Head of Region – Eastern and Central Africa at Fairtrade International

To lead the overall development, coordination and implementation of FTA’s programmes, projects and activities in the East and Central Africa region leading to achievement of FTA’s mission and vision.

REPORTING LINES: Post holder reports to Programmes Director

Staff reporting to this post:

• Flower Manager
• Operations Manager
• Tea and Coffee Manager
• Dignity for all (D4A) Project Coordinator, Ethiopia

BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY: Yes

Key Performance Areas

• Programme Management
• Formulate regional plan and Budget, develop and implement FTA producer support strategy in the region and ensure the implementation of programmes and projects through planning, coordinating and prioritizing regional activities
• Use regional producer knowledge to provide input on the development of FTA’s corporate programming strategy and the prioritization of programme activity
• In conjunction with the Partnerships Coordinator, design and develop FTA partnership strategies
• Collaborate with implementing partners to bring proposals to life through practical design of implementation plans, deliverable timelines and project milestones, and partnership infrastructure.
• Liaise with implementing partners and programming staff to ensure that programmes are managed as planned, milestones are met, and deliverables are fulfilled.
• Ensure the development of plans to maximize producer and member organization engagement and participation.
• Assist in the identification of commercial opportunities and facilitate NFO, donor and buyer visits to the regions
• Prepare and regularly review a detailed risk assessment for producer support strategy and associated projects to identify, manage and mitigate any risks to project delivery
• Ensure effective working relationships with key stakeholders and the Regional Congress
• Ensure the effective monitoring and evaluation of all regional programme activity.
• Advocacy and Producer Support
• Identify producers’ challenges and issues for inclusion in the regional advocacy strategy
• Represent the region in stakeholder engagements and in external fora
• Engage in advocacy with high-level targets on key priorities for producers
• Support the Strategy and Impact Director in providing updates and information on the Region’s advocacy work to board members and potential donors
• Engage and provide feedback to NFOs, FI, colleagues within FTA, and other partners
• Support the fundraising strategy, identifying fundraising opportunities, developing proposals to meet the financial demands for regional programmes and projects.
• Develop a marketing plan to build producer network membership to engage more regional organizations to become members.
• General Management
• Plan and review the progress of programme strategy and financial management at regular intervals (monthly, quarterly and annually).
• Ensure the provision of regional reports on grants, M&E, Finance, Programme activity
• Prepare and manage overall annual regional budgets
• Plan, coordinate and execute the annual operational plan for the programmes function, providing the team with the needed direction to achieve results and hold them accountable.
• Support staff in developing realistic work plans based programmatic needs.
• Regularly discuss performance, giving timely, constructive feedback, providing support to address issues and acting when necessary
• Provide technical support, guidance and development for team members
• Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Economics, Agriculture or related field Experience and Knowledge
• At least 8 years senior programme management experience
• Experience in developing and implementing capacity improvement strategies
• Experience of managing field teams
• A good working knowledge of key issues and trends developing and supporting ethical and sustainable supply chains Skills
• Good strategy and planning skills
• Excellent stakeholder management and interpersonal skills
• Project management skills
• Strong analytical skills