Project Manager

Responsibilities: 

• Project Leadership:
• Lead and manage the export project from inception to completion, ensuring that all objectives, deliverables, and timelines are met.
• Oversee project teams, ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets while providing guidance and support.
• Oversee all aspects of the export process, including the sourcing, quality control, and logistics of export produce.
• Ensure compliance with international export regulations and quality standards.
• Regional Expertise & Community Development:
• Utilize a strong understanding of the northern geopolitical region to navigate and address region-specific challenges.
• Leverage working knowledge of the northern states to establish and maintain local partnerships.
• Design and implement community development projects tied to agriculture in collaboration with NGOs, with a focus on improving local agricultural practices and boosting export-quality produce.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, NGOs, and international buyers. Effectively communicate project progress and outcomes.
• Build and sustain a network within the northern communities and advocate for the project’s objectives at various forums and platforms.
• Prepare high-quality project proposals, reports, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders. Tailor communication to different audiences, including donors, government officials, and international partners
• Supervision & Quality Control:
• Oversee the project team, providing direction, support, and performance management. Implement rigorous quality control measures to ensure project deliverables meet the highest standards.
• Monitor project budgets, track expenses, and ensure financial accountability. Provide regular financial reports and updates to senior management.
• Identify potential risks to the project’s success and develop mitigation strategies. Ensure that all project activities are compliant with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Compliance and Regulatory Affair:
• Stay abreast of relevant regulations, standards, and guidelines governing production.
• Collaborate with technical regulatory affairs officer to provide necessary documentation and support during audits and inspections by regulatory authorities.
• Stay updated with changes in regulations and communicate necessary adjustments to the organization.
• Investigate and manage non-conformance incidents, conducting root cause analysis and implementing corrective and preventive actions.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation related to quality control activities, including test results, inspection reports, non-conformance incidents, and corrective actions taken.
• Raw Material Sourcing:
• Identify and evaluate potential suppliers of raw materials, conducting thorough assessments of their capabilities, quality systems, and track record.
• Conduct regular supplier audits and assessments to ensure compliance with quality requirements.
• Collaborate with procurement team to source raw materials that meet quality specifications and comply with regulatory standards.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in project management, Agricultural Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of project management experience, with at least 5 years in the northern region of Nigeria.
• Proven track record of leading and executing large-scale projects in the northern states.
• Demonstrated experience working with NGOs on community development and agricultural projects in Northern Nigeria.
• Strong understanding of the geopolitical and cultural dynamics of the northern region.
• Fluency in Hausa and English (both written and spoken) is COMPULSORY.
• In-depth knowledge of export processes, especially related to agricultural produce.
• Exceptional proposal writing, reporting, and presentation skills.
• Willingness to travel frequently within the northern region and internationally as required.

Technical and methodological know-how    

• Proficient in using quality management software and MS Office Suite.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Effective communication and interpersonal abilities.
• High level of cultural sensitivity and ability to engage effectively with diverse communities.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and financial management skills.

Behavioral skills  

• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to think strategically and drive long-term objectives.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability
• Passion for sustainable development and community empowerment.