Senior Project Manager Agribusiness Acceleration and Scaling

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Description

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• Provide strategic direction and oversight for the AICCRA project and agribusiness acceleration initiatives in Zambia.
• Develop and implement comprehensive project plans that align with both local needs and international standards.
• Lead project teams, ensuring effective coordination and collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
• Oversee the entire project lifecycle, including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, control, and closure.
• Manage resources efficiently, including budgeting, staffing, and scheduling.
• Implement robust risk management strategies to mitigate potential challenges.
• Develop and execute a strong monitoring and evaluation framework to assess project performance and impact (integrated impact assessments, affordability studies, tracer studies, etc.).
• Regularly report on project progress to AICCRA Director and AICCRA Project Management Committee (PMC)/Core Team (CT), AICCRA Zambia partners, stakeholders, making data-driven decisions for continuous improvement.
• Ensure that projects deliver tangible and sustainable results, maximizing their impact on local communities and the agricultural sector.
• Partnership Management and Business Development,
• Manage partnerships at a strategic level, ensuring alignment with project goals and national priorities.
• Identify and pursue business development opportunities, leveraging national programs and initiatives.
• Coordinate multiple teams from different organizations, ensuring cohesive and effective collaboration.

• Drive the acceleration of agribusiness ventures, focusing on innovation, scalability, and sustainability.
• Foster partnerships with private sector entities to enhance agribusiness development and market access.
• Champion the increase of inclusive finance into AICCRA Zambia Accelerator program.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building,
• Engage with government bodies, NGOs, private sector, and local communities to ensure alignment with national priorities and inclusive participation.
• Lead capacity-building efforts to enhance local expertise in climate-smart agriculture and agribusiness.
• Promotion of Gender and Social Inclusivity,
• Incorporate gender and social inclusivity strategies in project design and implementation, ensuring equitable benefits across all groups.
• Advocate for and implement policies that support the involvement of women and marginalized communities in agricultural development.
• Policy Influence and Advocacy,
• Utilize project outcomes to influence national policies and practices in agriculture and climate resilience.
• Represent the projects in national and international forums, promoting best practices in climate-smart agriculture and agribusiness.

• Master’s degree in Agriculture, Business Administration, Project Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in project management, with significant exposure to the agricultural sector in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Proven track record in strategic planning, team management, and stakeholder engagement.

• Strong leadership and strategic project management skills, with a focus on impactful delivery and results.
• Demonstrated ability in managing strategic partnerships and coordinating multi-organizational teams.
• Demonstrated experience leading innovation scaling, acceleration projects.
• Experience in business development and leveraging national programs for project advancement.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent oral and written language skills in English, including effective listening and strong verbal and written communication abilities.

• Deep understanding of the Zambian agricultural sector, climate policies, and agribusiness market trends.
• Experience in international agricultural research or related organizations.
• Experience in how agribusiness trade can be facilitated in East and Southern Africa.
• Proficiency in local Zambian language(s) is desirable.

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