SNV is a mission-driven global development partner, rooted in the contexts and societies where we work.

We contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through effective programme delivery and influencing, with a central focus on transforming agri-food, energy, and water systems to enable sustainable and more equitable lives for all. We are one team of over 1,600 people, the vast majority coming from the more than 20 countries in Africa and Asia where we work.

SNV's revenues (+/- €150M/ year) are based on project funding provided by a wide range of bilateral, multilateral, and private institutional funding partners.

SNV has worked in Ethiopia since the 1970s and currently operates in all regional states, providing capacity strengthening support in the agri-food, water, and energy sectors. Through its work in agri-food, SNV in Ethiopia supports the development of a number of value chains such as dairy, oil seeds and edible oil, pulses, livestock and horticulture.

The Horticultural Livelihoods, Innovation and Food safety in Ethiopia (Horti-LIFE) project aims to increase the involvement of smallholders in innovative and competitive horticulture production systems that improve food security for rural families and contribute to improved nutrition and food safety in domestic markets.

The project is implemented in close collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and the Regional Bureaus of Agriculture in Amhara, Oromia, SNNPR, Tigray and Sidama Regions in Ethiopia.

The project team consists of an international Project Manager, a deputy project manager, and experts on horticultural production, fund management, seed multiplication, nursery management, Integrated Pest Management, micro-finance, agricultural training, gender equality, public extension financing, nutrition and a MEAL team. In each of the six regions where the project works there are regional advisors and senior horticultural experts, in addition to 65 horticultural field staff working at districts and cluster level.

The Project Manager is part of the SNV Ethiopia country programme and manages a significant horticulture project in SNV’s agri-food system sector. The Project Manager will be responsible for the roll-out and implementation of Hortilife phase III, which is expected to commence 1 July 2023 (contingent to funding).

The Project Manager has responsibility for the overall management of the project, which includes:

• technical oversight and guidance of project activities;
• efficient management of financial resources;
• review and approval of project budgets and monitoring expenditures;
• supervision of field operations, administration, logistics and procurement;
• supervision of monitoring and evaluation;
• and ensuring quality control and timeliness of all deliverables as required by the donor.

S/he will also be responsible for leading the team on the project's interventions. S/he will ensure full compliance with all donor and other fiduciary regulations and will oversee the project reporting process in line with donor requirements. S/he will oversee the performance management of all project staff working exclusively on his/her project. The Project Manager reports to the Sector Leader Agri-Food.

Key Responsibilities 

• Project Strategy: provide technical and strategic direction and guidance to the project and its partners at national and sub-national level; 
• Human and Financial Resources: efficient management of human and financial resources; ensure effective coordination of project activities with project teams, review and approve project budgets and monitor expenditures;  
• Monitoring and Evaluation: ensure quality control and timeliness of all deliverables, develop and maintain PME tools and deliverables as applicable; account and report to SNV, donor and clients on project performance; 
• Networking and Relation Management: build and maintain relationships with project stakeholders, including ministries, local government authorities, private sector, civil society and partners; 
• Operational Support: provide operational guidance and support to project activities, including developing work plans, budgets and competency table within financial responsibilities and mandates;  
• Knowledge development: guide knowledge development, cross country learnings, documentation and communication in close collaboration with the donor, global agri-food and project team; 

• Master’s degree in Agriculture, Rural Development, Environmental Sciences, or relevant discipline (Proficiency level equivalent to)
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible work experience in managing and implementing multi-faceted, donor-funded development programmes
• Relevant work experience, background and domain understanding of horticulture principles and agricultural value chains
• Understanding of Ethiopia agri-food sector (or previous experiences in East Africa)
• Excellent social and networking skills, able to engage with the private sector, civil society and governments, at all levels.
• Visionary and able to strategically lead, inspire and energize the project teams.
• Experience in collaborative and adaptive monitoring, evaluation, and learning.
• Highly motivated self-starter, with strong organisational skills, serious in individual accountability.
• Strong strategic decision-making and excellent communication skills (written and oral), as well as reporting and presentation skills.
• Fluency in both written and spoken English.
• Willingness to travel to all programme/project locations, including remote, rural areas.

Contract Duration: 2 year full-time international employment contract, with possibility of extension.

Expected Start Date: June 2023

Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

How to Apply
If you believe that your credentials meet the above profile, we invite you to apply by submitting your CV with a motivation letter in English before 16th of March .

We will require that you provide us with full details of two people who are willing to act as a referee.  We will not contact these referees without your explicit permission.

All information will be in the strictest confidence.  We will revert to you as soon as feasible when we have reviewed your application.

Should SNV wish to proceed with your application, two interviews with the Selection Committee will take place. 

Working at SNV 

SNV offers 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 and global network of experts. For more information, please visit our website: www.snv.org

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