Project Manager - Food Security and Agriculture (NOURISH)

SNV is a mission-driven global development partner working in more than 20 countries across Africa and Asia. Building on 60 years of experience and grounded in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we work on the core themes of gender equality and social inclusion, climate adaptation and mitigation, and strong institutions and effective governance.  Together with our team of over 1,600 people, our mission is to strengthen capacities and catalyse partnerships that transform the agri-food, energy, and water systems, which enable sustainable and more equitable lives for all.

Our core values of people-centeredness and respect, equity and equality, and diversity and inclusion, are fundamental to who we are, and what we do. This is reflected in our vision and mission, and strategy, which sets out our aspirations and commitments as our compass towards 2030.

For more information on SNV, please refer to our website: www.snv.org

As the Project Manager for the NOURISH Tanzania initiative, you'll lead efforts to enhance food security for 168,000 smallholder farmer households in the central-northern zone (Singida, Dodoma and Manyara regions) and the Southern Highlands (Songwe, Rukwa regions). This challenging role requires a visionary thought leader who can navigate complex agricultural systems, fostering collaboration with diverse stakeholders, and influence positive change.

The project specifically addresses challenges such as low productivity, poor market access, and nutritional deficiencies in these identified regions through pathways of increased productivity, diversified food supply, and improved household resource utilization. Your role will be pivotal in implementing these strategies and making a lasting impact on smallholder farmers' lives.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Project Leadership and Design:
   • Shape the project's strategic direction, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and the unique challenges of smallholder farmers in Tanzania.
   • Design and implement innovative solutions to address low productivity, limited market access, and nutritional deficiencies in the targeted regions.
   • Provide thought leadership, challenging conventional norms, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
2. Stakeholder Management:
   • Navigate complex stakeholder relationships, including donors, government officials, value chain coordinators, and technical experts.
   • Work closely with a hands-on donor, deputy team leader, and value chain coordinators to ensure effective collaboration and achievement of project objectives.
3. Project Implementation and Analysis:
   • Lead and coordinate the NOURISH Tanzania project, overseeing its diverse components and ensuring successful implementation in both central-northern and southern highland regions.
   • Analyze challenges and barriers to productivity, identifying innovative solutions to empower smallholder farmers and increase their profits significantly, utilizing a deep understanding of the Tanzanian agriculture sector to drive impactful change and improve the livelihoods of rural communities.
4. People Management and Partnerships:
   • Manage a team of professionals, including value chain coordinators, a monitoring and evaluation specialist and a technical expert focusing on gender equality and social inclusion (GESI).
   • Foster effective partnerships with civil society organizations to enhance project outcomes.
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Required qualifications:

• (Proficiency level equivalent to) master’s degree in a relevant discipline such as agriculture, rural development, agribusiness, or nutrition. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree and extensive leadership experience in international development are also encouraged to apply.
• Minimum of 6 years’ experience as a project manager, team leader, or chief of party in at least two international development projects. 
• Demonstrated strong leadership and team management skills, emphasizing coaching and development.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in partnership management within the international development sector.
• Demonstrated experience working in an international context, showcasing cultural sensitivity and the ability to navigate challenges in diverse settings.

Desired qualifications:

• Demonstrates conceptual thinking by asking probing questions, challenging the status quo, and analysing complex situations to implement innovative solutions with adaptability.
• Experience in managing diverse teams and partnerships, including government relations and engagement with civil society organizations.
• Strong ambition to influence and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Profound knowledge of project management procedures, systems, and finance processes.
• Result-oriented with a focus on impactful outcomes.
• Experience living and working in eastern and southern Africa, with an understanding of the agricultural and agribusiness systems, household level nutrition culture and political economy of the region.

• Contract Type: Full time, international employment contract
• Duty Station: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
• Contract Duration: 2 years with possibility for extension
• Expected Start Date: March/April 2024
• Travel: Frequent travel within Tanzania, particularly to the Dodoma and Sembawang offices, where the majority of project staff will be based.

How to Apply

If you believe that your credentials meet the outlined profile, we invite you to apply by uploading your CV and a letter of motivation before/on the 19th of December. Please submit your application only via Smart Recruiters. All information will be processed in the strictest confidence. 

If we see that your experience and skills match the requirements of the position, we will contact you to advise you of the next steps in the recruitment process. Should SNV wish to proceed with your application, two interviews with a Selection Committee will take place.

*SNV is an equal opportunities employer and female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Working at SNV  

SNV offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. We offer a challenging work environment, opportunities to lead and innovate, and a commitment to growing your skills in a fulfilling and diverse working environment. Our staff benefit from, and contribute to, an internal global network of experts. For more information, please visit our website: www.snv.org/careers.

SNV strives to be an inclusive employer, thriving on the diversity of its people and does not discriminate on the basis of disability status, religion, ethnic origin, gender and sexual orientation, etc.