Team Leader – Rural Livelihoods/Agriculture, Zimbabwe
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and is at work in over 40 countries. The IRC has been working in Zimbabwe since 2008 implementing programs in Economic Recovery and Development, Health, WASH, GBV and Capacity Building. The IRC’s Economic Recovery and Development work in Zimbabwe has assisted thousands of smallholder farmers with training, market linkages and access to inputs and finance.
In anticipation of a multi-year livelihoods and food security program, the IRC is seeking to engage an experienced professional to lead a multi-sectoral program team. The program is expected to address rural livelihoods, agriculture and natural resource management. This will include support to rural farming and smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe to better land use regimes, improve yields, sustainably increase incomes, reduce malnutrition, develop inclusive business models and strengthen private sector partnerships.
The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience in successfully leading large and complex programs, delivering results, managing cross-functional teams and effectively managing budgets. The Team Leader will implement and manage the program activities, ensure quality and effective implementation and achievement of program objectives, and liaise with key stakeholders. The Team Leader will coordinate with senior management in the country program.
Major Responsibilities:
- Directly responsible for management of the program to support agriculture, rural development, livelihoods and food security in several districts in Zimbabwe;
- Provide leadership and direction to the program team and partners, promoting innovation and adoption of best practices;
- Ensure quality implementation of the program, with particular attention to Value for Money (VfM);
- Prepare, in coordination with key project staff, strategic workplans with clear objectives and achievement benchmarks, long-term and short-term priorities, implementation plans, financial projections and tools for evaluation;
- Provide financial and technical management to ensure the best use of resources by preparing sound budgets, monitoring project expenses and ensuring timely submission of financial reports;
- Manage external relations by representing the project and the organization in the public and ensuring the distribution of information about project achievements and lessons learned;
- Support project staff by creating and maintaining a work environment that promotes teamwork, trust, mutual respect, and empowers staff to take responsibility and show initiative.
Location and Expected Duration:
Zimbabwe (field and HQ), 5 years
Required Qualifications:
- 10-15 years of relevant experience, at least 5 of which in a senior management/leadership position;
- Masters degree or equivalent in agriculture, rural development or related/relevant discipline;
- Strong human resource management skills and capacity to lead a team of professionals;
- Strong experience in leadership of multi-year, multi-sector programs, with demonstrated capacity to deliver results and manage partner relationships;
- Ability to write clear and concise reports and proposals (in English) and to meet required reporting deadlines
- Able to work independently while being a strong team player;
- Experience working in Southern Africa and Zimbabwe an advantage;
- Experience working on DFID-funded programs is an advantage;
- Excellent knowledge of English. Working knowledge of Shona/Ndebele is an advantage
Zimbabwean nationals and qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
This position is contingent on the IRC being awarded funding.
The recruiting organization (International Rescue Committee (IRC)) has not specified a closing date for this vacancy. While we regularly check to ensure that this vacancy remains open, please visit the recruiting organization’s website for its current status.