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.

In its new Strategic Plan 2030 SNV outlines the ways in which it intends to maximise its contribution to accelerating and scaling SDG-aligned impact over the coming years. With this new strategy, SNV ensures it can respond effectively to the rapidly changing global contexts. Together with its partners, SNV is committed to seizing the opportunities that exist to build a better world, inspiring action locally, nationally, and globally, elevating the voices of the people and communities. SNV wants to see a world where across every society, all people live with dignity and have equitable opportunities to thrive sustainably. And so SNV’s 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.

For more information on SNV, visit our website: www.snv.org

The Regenerative Agricultural practices for improved Livelihoods and Markets (REALMS) is working to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Kenya and Rwanda through the adoption of regenerative agricultural practices. Examples include reducing the use of chemical fertilizers, Integrated Pest Management, and soil and water conservation to stop erosion. Farmers in Kenya and Rwanda are supported and encouraged to apply circular and regenerative farming practices, such as the application of home-made compost and animal manure, and biological pest control. Many of these techniques are new to farmers who have historically been reliant on chemical fertilisers. To address this issue, REALMS Project is working with smallholders and their communities to provide practical, hands-on training, supporting local service providers (SMEs), and partnering with influential stakeholders to create the necessary enabling environment.

For more information on the project https://realmsproject.org

The Programme Manager of REALMS: Creating conditions for successful adoption in Western Kenya and Western Rwanda is part of an SNV Rwanda Country Office with oversight of program activities in Kenya as well as Rwanda. There is an expectation of regular (approximately 20) travel to Kenya to oversee operations and program staff in that country.

The Programme Manager leads a multi-country project and manages the implementation, closing and the workforce of the project, within scope, budget, timeline and acceptable quality levels along the commitments specified in the contracts signed with the donor(s) and other relevant stakeholders. The REALMS project is already halfway through implementation and the Programme Manager will take over from the existing Programme Manager to ensure that learnings are generated, that advocacy activities are well aligned with learnings and that supported small businesses have the tools they need to scale up work in the regenerative agriculture space. The Programme Manager works in line with SNV standards, SNV`s approach to project management and donor regulations, in order to achieve high quality and achieve the agreed results and deliverables of the project. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Project Management: Leads, manages and motivates the project team, partners and relevant stakeholders. Plans and assigns deliverables and activities, reviews their progress and addresses deviations in terms of timelines and quality, based on project planning, deliverables agreed and budget set. Manages project closure and evaluation process including hand-over of complete and up-to-date project file to the Sector Leader, Country Director and Business Development unit based on project management procedures.
• Project quality assurance: Takes responsibility for the (technical) content of a project, ensures quality of the deliverables and ensures sufficient technical input to meet the quality standards.
• Stakeholder management: Builds and maintains professional, collaborative and constructive relationships with project partners, key governments stakeholders and project donor.
• Contract Management & Project Accounting: Manages and accounts for full compliance of administrative, finance and HR components of the project with SNV internal procedures and requirements specified in the donor-, sub-grant-, sub-consultancy-, partner-, consortium- and Local Capacity Builders contracts. Ensures that approval for, coding and booking of all expenditures is done according to the relevant procedures and authorisation levels. Prepares, accounts for, manages and reports on project budget (and revisions thereof). Discusses and obtains approval of donor for contract / budget deviations. Ensures security and (financial risk) mitigation (incl. due diligence). Fully understands procurement and comply with requirements and contracts.
• People Management & Team Leadership: Guides, develops, coaches and motivates team members and prepares resource estimation based on forecast in order to attract and recruit (SNV staff, consultants and/or Local Capacity Builders). Advises HR and country management on contract conditions for consultants and Local Capacity Builders, within guidelines and project budget.
• Business development: Builds and maintains effective relationships, with team, external partners and the donor(s) by ensuring a high level of SNV visibility and branding. Signals and acts on potential for positioning, innovation, upscaling and potential follow up on projects. Timely recognises and analyses threats and makes sure relevant colleagues are informed.
• Analysis & Reporting: Ensures collection, consolidation and review of project information, according to SNV’s monitoring and evaluation guidelines. Analyses and provides advice to management how to incorporate the new insights/best practices into the organisation’s policies and practices.
• Knowledge Development: Contributes to internal and external knowledge development, by full documentation and sharing of project insights and results. Develops knowledge by attending workshops and conferences. Ensures lessons learned are shared and applied in daily practice. When applicable can be appointed as (national) focal point of an expertise network.

Basic requirements

• Master’s degree in Agriculture, Rural Development, Environmental Sciences or relevant discipline or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum 7 years relevant experience in development work, project management and sector(s)

Preferred Requirements:

• Understanding of Rwandan and Kenyan agriculture sector
• Experience managing a multi-country team, visionary and able to strategically lead, inspire and energize the project teams (effective remote management)
• Strong understanding of regenerative agriculture principles
• Experience working with agribusiness entrepreneurs with a strong understanding of the agribusiness sector
• Strong analytical thinking skills, ability to multi-task and supervise project staff with varying skillsets and levels of experience
• Strong strategic decision-making and excellent communicator to help transfer technical learnings to non-technical audiences
• Fluency in both written and spoken English
• Willingness to travel to all programme/project locations, including remote, rural areas

Contract Type and Duration: 1.5 years with potential extension

Contract Type: Open to national and international candidates

Duty Stations: Kigali, Rwanda (with periodic travel to Kenya)

Desired Start Date: 15 May 2023

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 18th 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.