Talent Roster - Program Director – Office of Programs

About IFDC

IFDC is a public international organization active in 27 countries in Africa, Asia, and America. IFDC uniquely approaches the global issues of food security and poverty by bridging the gap between research and impact, combining science-based innovations, holistic market systems development, an enabling policy environment, and strategic partnerships to assist farmers and countries to identify and scale sustainable agricultural solutions, including improved nutrient use efficiency. These approaches are needed to boost soil health and crop productivity while reducing the environmental impact of fertilizer use. IFDC translates research into action by using locally driven, environmentally sound, and impact-oriented solutions. With our partners, we seek to close the yield gap, eradicate global hunger, safeguard the soil on which our lives depend, and generate economic resilience for farming households and the countries in which they live.

Position Summary

As part of IFDC’s open call for profiles, we are seeking highly qualified Program Directors to provide leadership and strategic guidance throughout a program’s duration. 

Responsibilities

Leadership

• Provide the overall vision and leadership of the project;
• Build, guide and steer a strong implementation team of experts;
• Represent the project in meetings, conferences, and other opportunities conducive to publicizing, promoting and marketing the project’s (and project partners’) achievements;
• Maintain coherence between activities between all partners;
• Maintain strong and effective working relationships with donor through frequent updates as per the communications plan and other adhoc communication required.
  
  

Overall programmatic management

• Lead regular project management meetings with consortium members;
• Initiate and organize key project meetings;
• Ensure consistency among activities implemented;
• Monitor project overall expenditure and private sector contribution against budgets and ensure financial compliance to both donor requirements and IFDC procedures;
• Supervise completion of timely and high-quality work plans, progress reports and financial reports;
• Monitor project indicators in accordance with the Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Plan, evaluate program results and take necessary corrective actions whenever needed;
• Collaborate with IFDC HQ to ensure that managerial, administrative and financial procedures comply with provisions of the project contract, the donor regulations and IFDC policies;
  
  

Communications and outreach

• Oversee the convening, outreach and communications strategy of the project;
• Supervise communications specialists and guide them on topics to be highlighted through success stories, case studies, fact sheets and other outreach materials;
• Oversee the knowledge & learning including advocacy strategy of the project;
• Review and approve all public relations materials.
  
  

Finance and administration

• Approve and monitor overall project expenditure including expenditure rates of the project and consortium partners;
• Ensure all activities are conducted within the scope of the project budget;
• Assure that cost share is obtained from partners as planned and properly accounted for and that buy-in targets are met;
• Compile and approve annual financial reporting and monitoring and evaluation reports and outcomes.
  
  

Requirements

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in business management, agribusiness, agricultural economics, development economics; rural development;
• A minimum of 15 years of hands-on experience in international agricultural development, with significant experience in IFDC’s operational countries;
• Demonstrated senior management and leadership experience, including overseeing complex projects or teams;
• Experience in developing partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including governments and government entities, private sector actors, and development partners;
• Proficiency in English required; fluency in French is an asset. 
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively convey project objectives and achievements.
  
  

Reporting and Work Relationships

This role reports to the Vice-President of Programs. In addition, (s)he will collaborate closely with Country Directors and other program leads/Director to create leverage and synergy.

Location

This is a talent roster for potential proposal opportunities for IFDC. Location is to be shared based on the project.

Diversity Clause

IFDC is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe in the value of bringing together people with a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. All employment decisions at IFDC are made on the basis of ability, performance, and organizational need, in alignment with our values of fairness, respect, and opportunity for all.