Program Manager - Value Chain Transformation at IDH, The Sustainable Trade Initiative

In this position you will have the following key responsibilities:

• Conduct market assessment of selected value chains in the country to determine opportunities;
• Conduct diagnostic assessments of business models and gap analysis of SMEs to determine and design strategies for optimization of sourcing and service models of companies;
• Support the design, development and implementation of inclusive business model and value chain development program activities to increase and improve the commercialization and business operations of SMEs and farmers;
• Convene the private sector and other stakeholders (input providers, financial institutions) to promote and develop the agricultural value chains and business models to improve productivity, quantity and quality of outputs for national, regional or international markets;
• Provide business coaching support and build the capacity of SMEs and formal farmer groups to build efficient supply chains to meet the challenges of supplying the organized end markets;
• Manage and monitor progress of projects and ensure timely forecasting, planning and reporting;
• Ensure reporting, KPI and data collection during project implementation to support the learning agenda;
• Collects insights and learnings during project implementation based on the frameworks and guidance given by the Intelligence Center.

What you bring

•  Master’s Degree in economics, supply chain management, agriculture or business related fields;
•  A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in agricultural economics, value chain development agribusiness advisory or commodity programs;
•  Relevant private sector experience and good understanding of the East African agricultural business landscape;
•  Experience in agri-business development especially in optimization of inclusive business models, commercialization and professionalization of SMEs and farmers in Africa;
•  Deep understanding of (financial) business and sourcing models and experience in building models;
•  Experience and understanding of how making SME’s investment-ready and unlocking finance is an added value;
•  Strong communication, advisory and analytical skills, and ability to drive processes for quality analysis and reports;
•  Experience in advising senior external stakeholders at a strategic and business management level;
•  Experience in M&E, financial and agrotechnical solutions is a plus;
•  Advanced computer skills including developing PowerPoints, managing databases and running calculations on spreadsheets;
•  Strong reporting and presentation skills, including building PowerPoint decks;
•  A result-oriented team player, self-propelling and self-organized, eye for detail;
•  Fluency in English. French and local languages are a plus;