Nuru International Ethiopia is a US-based international NGO working to end extreme poverty in rural Ethiopia. Nuru’s first integrated development project in Ethiopia began in 2012 in Boreda Woreda, Gamo Gofa Zone, SNNPR. Nuru currently works in four integrated intervention areas—Agriculture, Financial Inclusion, Healthcare, and Education. We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Agriculture Extension & Rural Livelihoods Program Manager who can lead the Agriculture and Financial Inclusion programs in an integrated manner.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Provide overall leadership, management and general technical direction to the Agriculture and Livelihood Diversification programs and ensuring an integrated program approach among all departments and actors. Position will focus on achieving desired results, and ensuring the Agriculture and Livelihood Diversification program activities are aligned with Nuru’s Vision.

S/he will be responsible for overseeing the continuous improvement of the Rural Livelihoods program, and increasing efficiencies through Nuru’s holistic approach to development. S/he will manage the program toward its strategic goals and milestones, and advise the Program Director in making impactful organizational decisions. Under the supervision of the Program Director, the Agriculture Extension Rural Livelihoods Program Manager (AERL PM) will ensure a proactive approach to facilitate and enhance program implementation and the day-to-day smooth running of the program activities in Nuru’s operational area. S/he will be responsible for managing 10+ staff members.

Further, s/he will foster organizational development, promote Nuru’s values and servant leadership culture, promote accountability and high performance, and encourage team creativity and innovation. S/he will ensure the Rural Livelihoods program is helping the rural community realize meaningful choices in order to lift themselves out of extreme poverty in a sustainable way.

AERL Program Manager Responsibility:

Field Systems and Processes Development (25% of time)

• Lead the agriculture and livelihood diversification activities and ensure they are implemented effectively and efficiently with a focus on Nuru’s vision and Integrated Community Development Project objectives
• Assist the Program Director in designing and implementing a coherent program strategy that is consistent with Nuru practices
• Work with the Monitoring and Evaluation team to ensure that the programs are effectively monitored and evaluated using current systems of reporting in order to guide program development and scaling decisions
• Strengthen the quality of program implementation by identifying areas in which programs may benefit from technical assistance, professional development, and/or training workshops
• Accountable for the delivery of technically high quality programming in line with the objectives of the program’s goal and Nuru Vision

Management (60% of time)

• Manage your team, set defined expectations, provide leadership and technical support as needed, and evaluate direct reports accordingly
• Ensure programs are implemented according to plans and budgets and that activities are executed in line with Nuru’s quality solution criteria (sustainability, impact, inclusivity and scalability) in ways that are responsive to communities’ needs
• Prepare high quality progress reports and ensure they are submitted on time
• Mentor, empower, train and build the capacity of your staff and direct reports both technically and managerially with the advisement of the expatriate team
• Create and regularly review the program’s annual activity plan (rollout) with the Program Director and your team to ensure all activities are implemented on time
• Create and oversee your program’s budget, ensure effective budget utilization and management in collaboration with the Impact Program Director, and the Finance and Admin Director
• Ensure that each of your direct reports prepare clear plans (procurement and work plan) that are in line with Nuru’s overall strategy and their direct reports are preparing clear work plans as well
• Improve performance management systems and coach your direct reports to practice a results based management style
• Take initiative and hold others accountable to deliver ambitious goals toward ending extreme poverty

Communication and Team Building (15% of time)

• Ensure Field Officers (FO) are coordinated, integrated and support each other to optimize integrated impact
• Build and manage a large team over a significant geographical area (i.e. remote FOs and Community Development Extension Facilitators) (CDEFS)
• Developing community messaging ensuring consistent and effective messaging and trainings by FOs and CDEFs
• Regular communication and coordination with Nuru International Rural Livelihoods Strategic Advisor

Report to:  Program Director

Place of work:  Arba Minch with frequent travel to intervention areas in Boreda, Kucha and Zala woredas.

Terms and conditions:  The appointment will be for long-term fixed employment based on annual contract extensions depending on performance

Job start date:  Immediately

Qualification Requirements:

• Bachelors in Agronomics, Livestock or Veterinary Science, Rural Development, Agriculture Economics, Management, or any other related fields. Master’s degree highly preferred
• 8 years of practical experience in development sectors, three of which in a managerial role within an NGO setting
• Good understanding of community development, the poverty cycle, rural livelihoods, and NGO project/program cycle management
• Substantial experience and knowledge of effective financial management and budgetary controls and handles funds responsibly
• Solid project management (planning, report writing, etc.) and administrative skills and experience, preferably in both Agriculture, Livestock and Economics within a cross-functional team
• Able to demonstrate servant leadership, a passion for development work, and the ability to inspire others to achieve organizational goals
• Excellent interpersonal communication, team building, presentation, negotiation and decision-making skills
• High analytical skills and ability to assimilate and process information on a wide range of development issues
• Ability and willingness to work under pressure, independently and with limited supervision in a rural, remote location
• Fluency in English and Amharic is required. Knowledge of operational areas and local languages (Gammogna or Wolaytigna) is advantageous