Closing date: 07 Dec 2009
Location: Sierra Leone
The Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere (CARE), seeks a Program Manager to lead the effort, “Improving Child Wellbeing Via Egg Value Chains” in Sierra Leone of the next 2.5 years.
The STRIVE Sierra Leone Program will be an innovative effort bringing together interventions in value chain development, food security, behavior change communications and the development of community health systems This program will address the lack of a robust poultry value chain in country as well as the severe malnutrition that plagues over 35% of Sierra Leonean children, by developing the egg value chain through support to promote overall industry competitiveness and small scale production. This approach will contribute to economic growth and smallholder income, while increasing the availability of eggs, an ideal source of animal protein, in rural areas where malnutrition among children under five is most prevalent. Combined with appropriate messaging on the nutritional benefits of eggs for pregnant women and children under five, the program will enhance consumption (utilization) of eggs by these two target groups. As a result of these efforts, children’s well being will improve as their families’ incomes increase and there are changes in children’s consumption of eggs.
The ideal candidate should have significant experience in market-based approaches, preferably in agriculture value chains targeting large numbers of small holders. She/he should be a dynamic and creative individual, able to adapt and thrive given the challenges of Sierra Leone’s economy. The ideal candidate will have also participated in action research initiatives in the past or via other activities demonstrate a commitment to organizational learning and documentation of lessons learned.
Key Responsibilities include:
- Providing expertise in developing strategic linkages, value chain or market assessments and analysis, value chain design and implementation;
- Providing expertise in trade, marketing and promotion, market access, supply chain management and logistics, business matchmaking, business association strengthening;
- Provide technical support and guidance regarding the design and implementation of projects focused on value chains and development programming;
- Design and lead technical training sessions for CARE staff and its partners concerning small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) and value chains best practices;
- Coordinate with other project staff, consultants, and partners at the country and regional levels and assist with the development of country work and strategic plans;
- Lead and technically supervise designated special projects;
- Work with other staff and partners to ensure quality, integrated approaches to economic development and value chains programming;
- Promote learning and knowledge management through documentation and knowledge sharing around best practices and lessons learned, with special attention to action-learning processes;
- Ensure the timely and quality completion of all designated deliverables.
Qualifications:
- MBA or Masters Degree in Economics or Agro-business
- 5-7 years experience in market development programs, with specific expertise in livestock value chains and particularly poultry desired, but not required
- Familiarity with how to identify market opportunities and keen business acumen.
- Experience engaging a broad range of stakeholders – microentrepreneurs (female), business leaders, exporters, government, NGOs, training and financial services institutions, etc.
- Ability to travel throughout the country
- Strong team leadership, managerial and interpersonal skills;
- Previous experience on USAID-funded projects;
- Previous experience working in/with the private sector preferred, but not required
- Strong communications skills: both presentations and writen;
- Ability to establish priorities in a time-sensitive environment, and meet deadlines with strong attention to detail and quality;
- Fluency in English.
NOTE: POSITION PENDING DONOR APPROVAL
How to apply
Apply through the CARE website at www.care.org/careers.
Reference Code: RW_7XHQDU-15
