Job Purpose:
The Program Officer will deliver specialized technical and administrative assistance to the Head of Program and Thematic Leads, ensuring effective execution of the Beat Strategic Plan 2025–2028. This pivotal role encompasses overseeing the advancement of agroecology (AE) and ecological organic agriculture (ERA) initiatives across the continent. Primary responsibilities involve managing planning cycles, evaluating progress against strategic indicators, assisting with donor reporting, and representing Beat in national and continental stakeholder engagements.
Oversee and execute a range of critical duties and responsibilities, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and operational standards. Maintain accountability for delivering high-quality results while adhering to established policies and procedures. Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to drive project success and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Serve as a key contributor in strategic initiatives, providing expert guidance and support to enhance overall performance. Ensure compliance with industry regulations and internal governance frameworks to mitigate risks and uphold organizational integrity.
We provide assistance in developing and executing program plans, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and efficient resource utilization. This role involves facilitating the planning phase, coordinating implementation efforts, and monitoring progress to achieve desired outcomes. Responsibilities include collaborating with stakeholders, analyzing data to inform decisions, and maintaining clear documentation throughout the process. The position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
Liaising with the Head of Program (Hop), collaborate closely with Thematic Leads and Managers to craft comprehensive Annual Work Plans (AWP) and corresponding budgets, ensuring full alignment with the six Strategic Objectives outlined in the Beat 2025–2028 Strategic Plan (SP).
Monitor project activities to confirm adherence to the established timeline and budgetary constraints throughout the implementation phase.
Assist in creating viable investment opportunities in sustainable agriculture that benefit smallholder farmers, youth, and women.
Collaborate with Country Partners to align regional initiatives across East, West, and Southern Africa with Beat’s core mission.
Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) entails systematically collecting, analyzing, and utilizing data to assess program performance, ensure transparency, and foster continuous improvement. This role involves designing and implementing robust frameworks to track progress against set objectives, evaluating outcomes to measure impact, and integrating lessons learned into future strategies. Strong analytical skills are essential for interpreting data, while accountability mechanisms guarantee adherence to ethical standards and donor requirements. Effective communication of findings to stakeholders and adaptive learning approaches are critical for enhancing program effectiveness and achieving sustainable development goals. Experience with data management tools and a commitment to evidence-based decision-making are key qualifications for this position.
Collaborate effectively with the MEAL Officer to monitor advancements in relation to Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), including the adoption rate of AE practices among farmers or the growth in household income.
Facilitate the deployment of the integrated digital Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) system to enable seamless real-time data collection and adaptive management strategies.
Provide support in coordinating and executing Mid-Term Reviews and Final Evaluations to capture cumulative impact and key learnings.
Collect and analyze data to develop engaging learning materials—such as case studies and success stories—that highlight the effectiveness of AE/ERA solutions and foster confidence in their adoption.
Representation and engagement with stakeholders encompass maintaining ongoing communication and collaboration with key parties to ensure alignment with organizational objectives and foster mutually beneficial relationships. This role involves actively participating in meetings, addressing inquiries, and providing timely updates to relevant stakeholders, thereby facilitating transparency and trust throughout all interactions.
Assist Beat in engaging with national and continental networks dedicated to the advancement of agroecology.
Facilitate the organization and execution of multi-stakeholder forums, including platforms, roundtables, and policy dialogues, to promote the integration of AE/ERA principles into national budgets and policy frameworks.
Engage consistently with a wide-ranging network comprising partner institutions, research centers, and civil society organizations to foster ongoing collaboration and exchange.
Donor reporting and resource mobilization encompass the critical functions of tracking contributions, analyzing donor engagement, and strategically securing funding to support organizational objectives. This role requires a meticulous approach to compiling financial data, preparing comprehensive reports for stakeholders, and developing innovative strategies to attract and retain donor support. Additionally, it involves cultivating relationships with current and potential donors, ensuring transparency in fund utilization, and aligning fundraising efforts with the organization’s mission and long-term goals. Proficiency in data analysis tools, strong written and verbal communication skills, and a deep understanding of philanthropic trends are essential for success in this position.
Prepare meticulously crafted technical and progress reports for donors, adhering strictly to predefined reporting formats and deadlines.
Collaborate with the Partnerships and Business Development team to identify potential funding sources and prepare comprehensive technical proposals for grant applications.
Maintain a comprehensive repository containing project data and evidence-based impact reports, ensuring alignment with the organization’s strategic growth objectives.
