|
12 February 2012
Posted in
Jobs
Position Title: Senior Program Director
Location: Washington, DC
Start Date: As soon as possible - February 2012
I am accepting applications on behalf of The World Cocoa Foundation (WCF), a non-profit organization promoting social and economic development as well as environmental stewardship in cocoa-growing communities of Africa, Southeast Asia and the Americas.
WCF implements, manages, and participates in programs at the grassroots level to help independent family farmers in 15 cocoa-producing nations around the world. WCF plays an important role as a convener of stakeholders and facilitates important partnerships for cocoa sustainability. The Foundation works in partnership with companies, governments, private foundations, international institutions, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), academia, and research institutes globally.
WCF seeks a Senior Program Director to manage the WCF Program Team and oversee implementation of WCF’s program activities. He/she will report to the WCF President. Candidates must possess proven leadership, management, organizational and multi-cultural skills, as well as have a strong background in international development and business. He/she will be a dynamic self-starter capable of building and strengthening relationships among industry companies, donors, implementing partners as well as with government contacts both in the U.S. and host countries. Oral and written language skills in French or Spanish are preferred. Experience with managing U.S. government, private foundation, and company funded projects is preferred.
This position is full-time salaried, based on annual performance measurements. Salary level is dependent on level of experience. This position will be based in Washington, DC and offers a competitive benefits package.
Position Requirements:
- Minimum of 10 years’ experience managing and implementing business development/agriculture projects or programs in the International Development sector.
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience managing staff, program teams and consultants.
- Experience and proven success in proposal/bid development/business development of international development programs.
- Track record of coordinating and managing private foundation or government funded regional-level projects and programs from start-up through final implementation.
- Track record of developing and maintaining partnerships across stakeholder groups at country and regional levels (including private sector, government, non-governmental organizations, academic institutes, and donor agencies, etc.)
- Strong project management background, including management of finances.
- Diversified experience working with private sector, government, non-governmental organizations, academic institutes, and donor environments.
- Self-starter, ability to work in fast-paced, international work environment with minimal support infrastructure.
- Significant work experience in cocoa-producing countries (West Africa: Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon & Liberia; + Indonesia + Vietnam + Ecuador + Dominican Republic, Brazil) is preferred. Must be able and willing to frequently travel to these countries.
- Experience in M & E (monitoring and evaluation);
- Understanding of commodity chains, particularly tree crops, desirable;
- Exceptional English writing, speaking and presentation skills; second language preferred in French or Spanish;
- College Degree in business, international development, agriculture or other-related field;
- Applicants must be US citizens or authorized to work in the United States.
Responsibilities:
Program & Operations Management
- Head the WCF Program Team, supervising a team of three to five staff, along with short-term consultants;
- Supervise Program Team on daily basis; provide guidance on tasks, implementation, guidelines and procedures;
- Oversee WCF portfolio of approximately 30 programs; coordinate Program Team to liaise with host governments, implementing partners and WCF member companies;
- Review project reports, edit documents and advise accordingly to ensure deadlines are met;
- Review and advise on program budgets and finances;
- Design new programs as identified;
- Coordinate WCF sub-committees that include regional committees, and monitoring and evaluation;
- Conduct frequent visits to program sites to support, monitor and evaluate implementing partner performance to ensure project activities and targets are achieved;
- Liaise and coordinate with other, complementary programs in the field to leverage resources and lessons learned.
Partnership Management & Development
- Business Development, including outreach to prospects in both public and private sectors, proposal writing, contract/grant closing and budgets;
- Represent WCF and its programs to government officials as well as in meetings, events, conferences, and workshops;
- Miscellaneous duties, as requested by WCF President.
How to Apply: Interested and eligible candidates are requested to e-mail their cover letter, résumé including salary requirements, and a one-page writing sample to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it as soon as possible, no later than February 15, 2012. Please add “Senior Program Director –WCF” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis to select a successful candidate.