Program Manager

Responsibilities:

Client and Project Development:

• Along with the PFS Headquarter Team, the Program Manager will help identify and source potential Clients.
• Conduct initial meetings with previously identified local food processors to assess the potential for high-quality and high-impact projects.
• Conduct site visits to collect the necessary technical information (e.g., regarding ingredients, suppliers, packers, and processes) to make an informed decision about proceeding with communications.
• In the case of high-potential clients, conduct a thorough business assessment to identify priority needs and potential opportunities for client engagement.
• With client and PFS input, draft a project scope document that articulates the expertise required, target timelines, etc.
• Facilitate alignment on project scope documents and obtain sign-off from management and clients prior to the commencement of projects. Obtain signoffs for the closure of projects.
• Identify and cultivate a local ecosystem of strategic partners to expand our impact and resources
• Responsible for sourcing and coaching apprentices.

Project Management:

• Set up communication to deliver technical and business advice on food manufacturing equipment, materials, and processes between PFS volunteers and the client
• Provide ongoing support of the remote knowledge transfer model and act as the bridge between PFS expert volunteers and the processors in the life of the specific projects.
• Participate in calls with management and volunteer teams, ensuring effective communication and understanding of each other’s expectations.
• Provide on-the-ground support for implementation of technical advice.
• Support, organize and conduct training workshops for clients, as needed, on technical issues ranging from quality control, production process, operations, supply chain, safety, and hygiene, working conditions (i.e., wages, safety), and proper environmental management.
• Provide support to client in coordinating the business component of the program with the technical aspects
• Track and report on project progress and highlight any issues that require support from management teams.
• Manage data reporting processes
• Drive data collection from the M&E framework
• Develop well written, cohesive reports that meet the informational needs of donors and investors.
• Stakeholder management will be a key component of the work given the partners involved
• Upload data and project documentation onto the technology platform.

Technical Assessment and Knowledge Transfer:

• Identify and complete technical assessment of ingredients, packaging materials, manufacturing processes, and safety and quality management practices relevant to developing project scope.
• Identify and complete business assessment of marketing, sales, finance, and overall management practices as appropriate, a business case for rice fortification.
• Accurately translate technical and business requirements communicated by clients to volunteers.
• Work with PFS volunteers to ensure that technical expertise on equipment, materials, and processes as well as overall business management needs are communicated to clients without diluting the essence of recommendations.
• Provide direct support and guidance as appropriate to clients necessary to produce products to maximize capacity and optimize product quality and differentiation.

Requirements:

• Must have proper authorizations to work in Senegal
• B.Sc. in Food Science, Food Technology, Agricultural Science, Agricultural Engineering,
• Post Harvest Technology or related courses. A master’s degree is preferred.
• Between 5 to 10 years working experience in food processing with some being in rice milling sector preferably with at least 2 in manufacturing/plant.
• Rice processing expertise would be an added advantage.
• Must be both a thinker and a Doer – the role will require being both a strategic thinker and performing many big and small tasks.
• Business acumen demonstrating a clear understanding of the business environment in the horticulture sector in the project region as well as globally
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) as well as worker safety, social, and environmental sustainability.
• Highly developed interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Strong stakeholder management skills
• Reporting competence
• Understanding of monitoring, evaluation, and learning practices
• Cross-cultural agility
• Experience working in multiple countries or familiarity with region
• High degree of comfort in working in unstructured environments
• Proven track record in providing technical solutions to food processors.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong project management skills.
• Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English are required.
• Bilingual - strong in both English and French
• Good computer skills in business software (Excel, MS Project, and PowerPoint).

Location: Senegal

Term of position: 1 year renewable for the life of grant and satisfactory performance