Conduct thorough research and manage knowledge effectively to ensure accurate, up-to-date information is collected, organized, and readily accessible for informed decision-making and strategic planning.
Assist the Research/KM Manager by transforming research insights into accessible farmer-friendly resources, including manuals, infographics, and videos.
Support the oversight of Beat’s digital knowledge-sharing platforms to guarantee seamless access for farmers and practitioners.
We collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including engineering, product management, and marketing, to align on project goals and deliverables. You will engage with senior leadership to provide strategic insights and updates, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. Additionally, you’ll maintain strong partnerships with external stakeholders, vendors, and clients to foster productive relationships and drive mutual success. This role requires excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to influence without authority, and a proactive approach to relationship-building.
The role involves collaborating with key internal stakeholders, including the Executive Director, Head of Program, the Partnerships and Business Development team, the MEAL Officer, Project Managers, and all other members of the Beat staff.
External Relationships: ERA program Country Implementing Partners, member organizations within the organic agriculture sector, national movements dedicated to organic agriculture, as well as donors, partners, and consultants.
Required qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, along with a minimum of 3 years of professional experience in software development. Proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, or C++ is essential, along with experience with web frameworks like React or Angular. Familiarity with cloud platforms, such as AWS or Azure, and database management systems is also required. Strong problem-solving skills, collaborative teamwork abilities, and effective communication are expected. Additionally, experience with Agile methodologies and version control systems, such as Git, is preferred.
A Master’s degree in Agriculture, Agroecology, Environmental Science, Development Studies, or an equivalent discipline is required.
With a minimum of seven years of steadily increasing program management expertise in the non-governmental organization or development sector, the ideal candidate will have demonstrated success in progressively responsible roles.
Demonstrated expertise in facilitating agroecology initiatives or sustainable food systems programs is essential for this role.
Required competencies and proficiencies include strong interpersonal and communication abilities, proficiency in project management tools, and a capacity for analytical problem-solving. The ideal candidate must demonstrate adaptability in dynamic environments, a keen attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering high-quality results. Additionally, experience with cross-functional collaboration and a solid understanding of industry best practices are essential. Familiarity with relevant software platforms and a dedication to continuous professional development are also required.
Technical Skills:
Possesses proficiency in relevant technical tools, methodologies, and systems essential for executing job responsibilities effectively. Demonstrates expertise in areas such as software development, data analysis, or engineering principles, depending on the role’s requirements. Exhibits strong problem-solving abilities to troubleshoot issues and optimize processes. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices to support innovation and continuous improvement. Able to apply technical knowledge in practical scenarios to achieve desired outcomes and enhance operational efficiency.
Possesses a robust grasp of Results-Based Management (RBM), Theory of Change frameworks, and sophisticated Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) methodologies.
Demonstrated excellence in technical writing, evidenced by a proven ability to craft impactful donor reports and concise policy briefs.
Proven ability to cultivate and sustain strong interpersonal relationships and professional networks, facilitating meaningful engagement with key continental stakeholders and local agricultural communities.
Skilled in utilizing Microsoft Office Suite, project management software, and digital data collection tools effectively.
Demonstrates a steadfast dedication to environmental sustainability, gender equality, and youth empowerment.
We seek a candidate with exceptional interpersonal abilities, demonstrating strong emotional intelligence, active listening, and conflict resolution skills to foster a collaborative work environment. The ideal individual will exhibit adaptability in dynamic settings, maintain composure under pressure, and communicate with clarity and empathy. Prior experience in team leadership or customer-facing roles is highly advantageous, as is the capacity to motivate others and build consensus. Proficiency in navigating diverse personalities and perspectives while upholding professional standards is essential.
Proven expertise in coordinating tasks and managing time efficiently is essential. The ideal candidate should demonstrate exceptional organizational abilities and a strong capacity for prioritizing responsibilities while maintaining strict deadlines.
Strong interpersonal communication skills are essential, along with the ability to effectively engage and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.
Fosters self-directed and team-based productivity, seamlessly adapting to both autonomous and collaborative work environments.
If you meet the qualifications for this role, kindly submit your application by sending a single file containing your CV, cover letter, a summary of your key qualifications, and your expected salary and benefits to careers@biovisionafricatrust.org. Ensure the email subject line includes the job title, “Program Officer,” and that it is received no later than June 18, 2026. Applications submitted without both a CV and cover letter will not be considered. Only candidates selected for further review will be contacted for interviews.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
7 years
