Head of Region – Eastern and Central Africa

To lead the overall development, coordination and implementation of FTA’s programmes, projects and activities in the East and Central Africa region leading to achievement of FTA’s mission and vision.
REPORTING LINES: Post holder reports to Programmes Director
Staff reporting to this post:

Flower Manager
Operations Manager
Tea and Coffee Manager
Dignity for all (D4A) Project Coordinator, Ethiopia

BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY: Yes
Key Performance Areas

Programme Management
Formulate regional plan and Budget, develop and implement FTA producer support strategy in the region and ensure the implementation of programmes and projects through planning, coordinating and prioritizing regional activities
Use regional producer knowledge to provide input on the development of FTA’s corporate programming strategy and the prioritization of programme activity
In conjunction with the Partnerships Coordinator, design and develop FTA partnership strategies
Collaborate with implementing partners to bring proposals to life through practical design of implementation plans, deliverable timelines and project milestones, and partnership infrastructure.
Liaise with implementing partners and programming staff to ensure that programmes are managed as planned, milestones are met, and deliverables are fulfilled.
Ensure the development of plans to maximize producer and member organization engagement and participation.
Assist in the identification of commercial opportunities and facilitate NFO, donor and buyer visits to the regions
Prepare and regularly review a detailed risk assessment for producer support strategy and associated projects to identify, manage and mitigate any risks to project delivery
Ensure effective working relationships with key stakeholders and the Regional Congress
Ensure the effective monitoring and evaluation of all regional programme activity.
Advocacy and Producer Support
Identify producers’ challenges and issues for inclusion in the regional advocacy strategy
Represent the region in stakeholder engagements and in external fora
Engage in advocacy with high-level targets on key priorities for producers
Support the Strategy and Impact Director in providing updates and information on the Region’s advocacy work to board members and potential donors
Engage and provide feedback to NFOs, FI, colleagues within FTA, and other partners
Support the fundraising strategy, identifying fundraising opportunities, developing proposals to meet the financial demands for regional programmes and projects.
Develop a marketing plan to build producer network membership to engage more regional organizations to become members.
General Management
Plan and review the progress of programme strategy and financial management at regular intervals (monthly, quarterly and annually).
Ensure the provision of regional reports on grants, M&E, Finance, Programme activity
Prepare and manage overall annual regional budgets
Plan, coordinate and execute the annual operational plan for the programmes function, providing the team with the needed direction to achieve results and hold them accountable.
Support staff in developing realistic work plans based programmatic needs.
Regularly discuss performance, giving timely, constructive feedback, providing support to address issues and acting when necessary
Provide technical support, guidance and development for team members
Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement

Qualifications

Master’s Degree in Economics, Agriculture or related field Experience and Knowledge
At least 8 years senior programme management experience
Experience in developing and implementing capacity improvement strategies
Experience of managing field teams
A good working knowledge of key issues and trends developing and supporting ethical and sustainable supply chains Skills
Good strategy and planning skills
Excellent stakeholder management and interpersonal skills
Project management skills
Strong analytical skills