over, pulling luggage and occasionally driving.

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TechnoServe is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women are encouraged to apply.