Head of Project

Head of Project

Responsibilities

• Facilitate regular coordination between key actors, including partner banks and microfinance institutions, agro-dealers, importers, farmers and the National Fertilizer Regulatory Agency (NaFRA), ensuring smooth implementation and information flow.
• Operationalize and adapt the project’s distribution, credit, and training components to local realities, in line with contractual agreements and AfDB/AFFM implementation guidance.
• Support the legal and financial due diligence of project partners, including banks and importers, and oversee usage of the trade credit guarantee scheme.
• Create and present regular project evaluation to key stakeholders.
• Represent the project in national stakeholder meetings and with potential off-takers, supporting inclusive growth of market linkages and long-term sustainability of the input finance model.
• Participate and contribute to the country programme growth through project proposal and portfolio growth both in his/her project or across country office.

Requirements

• University degree in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Rural Development, (Micro)Finance, Development Economics, Development Studies or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years (Master's) and 10 years (Bachelor's) of proven experience in managing complex, multi-stakeholder rural development or value chain (micro)finance projects in lower-/lower-middle income countries, preferably with exposure to public-private partnerships, agricultural input systems, or blended finance mechanisms.
• Strong understanding of agricultural market systems, especially in West Africa.
• Experience working with financial institutions and/or market-based rural development approaches.
• Strong facilitation and negotiation skills with public and private stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Recognize the growing value of data in your field and are eager to build your awareness and skills to incorporate data-informed approaches into your work.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly within the country, including to rural areas.
• Fluency in English (both spoken and written) is required. Working knowledge of Krio or other local languages is an asset.
• Proficiency in German is an asset.