Director for Enabling Impact Department (EID)

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.  

IFDC is currently seeking passionate individuals to join its team, as the organization continues to expand its impact and work towards creating positive changes in agriculture and sustainable soil management across the world.

Responsibilities

As the Director of the Enabling Impact Department (EID), you are responsible for managing the portfolio of projects and programs in your department. Your overarching goals are to: Rebuild IFDC core capacity in policy analysis for enabling and measuring impact; build an effective and functional linkage between the enabling impact department (EID) and all other projects and programs; Strengthen project/programs staff capacity to ensure uniformity and credibility in measuring results and impact; Ensure that all projects and programs in the EID meet all contractual deliverables while staying on approved budget target; and Contribute to securing the extension of existing programs.

·       Assures that individual project leaders collaborate within and across program departments.

·       Establishes formal communication and knowledge sharing mechanisms across departments and projects.

·       Provides managerial oversight and support to the portfolio of EID field projects.

·       Ensures an appropriate program or project management framework is in place.

·       Communicates regularly with Chiefs of Party/Project Leaders to ensure they receive the required corporate support and adequately fulfill their project implementation responsibilities, while adhering to contractual obligations and donor requirements, as well as policies and procedures internal to IFDC.

·       Regularly briefs the VP Programs on the status of projects in the department.

·       Establishes formal reporting arrangements on programs or projects progress.

·       Co-ordinates and fosters teamwork.

·       Build a strong team through open and inclusive communication as well as empowerment. 

·       Monitors activities and financial flows of projects to assist Chiefs of Party/Project Leaders in maintaining on-time and on-budget performance.

·       Review key project deliverables, such as technical progress reports, work plans, budgets, performance monitoring plans before donor submission.

·       Receives and reviews detailed reports on the programs or projects from the program or project leaders.

·       Ensures quality controls are applied to all technical reports, policy briefs to ensure ‘’excellence” at all levels of management and implementation.

·       Supports field projects in the recruiting and procurement of technical assistance.

·       Hires, trains and be a motivating mentor to young professional in your department.

·       Establishes and cultivates relations with relevant institutions and individuals, including project specific donors, grantees, and public or private sector partners.

·       Supports and actively participates in new project development activities.

·       Initiates and sets goals for programs based on the organization’s strategic objectives.

·       Plans programs from start to finish, including identifying processes, deadlines and milestones.

·       Participates in project design and evaluation of projects within or added to the managed portfolio.

·       Defines criteria for control and management of the programs or projects.

·       Maintains competence in one or more technical specialty areas common to field projects in the regions and provides technical assistance to field projects as requested.

·       Manages the program or projects leaders’ performance and takes needed corrective action.

·       Assumes any other duties as assigned by the VP Programs.

·       Participates in Program Management Meetings and COP meetings and any other relevant platforms, as requested.

Job Requirements

·       PhD in economics, agricultural economics, or a related field with a minimum of 15 years relevant working experience.

·       Knowledge of the fertilizer policy sector, agriculture production and market systems is a must.

·       Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in Africa.

·       At least five (5) years of proven leadership in program/project management and implementation of development projects in Sub-Saharan Africa is a must.

·       Capacity to work in a matrix organization and to manage and motivate staff that is often under pressure to deliver while operating under challenging social and security circumstances.

·       Knowledge of budgeting, accounting, project monitoring & evaluation, human resources procedures and principles, procurement and contracting, as well as relevant international donor regulations.

·       Proven successful experience in project development and acquisition.

·       Network of relevant donors, organizations and private sector partners in Africa and Asia.

·       Demonstrated leadership skills.

·       Strategic mindset

·       Ability to successfully perform multiple tasks.

·       Problem-solving skills

·       Ability and willingness to travel frequently to project implementation sites.

·       High level of initiative and enthusiasm, adaptability and flexibility. 

Reporting and Work Relationships

     The position will report to the Vice President, Global Programs.

Location

This is a recruitment with a duty station in the IFDC office based in All IFDC offices in Africa.

Benefits

IFDC's benefits include annual and sick leave, health and group life insurance coverage, a 13th-month salary, social security and pension contribution in compliance with local laws and end-of-contract benefits. 

Salary Clause

The salary grade for this position is BG 12 with a salary range of 100 000 - 115 000 USD.

The determination of new employee salaries takes into account various factors. These include the salary range linked to the assigned job grade, the candidate's qualifications in relation to the job's responsibilities and prerequisites, internal fairness, the competitive state of the job market, as well as potential organizational and budgetary considerations.

Diversity Clause

IFDC is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion, and offers equal employment opportunities based on ability, performance, and potential. Equal opportunity is integral to the recruitment and selection practices at IFDC. IFDC recognizes the value in recruiting employees with different backgrounds, knowledge, experiences, perspectives, and beliefs. IFDC recognizes and values the contribution of people with a diverse background in capabilities, experience, and perspectives. Diversity encompasses gender, age, experience, education, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation and cultural backgrounds as well as other dimensions such as lifestyle and family responsibilities.