Project Manager - agroecology project in Akkar

BACKGROUND

The Project Manager will oversee the programmatic and operational implementation of an agroecology project in Akkar. The project seeks to build the individual and collective capacities of smallholder farmers in Akkar to practice agroecology, as a sustainable alternative to cope with current shocks while building ecological and socio-economic resilience. The project adopts a system change approach, involving other actors, including consumers, incoming young farmers, and entrepreneurs, as well as market actors. Through various methodologies including individual and collective capacity building, direct interventions including distributions and establishment of community spaces in collaboration with local stakeholders, various awareness and learning activities and tools, as well as financial and technical support, the project ultimately promotes an alternative food system, that places small producers, women and youth, as well as other vulnerable groups at the core of a paradigm shift.

JOB SUMMARY

The Project Manager will work from the Tripoli office, with frequent (almost daily) field visits to project sites in Akkar. S/he will report to Mada’s Executive Director and will supervise a Project Officer. The Project Manager is responsible for the overall and effective management of the project and ensuring that the objectives are met within the required timeframe, with close consideration of quality and sustainability. The Project Manager will be responsible for the entire project cycle, including budget management (comprising expenditure planning and expenditure monitoring), while also leading and enhancing internal and external learning and representation.

Project Activities include:

• Support farmers to shift to agroecology
• Establish a community nursery 
• Establish a community agroecology demonstration plot
• Establish an agroecology peer-support network
• Organize price-setting committees with value chain actors
• Launch an agroecological weekly farmers’ market
• Conduct awareness campaigns targeting value chain actors
• Produce educational material on agroecology
• Conduct awareness sessions on agroecology
• Train incoming farmers on agroecology
• Open a call for proposals for agroecological entrepreneurs
• Provide technical and financial support to agroecological entrepreneurs

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform this job successfully, the Project Manager must take on all of the key areas of responsibilities.

Project Implementation

• Ensures that there is an implementation plan in place guiding the work of the team;
• Guides the day-to-day implementation of activities with focus on quality, ensuring that activities proceed in accordance with the project document and logical framework;
• Adopts a proactive approach, continuously identifying possible improvement capacity building, to maximize benefits for the targeted beneficiaries;
• Manages the project budget and operational processes (outreach, procurement, etc.);
• Ensures funds are spent within the timeframe acceptable to both Mada and the donor and ensuring rules and regulations are adhered to.
• Ensures Mada’s values and principles are integrated into all activities;
• Ensures the correct and efficient use of resources (including project staff, assets, etc.);
• Ensure that risk management and contingency planning is included at all stages of the project;
• Ensure that donor contractual requirements are fulfilled throughout the entire project period.

Project Reporting and Communication

• Sets a clear timeline for donor reports (both narrative and financial) and coordinates the reporting process with all relevant staff, assuming ultimate responsibility for quality and submission;
• Ensures that data is collected on a regular basis for timely and quality reporting, designing and upgrading/improving any required tools;
• Ensures the visibility of the project as per Mada and donor agencies’ standards and requirements;
• Communicates regularly with the Executive Director and submits internal reports as required;
• Ensures that success stories and challenges are documented;
• Ensures that the project team communicates effectively with all project stakeholders.

Field Supervision and Capacity Building 

• Leads on the design and implementation of needs assessment, outreach, and targeting in collaboration with Project Officer and Senior MEAL Officer;
• Conducts regular field visits to project activities/sites;
• Establishes and maintains clear lines of communication with other staff and ensures internal communication is effective;
• Conducts regular meetings with all relevant staff and stakeholders.

External Representation and Coordination

• Coordinates with municipalities, local authorities, relevant governmental departments, community leaders, and other stakeholders;
• Attends national level coordination meetings and working groups, as well as any other relevant events;
• Ensures bilateral coordination with other local and international actors to avoid duplication and collect information on gaps and needs;
• Acts as the primary point of contact with the donor for both informal and formal coordination and communication.

Accountability to Communities and Beneficiaries

The Project Manager is responsible for ensuring that all relations with local communities are positive and conducted in a respectful and consultative manner. Due attention must be paid to ensuring that communities are adequately consulted and informed about activities, objectives, activities, selection criteria, and methodologies to ensure transparency.

QUALIFICATIONS

• University Degree in Agriculture Engineering or related fields
• At least 5 years’ experience in NGOs, preferably managing projects in the development sector
• Experience in donor relations and reporting
• Ability to work with a broad spectrum of people, both staff and stakeholders/beneficiaries
• Excellent English and Arabic skills (written and oral)
• Ability to effectively present information and maintain flexibility
• Ability to cope with stressful situations and tight deadlines
• Ability to be present on field on a regular basis
• Knowledge of Akkar and farming communities are highly valued