VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT Programme Manager – Cocoa Programmes (SWA, Sierra Leone)
Solidaridad West Africa is an international civil society organization with experience in developing solutions to make communities more resilient and create more sustainable supply chains. The West Africa Regional Office, headquartered in Accra, is one of eight (8) Regional Expertise Centers (RECs) within Solidaridad’s Network organization (www.solidaridadnetwork.org). We play a catalytic role by partnering with private sector companies and other stakeholders to foster the development of socially responsible, ecologically sound and profitable supply chains. Our supply chain work in the region is focused on cocoa, gold, oil palm, cotton, coffee, cashew, horticulture, and other crops. In West Africa, our efforts are directed towards stimulating sustainable supply chains through the introduction of innovations in good practices, market uptake for sustainable goods, farmers’/producers’ access to finance, sustainable natural resources management and institutional capacity development and enabling policy environment.
The West Africa Regional Office of Solidaridad currently has programmes and operations in Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Togo.
The Sierra Leone Country Office seeks to recruit a highly qualified and self-motivated applicant for the position of Programme Manager for the Cocoa programmes.
About the Project
Enhancing Cocoa Quality and Livelihoods Project in Kenema, Kailahun and Kono Districts, Sierra Leone:
The project aims to strengthen cocoa cooperatives in Kenema, Kailahun and Kono districts of Sierra Leone. The project targets at least 8,557 cocoa farmers, of which 5,688 (66%) are males and 2,869 (34%) are females across four (4) cocoa cooperatives in these districts of Sierra Leone.
The overarching objective of the project is to improve the livelihoods of cocoa farming households by enhancing cocoa productivity and the supply of quality cocoa beans. This will be achieved through training, coaching, and infrastructure support by focusing on cooperative strengthening, financial inclusion through Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), providing access to quality seedlings through the establishment of nurseries, capacity building for buying agents, and co-investment through social funds to support farmers with infrastructure and farm tools. The project will streamline and promote gender inclusion and encourage women’s active participation.
Job Purpose
The position will provide managerial and technical support to the Enhancing Cocoa Quality and Livelihoods Project and other cocoa programmes in Sierra Leone. The Programme Manager is responsible for the effective coordination, implementation, monitoring and reporting of project/programme activities, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and in accordance with organizational standards and donor requirements. This role encompasses stakeholder management, fundraising, monitoring, knowledge management, and staff oversight.
Major Responsibilities
Programme Management & Networking
- Oversee the implementation of cocoa project/programme, ensuring the timely and continuous delivery of activities.
- Manage stakeholder relationships, including donors, local communities, relevant organizations, NGOs, and project-related partners.
- Facilitate communication and information exchange to benefit the programme.
Fund Raising
- Lead partnership development and resource mobilization efforts.
- Collaborate with the Country Representative on fundraising strategies.
- Work with the Monitoring & Evaluation unit to develop concept notes and funding proposals.
Monitoring and Knowledge Management
- Monitor project/programme progress and review reports to identify bottlenecks and recommend actions.
- Promote learning and knowledge sharing, documenting successes for new approach designs.
- Compile information about the project/programme and ensure knowledge management and transfer.
- Develop technical concepts and strategies, including guidelines and manuals.
- Prepare inputs for project reports/publications and contribute to required reports.
- Support research activities on policy topics that will benefit collaborative programmes.
Management and Coordination Tasks
- Prepare annual work plans and budgets for project implementation.
- Prepare budgets for key events and monitor operational budgets against agreements.
- Compile relevant information for collaborative activities and missions.
People Management
- Lead and manage project/programme staff, coordinating and organizing project/programme team activities.
Qualifications: Education/Knowledge/Technical Skills and Experience
The following may be acquired through a combination of formal/informal or self-education, prior experience or on-the-job training
Minimum Qualification required
University degree in Agricultural Business, Natural Resources Management, Planning, Development Management, or any related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.
Experience
Five (5) years’ minimum experience in a similar role
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Experience in programme management, proposals and report writing
- Experience with bilateral and multilateral donors
- Excellent analytical/problem-solving skills
- Superior communication and presentation skills
- Stakeholder management and leadership skills
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the climate change and cocoa sectors
- Knowledge in planning, monitoring and evaluation (PME) methodologies
- Any additional responsibilities as assigned by your Line Manager
How to Apply
All applicants are to send their application letter and resume to vacancies.GH@solidaridadnetwork.org by the closing date, 07 May 2025.
Kindly indicate the position in the subject of your cover email. Qualified female applicants are most encouraged to apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.