Introduction

Solidaridad is a global civil society organization that provides solutions for sustainable production practices in different supply chains. Our mission is to enable farmers and workers to earn a living, shape their future, and produce in balance with nature, by working throughout the whole supply chain to make sustainability the norm. Solidaridad is an international network organization consisting of seven regional expertise centers located around the world (Asia, Southern Africa, East and Central Africa, West Africa, Latin America, North America, and Europe), each with its specific expertise and focus.

Background

Solidaridad West Africa has been committed to contributing to the sustainability of
production systems of several commodities including cocoa and oil palm for over a decade.
Solidaridad Cote D’Ivoire has received funding from international and private donors to
work on sustainable development within several supply chains (cocoa, oil palm, cotton, Food crops…). This strategic role is central to our commitment to sustainability and the well-being of producers. We are looking for a Program Manager For the AgriRise program which is planned to enhance the production and marketability of food crops through a holistic approach encompassing Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and regenerative farming techniques, improved market access for smallholder farmers, and the empowerment of local communities. The program seeks to contribute to increased food security, improved livelihoods, and sustainable agricultural development.

Job Purpose

The Program Manager will be responsible for designing, leading, and managing integrated sustainability programs aimed at ensuring a prosperous and empowered future for farmers and their communities. This critical mission requires a holistic approach, focusing on a significant enhancement of agricultural productivity through the adoption of sustainable practices, the strengthening of production system resilience in the face of environmental and socio-economic challenges, and the promotion of lasting community empowerment through tailored initiatives. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong and inspiring leadership for the effective management of multidisciplinary teams, a proven ability to establish and cultivate robust and engaged partnerships with local communities, producer organizations, public authorities, technical and financial partners, and all relevant stakeholders. In-depth technical expertise and a keen understanding of the complexities of agricultural and rural
development, including environmental and social considerations, are essential for the
successful implementation of these programs. This role demands strategic thinking, excellent project management skills, the capacity to innovate and adapt approaches to local contexts,and a deep commitment to the principles of sustainability and inclusion.Solidaridad West Africa is seeking to hire a Programme Manager who will be responsible for, Supply chains to contribute and address the challenges related to sustainable agricultural practices.

Job Responsibilities

Programme management

Design strategies to strengthen the sustainability of agricultural value chains through the projects and programmes under his/her responsibility
Establish a concrete and feasible work plan to better identify the challenges encountered in the value chains and propose solutions to improve producers' productivity and working conditions
Focus on outcomes and the achievement of planned objectives and deliverables
Planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting on the relevance of interventions in line with agreed KPIs
Coordinate the execution of project activities in collaboration with project officers and through close monitoring of projects/programs activities that focused on effective advocacy.

Technical Support

Organize and train staff on relevant tools and approaches to trained farmers, set up farmers field school and demonstration plots
Develop comprehensive and effective strategies to achieve results
Lead the process of selecting partners (consultants and structures) as necessary, in the conduct of activities under projects/ programmes.
Co-develop programme budgets, manage and report on budget utilization

Climate smart Productivity

Lead the development and implementation of strategies to promote the adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) among to increase the yields and overall productivity
Oversee the design and delivery of training programs on improved agronomic techniques, pest and disease management, post-harvest handling, and food safety.
Integrate sustainable and regenerative farming principles (e.g., agroforestry, conservation agriculture, soil health management) into program activities.
Facilitate farmer access to quality inputs and appropriate technologies.
Work closely with research institutions and extension services to disseminate relevant and context-specific technologies and practices.

Market Access and Value Chain Development:

Develop and implement strategies to improve market access for targeted staple food producers.
Conduct market analysis to identify opportunities and constraints within relevant value chains and facilitate linkages between farmers, processors, traders, and other market actors.
Support the development of market infrastructure and information systems.
Explore and promote innovative marketing channels and approaches.

Community Empowerment

Lead initiatives to strengthen local communities and foster their active participation in the program's success and long-term sustainability.
Facilitate the formation and strengthening of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) to enhance financial inclusion and build community capital.
Support the development of Income-Generating Activities (IGAs) to diversify livelihoods and improve household economic resilience, ensuring alignment with the program's agricultural focus and market opportunities.
Empower communities to take ownership of their development and ensure the long-term sustainability of program benefits.

Representation and External Relations

Stakeholder Engagement including government agencies, institutions, extension services, research, private sector actors and other stakeholders.
Partnerships Development to amplify program impact and establish collaboration agreements
Represent the organization at public events to enhance visibility and share lessons learned, best practices and success stories

Capacity Building

Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of solution-oriented tools and approaches to sustainability in the supply chain
Lead the capacity building of partner teams and organizations through training, working sessions, webinars, coaching...

Coordination and Collaboration

Ensure communication with program donors as needed and in coordination with SWA management
Collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and stakeholders working on related issues, to maximize the impact of projects
Ensure and maintain regular communications with the project team, stakeholders, and donors to provide updates on progress, financial performance, early identification of any issues, and communicate any required delivery support.

Reporting and Compliance

Ensure the production of consolidated, evidence-based, high-quality technical/narrative and financial reports for submission to the donor
Ensure compliance with SWA reporting requirements
Prepare and submit monthly, quarterly, and annual reports on time and according to the quality of the expected data

Fundraising

Track and Identify funding opportunities by developing concept notes, as well as new sustainability-related project proposals with the direct support of Solidaridad's business development team
Establish national networks with stakeholders, including government agencies, the private sector, and NGOs through workshops, seminars, and other events.

Relations with other Solidaridad Support Departments

Collaborate with the Communication and Knowledge Management team on the definition and implementation of the communication plan.
Work with the Country Representative and the Finance Manager on the work plan and annual budget of each project as well as on financial reporting.

Profil du poste

Qualifications: Education/Knowledge/Technical Skills and Experience

The following may be acquired through a combination of formal or self-education, prior experience or on-the-job training

Minimum Qualification required
Advanced degree in any of the following - Development, Agricultural Economics,, Agricultural science, or related field.

Experience

A minimum of 5 years’ experience in Rural Development, Agricultural Science, or any related matters, and must have demonstrable experience in Program Management in Sustainability projects.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Robust understanding and demonstrable experience within the key agricultural commodity sectors and their associated supply chains prevalent in Côte d'Ivoire, with a particular emphasis on cocoa, palm oil, and staple food crops.
Proven experience in developing and implementing effective mitigation strategies to address the impacts of climate change on agricultural systems.
A strong understanding of market access and uptake strategies related to sustainable supply chain management.
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including donors, government institutions, local communities, and project staff.
Strong project planning, design, and management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage resources effectively
Working knowledge in French and English language.

Specific Requirements

Strong and confident leadership.
Superior presentation and facilitation skills
Excellent communication skills (oral and written communication in English and French)
Able to travel extensively within the Country and the West African region
Ability to build consensus and work effectively within an international cross-departmental team.

Dossiers de candidature

HOW TO APPLY ?

If you have the necessary skills and assets to fill this position, please send your application (updated CV + photo with 3 professional references and covering letter) to the following address: vacancyci@solidaridadnetwork.org before 5pm on 27th May 2025.
Please indicate in the subject line : “ APPLICATION FOR FOOD CROPS & COMMUNITIES EMPOWERMENT ” Applications from women are strongly encouraged. Only selected candidates will be contacted.