Description

FUNCTION: 

The Program Officer will serve in accordance with Heifer’s vision, mission, goal, objectives, policies, and procedures. S/he will coordinate with the signature program team to provide oversight in social capital, supply chain, market system development and cooperative development aspects of the program. The Officer will provide strategic guidance and support to project partners, SHGs, cooperatives, and local governments for effective project design and implementation of projects. S/he will build the capacity of local partners and provide continuous backstopping for optimum project results. 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DELIVERABLES: 

Ensure that project activities are implemented, maintained, and completed on time (50%): 

• Adopt appropriate strategy and plan at the community level to meet the goal and targets of subawards.

• Prepare required guidelines for effective project implementation.

• Prepare the Project Implementation Plan (PIP), facilitate implementation and track progress regularly.

• Support NGOs and cooperatives in start-up and implementation of projects with good and adequate understanding of the project agreement.

• Ensure transparent process in project staff hiring to recruit competent human resources.

• Provide backstopping to NGO partners and cooperatives on program management.

• Collaborate with the signature program team and ensure quality in project service delivery.

• Ensure the effective mobilization of project staff.

• Maintain transparency and meet donor compliance during project implementation.

Coordination, Monitoring, and Reporting (30%): 

• Visit project sites, collaborate with farmers, SHGs, SHG networks, and cooperatives to understand the context, monitor progress, and follow up on recommendations.

• Report on project progress and discuss next steps as appropriate.

• Collaborate and develop good working relationships with local government for smooth project implementation.

• Coordinate with related private sector (market actors, BFIs, insurance companies, etc.) and ensure that required services are delivered.

• Ensure the project milestones, objectives and requirements are fulfilled.

Networking, Technical support and Backstopping (15%):
 

• Develop and maintain a sound network of government, NGO partners, counterparts and other stakeholders.

• Develop and maintain links with relevant professional bodies.

• Ensure the capacity building of project partners, including training and backstopping.

• Create an enabling environment to tap and disburse resources.

• Facilitate cooperative formation and capacity building.

• Establish linkages between value chain actors/buyers.

• Support lead farmers, entrepreneurs, and cooperatives to leverage resources from local government, provincial government, and other opportunities.

May perform other job-related duties as assigned (5%)
 

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS: 

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in animal/veterinary science; an equivalent degree in agribusiness and value chain development is an advantage.

• Minimum three (3) years’ experience in monitoring and evaluation with at least two (2) years with an international organization.

• Experience in adult training facilitation and training curriculum development using participatory methodologies.

• Experience in leading/facilitating business development/market linkages/access to finance or development of business and production plans.

• Knowledge in agriculture cooperative development

• Fluent in local language and English – both spoken and written.

• Possess a working knowledge on sustainable livelihoods, value chain and market development.

• Knowledge of community organizations – SHGs, farmer producer groups, etc.

• Experience of field data collection

• Good analytical skills and ability to verify information.

ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to meet and deal with others in a courteous and tactful manner.

• Ability to prepare and present documents in a well-designed and attractive format with superior attention to detail.

• Proven team and customer care skills with the ability to train and work cooperatively with a diverse staff, including field staff in several locations.

• Constant face-to-face, telephone and electronic communication with colleagues both within and outside the country.

• May require constant sitting and moving, working at a computer for extended periods.

• Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.

• Ability to perform multiple tasks with minimal supervision.

• Willingness to work with a flexible schedule.

• Willingness to travel both locally and internationally.

• Able to effectively promote Heifer’s mission values, and objectives.