SNV - Agri-Food Sector Leader - Niger - Niamey

Agri-Food

Sector Leader - Niger - Niamey

About SNV

SNV is a not-for-profit international development organisation that makes a lasting difference in the lives of people living in poverty by helping them raise incomes and access basic services. We focus on three sectors – agriculture, energy, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) – and have a long-term, local presence in 24 countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Our team of just over 1,300 people is the backbone of SNV.

We apply our practical know-how to deliver results at scale. Driven by the Sustainable Development Goals, we are dedicated to a society in which all people are free to pursue their own sustainable development, and no one is left behind. This commitment to equity directs us to focus on gender and youth. By connecting our global expertise with our extensive and longstanding in-country experiences, we help realise locally-owned solutions.

Our services include advice, brokering and stakeholder engagement, advocacy, fund management, results based financing, and delegated management.

We realise our impact through direct results and systems change. Our projects directly benefit millions of people and drive systems change – strengthening institutions and kickstarting markets to help many more people work their way out of poverty, well beyond the scope of projects.

We are committed to operational excellence and are proud to be a not-for-profit organisation, implementing our mission exclusively through project financing. This requires us to work efficiently and to invest in operational excellence every day.

The Role

Job Description

The Agri-Food Sector Leader (SL) is responsible for steering SNV Niger sector development and quality of practice at country level, in line with SNV’s global strategy, and in consultation with the Managing Director for Sectors, Global AgriFood sector team, and Country Management Team (CMT).

The SL will be based in Niamey, with frequent travel to project sites, to attend regional forums and events, and to engage with donors and partners. The SL will also engage with sector colleagues in learning events. S/he will coordinate with

a team of Project Managers, national and international consultants, will directly manage certain projects in the portfolio and engage extensively with stakeholders, private sector actors and donors. New Business Development (Resource Mobilisation) will constitute up to 50% of the role.

The position reports to the Country Director and works in close collaboration with other sector leaders, Human Resource Manager and Finance Managers.

Duties and Responsibilities

The selected candidate will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Strategic Leadership: develop the country-level Agri-Food strategy (including youth employment) aligned to SNV’s global Agri-Food Sector framework.

• Business Development: contribute to capture and proposal development with SNV’s Sahel BD team and secure funding for innovative Agri-Food sector programmes; review the quality of proposals and coherence with SNV’s core themes.

• Representation & Influencing: develop and maintain relationships with national and global key stakeholders to improve SNV’s market position and actively participate in relevant external and internal networks in order to strengthen SNV’s position and influence.

• Programme Management: support project managers to ensure effective planning and monitoring, quality implementation, financial management, and donor reporting.

• Knowledge and Learning: ensure effective information and knowledge sharing within the Niger Sector Team, in the region and globally; promote analysis, reflective learning and adaptive management approaches.

• People Management: lead, manage, and coach two or more SNV Niger agriculture sector project managers, advisors, and consultants.

• Monitoring & Evaluation: ensure uniform understanding and practice in planning, reporting, monitoring, and evaluation of agri-food programmes in line with SNV’s internal frameworks.

• The Agri-Food Sector Leader is a member of the Country Management Team.

• May serve as Acting Country Director in the absence of the Country Director.

Qualifications

Education

• Relevant advanced academic qualification in Agri-Food, Agriculture, Ag. Economics or related field.

Relevant Experience

• 7+ years of relevant experience in the design and implementation of AgriFood/Agriculture programmes or projects (preferably in West Africa with an understanding of the Sahel context).

• Experience with Agri-Food, agro-pastoral value chains, market-based approaches and private sector development.

• Strong knowledge and experience in climate smart agriculture.

• Experience with entrepreneurship programmes or projects targeting youth and/ or women is a clear advantage.

• Knowledge of good governance practices, and approaches dealing with gender equality, social inclusion and empowerment principles.

• Strong background in demonstrated programme design, resource mobilisation, business development and proposal development, and international donor relationship management.

• Proven experience with project planning, monitoring, evaluation, reporting and financial management.

• Established international and regional Agri-Food/Agriculture networks and strong relationship management skills.

• Excellent intercultural leadership, teamwork, coaching, communication, networking, and organizational skills.

• Previous experience in Niger and/or the Sahel is an asset; ability to work in fragile contexts.

• Proficiency in oral and written French and English are required.

How to Apply

All correspondence, at this stage, should be via Oxford HR. To apply for this post, click on the “Apply” button on the job advert page, complete our online application form, and submit your CV and cover letter in two different documents, which should be prepared before applying as they will be considered in the application process.

The cover letter should be no more than two pages long and explain why you are interested in this post and how your skills and experience make you a good fit. The documents should be saved in PDF in the following format: Your First Name-Your Last Name-Document Name-Date (mmyy) e.g., Pat-Jones-CV-112022-SNV or PatJones-CoverLetter-112022-SNV.

Timeline

Closing Date:

We strongly encourage candidates to apply early.

On a rolling basis

Selection process

All candidates will receive an update regarding their application after the closing date. We advise candidates to add the role email to their safe senders list and regularly check their spam folder.

Equality Statement

Equality and diversity are at the core of SNV’s values. Staff are expected to work collectively and individually to promote a constructive and sensitive approach to others from a variety of backgrounds, where the work of others is valued and respected.

Queries

If you have any queries on any aspect of the appointment process, need additional information, or would like to have an informal discussion, please email at snv-agrifood-sl@oxfordhr.co.uk in the first instance.

About Oxford HR

Oxford HR operates globally - mainly within the international development and charity sectors. We carry out retained executive search mandates at board and senior management levels. We also offer human resource and organisational development consultancy.

Oxford HR has many years of experience in search as well as an extensive network of international development, social sector, corporate, public sector, and academic contacts from across the world. We carry out comprehensive and often international searches designed to meet the specific needs of our client.