Deputy Director, Operations for Farm to Market Alliance, Consultant

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JOB TITLE: Deputy Director, Operations for Farm to Market Alliance, Consultant

TYPE OF CONTRACT: REG CST

UNIT/DIVISION: POCFM/ Nairobi (FtMA)

DUTY STATION (City, Country): Nairobi, Kenya

DURATION: 31 December possible extension

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

Farm to Market Alliance (FtMA) is a consortium of six organizations [Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa - AGRA, Bayer, Rabobank, Syngenta, WFP, Yara] with a joint vision to enable sustainable food systems through strengthened markets to empower farmers to increase their yields, incomes and resilience and to improve global food security. This will be achieved by creating an inclusive commercial environment throughout the food value chains, supported by appropriate policies and investments in hard and soft infrastructures.
The mission of the FtMA is to make markets work better for smallholder farmers (with surplus or surplus potential) by working through partnerships with off-takers, farmer service centers or other agrirelated businesses. FtMA objectives are two-fold: (i) to sustainably improve smallholder incomes and resilience and (ii) to develop commercial viability for all stakeholders (partners and farmers).
FtMA is currently active in Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania with expansion plans underway. On the global level, the alliance is governed by the six global member Steering Committee. A global secretariat led by a Managing Director is based in Nairobi, with FtMA country teams & representatives based in Kigali, Nairobi, Lusaka, and Dar es Salaam.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. To achieve the Alliance objectives, competent and determined leadership is required. The Alliance is seeking an experienced professional for the key role of Deputy Director – Operations. The incumbent will provide management support for FtMA Managing Director, to ensure the effective delivery of FtMA activities. An important focus of this role is upon team management, and the provision of oversight and support to Country Teams.
2. The Deputy Director - Strategy will be responsible for numerous critical functions. These include, but are not limited to: lead the implementation of the global FtMA strategy and supporting tools, in line with the Theory of Change and the business value creation model; in collaboration with all stakeholders to meet the key operational objectives of the initiative with a view to achieve scalability and sustainability. Close collaboration with the Country teams will be key to effectiveness.
3. The Deputy Director - Operations will be responsible for the following duties:
4. Play a key role in development and implementation of country strategy, policies and plans aligned with regional, WFP and wider UN strategy, policies and processes to optimize selected value chains within the FtMA countries of operation.
5. Under the delegated authority, hold accountability for the effective management of FtMA operations and resources within the countries of operation. Provide coaching and support to Country Teams and functional units to enable effective performance.
6. Provide effective leadership to the Global Team and respective Country Teams to ensure the continued development of a cohesive and high-performing staff.
7. Play a key role in building cohesive and collaborative cross-functional relationships to ensure a uniform approach to FtMA's programme delivery.
8. Develop productive relationships with partners and donors at a national level to enable the effective positioning of FtMA to meet country and regional goals.
9. Alongside the Managing Director work to regularly identify new private sector partnerships and opportunities for synergies with the private sector with FtMA country level programmes.
10. Support the Managing Director in planning and implementation of Global Team workplan including the implementation and evaluation of audit and compliance recommendations.
11. Take responsibility to lead on development of plan for country teams to incorporate gender & youth perspectives in all areas of work, to ensure equal participation of women and men & youth.
12. Hold accountability for comprehensive and accurate reports on situation in countries of operation and performance for both internal and external audiences, to provide required donor information, and to inform strategic directions, operational planning and decisions.
13. Lead the M&E officer in the development, implementation, and review of Monitoring, Review and Evaluation plans that will provide the most relevant and strategic information to manage progress towards achieving expected results and ensure compliance to WFP evaluation and monitoring requirements.
14. Provide feedback on the formulation of FtMA Country Monitoring and Evaluation Strategies and TORs.
15. Advise and support evidence-based decision-making on programme design and implementation.
16. Develop strategies and project proposals in collaboration with the FTMA Managing Director and FTMA Country Teams
17. Represent FtMA at national/inter-agency/international meetings to contribute to technical discussions, exchange of best practices, identify opportunities for strengthening national programming, and the development of strategic partnerships.
18. In the absence of the Managing Director, perform all functions of the Managing Director as OIC until their return
19. Reporting
20. The Deputy Director - Operations will report directly to the Managing Director of the Farm to Market Alliance and liaise regularly with Global Alliance Members for technical guidance, and industry best standards and trends. The position will involve travel to Alliance countries, as well as participating in international meetings when required. In addition, because the position is hosted by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the incumbent will need to become aware of, and conform to all WFP administrative, legal and behavioural requirements.

DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT:QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
Education:
Education: University degree in Finance, Economics, Business Development, or other related field, and additional years of related work experience in the commercial agriculture sector highly desired.
Experience:

• Minimum of eleven years of relevant professional work experience in the agricultural sector, with a preference for private sector employment, or international development.

• Minimum of four years or more senior/management level responsibility with professional experience in formulating and managing teams in the field. Experience working with diversely skilled teams, and improving performance is key. Work experience in Africa and especially Eastern / Southern Africa markets is essential.

Knowledge & Skills:
Has supported the development of aspects of Country Strategy, Division Strategy, and/or Operations planning in commercial agri-business.
Has experience in advocacy and communication with customers/beneficiaries and their communities.
Has been the primary focal point for relationships with significant partners and/or donors and resource partners.
Has gained significant people management/supervisory experience in directing mid-sized teams in support of Country-level workforce plans.
Familiarity with rural project development support, and capacity building programs at national or sub-national level.
Ability to explain strategies and projects to field counterparts, as well as communicate with local and national governments and partners clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to lead, coach and motivate teams for efficient and effective delivery of results.
Ability to assimilate and analyze complex issues using independent judgment and anticipate potential strategic impact.
Tact and ability to work harmoniously with people of different national and cultural background.
Resourcefulness, initiative and problem-solving skills, strong client orientation for value chain stakeholders.
The ideal candidate for this position must be able to work independently and unsupervised as well as in a team-oriented environment.
Ability to frequently travel within the country and internationally

Languages:
Fluency (level C) in English language, and intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second, local language to East Africa (like Swahili) strongly preferred.

Certified by Hiring Manager (name/title) & signature):
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Date: …………………
Accepted by Short-term/Consultancy contract holder (name & signature):
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Date: ……………………… Mads Lofvall,

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REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

• We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete, and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, language skills and UN Grade (if applicable).

• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.

• Please make sure you upload your professional CV in the English language

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