About CNFA:
CNFA is a not-for-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., dedicated to stimulating economic growth in the agricultural sector by nurturing entrepreneurship, private enterprise and market linkages. CNFA specializes in fostering private sector investments in training, new technologies and marketing as a means to increase the overall competitiveness of agricultural value chains, to expand exports, and to develop skills in the rural workforce. CNFA assists smallholders in increasing household-level food security and nutrition through improved agricultural practices, introduction of new varieties, diversification of crop production, food preservation and storage, development of farmer-based organizations (FBOs) and strengthened linkages to markets.
Program Summary:
The USDA funded Food for Progress program provides for the donation of U.S. agricultural commodities to developing countries and emerging democracies that are committed to introducing or expanding free enterprise in their agricultural economies. FFPr programs develop agricultural value chains through two strategic objectives: (1) increasing agricultural productivity and (2) expanding trade of agricultural products (domestically, regionally, and internationally). Activities will be implemented throughout Kenya.
Position Summary:
The Chief of Party (COP) is a senior management position responsible for the overall management of an anticipated U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food for Progress (FFP) funded program of up to $15 million over a performance period from three to five years. Funded projects are anticipated to start in September 2014. The COP has supervisory and managerial responsibility for all staff associated to the program and will work closely both with management and support staff (including finance, administration and program) at headquarters and field sites to ensure the day to day activities are implemented according to schedule, budget and required quality. The COP will also work closely with any sub-grantee, if any, to ensure that targets for their portion of program activities are met, and will coordinate with a partner agency key components of the program. The COP will outline a strategic plan for the implementation of the program including identifying target areas/projects, methods of operation for effective programming and maximum results. The COP will liaise with USDA as necessary and represent the program to other cooperating sponsors and other stakeholders.
Essential Job Functions:
· Program Management, manages all operations related to the project according to the work plan, project document and implementation strategy.
· Troubleshoot, as needed, to prevent disruptions in daily program activities – provides overall supervision for the implementation and integration of all program activities and provides overall direction to daily implementation plans to ensure all program goals are met.
· Develop and implement a work plan using the technique of logical framework to guarantee the application of the results and objectives of the project, within budget and timing set.
· Ensure and support the correct identification of the target areas of the project and conduct feasibility assessments to support agricultural activities and food security of farmers groups.
· Search for new markets nationally and internationally, which ensure the sale of the production of agricultural products generated by the project teams.
· Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness, efficiency and impact of the components, agriculture, gender, climate change and food security, and make appropriate recommendations for improvement.
· Monitor the achievement of results, ensuring compliance of project indicators. Ensure the monetization process is managed according to relevant US and Kenyan laws.
· Monitor and manage the budget and financing expenses ensuring that they are within the framework of regulations and procedures.
· Promote the project liaison with local producer organizations.
· Ensure active participation and representation at different levels of the project nationally and internationally.
· Ensure the implementation of project activities with gender considerations.
Qualifications:
- Advanced degree in agriculture, agricultural economics, food security, health and nutrition or relevant field is highly preferred
- Minimum of 15 years experience in program development
- Experience working with USAID and international donors and familiarity with U.S. Government international assistance programs
- Experience managing large, integrated, multi-year, donor-funded development programs for international donors
- Experience in implementing MYAP activities and USG food aid programs (Title II or USDA)
- Previous work experience in Kenya or in the region is highly desirable
- Previous experience in programs or initiatives involving gender mainstreaming preferred
- Demonstrated ability to work and coordinate effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders, including national and local government, donors, community-based organizations, think tanks and universities and the private sector
- Dynamic interpersonal and leadership skills, with ability to manage high-level relationships and motivate staff
- Strong skills in financial and personnel management
- Oral and written fluency in English
All applicants should submit their CVs to Eric Sedlacek, esedlacek@cnfa.org, and comintern@cnfa.org, with the words “Chief of Party – Kenya” in the subject line.
