Programme Manager, Market Systems, JG5 at TradeMark East Africa (TMEA)

Job summary

The Programme Manager, Market Systems will be responsible for an effective design of new programmes and delivery of market systems/value chain programmes at country and regional level, and particularly responsible for the delivery of expenditure and results from existing programmes such as the Business Environment and Export Enhancement Programme (BEEEP), funded by the EU, and the Economic Recovery and Reforms Activity (ERRA), funded by USAID, in line with the overall TMA Theory of Change (TOC).

TMA aims to bolster green economic growth and create decent job opportunities in Kenya by supporting implementation of the Integrated National Export Promotion and Development Strategy, through programmes such as BEEEP (with a focus on avocadoes, mangoes, and vegetables value chains) and ERRA (to unlock export growth and job creation in key value chains linked to structured trade in food commodities and Cotton, Textile and Garments (CTG). Also, under ERRA, TMA has launched a job creation call for proposals from the private sector in Kenya and will provide cost sharing grants to unlock exports and growth in agribusiness and CTG.

The Programme Manager’s primary role will be to support the implementation/rolling out of programmes across the targeted value chains. S/he will lead on market systems approaches on programming throughout the Project Life Cycle Management (PCM) including from design, to completion of implementation including drafting Terms of Reference monitoring & evaluation, collaboration, learning and adaptation, communications, contract management, quality assurance, reporting and oversight with regular steering committees; and stakeholder engagement including coordination with country and regional teams and external value chain actors

Academic and professional qualifications

•  An undergraduate or postgraduate degree in Economics, agriculture development, International Trade, Development or other relevant field or combined equivalent experience.
•  Qualifications in programme and project planning and management will be an added advantage.
•  Strong research, oral and written communications and stakeholder coordination skills are essential. Work experience
•  For undergraduate degree holders, at least 10 years of proven work experience in programme / project management and in managing business competitiveness projects (private sector development, value chain, logistics) and/or private sector or civil society engagement in East Africa (and 8 years’ experience for postgraduate degree holders).
•  Minimum of three years of project management experience is mandatory.
•  Technical expertise in a field related to agricultural development such as: agricultural economics, marketing, agribusiness management or related fields.
•  Demonstrated value chain experience in at least one of the following: the EU value chain approach, M4P, or Market Systems Development approach, which led to greater competitiveness and inclusiveness in markets.
•  Experience in project and financial management including assessment and evaluation in East Africa.
•  Good understanding of the national and regional socio-political and economic contexts in East Africa as well as the national and regional private sector and civil society environment
•  Good understanding of national governance issues and strong familiarity with national stakeholders
•  Knowledge of and experience in supporting national public private dialogue and policy advocacy.
•  Experience in managing multiple projects, demonstrated organisational skills and attention to detail.
•  Excellent influencing, networking, and relationship building.
•  Ability to work within and communicate effectively within a matrix structure and between regional and technical teams.
•  Excellent communication and written and spoken English.
•  Ability to prioritise and produce work of a consistently high standard.
•  Comfortable working under pressure and within tight deadlines with ability to multi-task
•  Experience with gender and social inclusion in programming a strong advantage.
•  Knowledge of Kiswahili/or French would be an advantage.