Job Purpose:
The Program Officer will deliver specialized technical and administrative assistance to the Head of Program and Thematic Leads, ensuring the successful execution of the Beat Strategic Plan 2025–2028. This position plays a pivotal role in overseeing the progress of agroecology (AE) and ecological organic agriculture (ERA) initiatives throughout the continent. Core responsibilities involve coordinating planning cycles, evaluating performance against key strategic indicators, facilitating donor reporting processes, and enhancing Beat’s engagement within national and continental stakeholder networks.
Oversee a comprehensive range of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to strategic planning, team leadership, and operational execution to ensure organizational efficiency and goal attainment. Collaborate with cross-functional departments to align initiatives with overarching business objectives while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess progress, identify areas for optimization, and implement data-driven solutions to enhance productivity and profitability. Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities to team members to cultivate talent and drive long-term success. Ensure compliance with industry regulations and internal policies while maintaining high standards of ethical conduct and transparency.
We provide assistance with the development, coordination, and execution of program plans to ensure successful implementation and achievement of objectives.
Liaising with the Head of Program (Hop), support Thematic Leads and Managers in crafting comprehensive Annual Work Plans (AWP) and budgets that align with the six Strategic Objectives outlined in the Beat 2025–2028 Strategic Plan (SP).
Monitor project activities closely to confirm they adhere to the predetermined timeline and stay within the allocated financial parameters.
Facilitate the creation of financially viable and sustainable agricultural initiatives tailored to the needs of smallholder farmers, young individuals, and women.
Collaborate with Country Partners to align regional initiatives across East, West, and Southern Africa with Beat’s core mission.
Oversee the design, implementation, and continuous enhancement of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) systems to ensure robust data-driven decision-making and program effectiveness. Lead the collection, analysis, and dissemination of performance data to assess progress against targets, identify trends, and inform strategic adjustments. Establish clear accountability frameworks to uphold transparency, compliance, and ethical standards across all initiatives. Foster a culture of learning by promoting knowledge sharing, best practices, and adaptive strategies that drive continuous improvement and innovation in program delivery.
Collaborate effectively with the MEAL Officer to monitor advancements relative to Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), including the adoption rate of AE practices among farmers and the growth in household income.
Assist in deploying the integrated digital Monitoring, Evaluation, Assessment, and Learning (MEAL) system to enable seamless real-time data collection and support adaptive management practices.
Support the coordination and execution of Mid-Term Reviews and Final Evaluations to capture cumulative impact and derive key lessons learned.
Collect and analyze data to develop compelling learning products such as case studies and success stories, thereby strengthening confidence in AE/ERA as effective solutions.
Driving strategic representation and fostering meaningful stakeholder engagement are central to this role, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives while cultivating productive partnerships.
Facilitate Beat’s engagement in national and continental agroecology promotion networks.
Facilitate the organization of collaborative forums, including multi-stakeholder platforms, roundtables, and policy dialogues, to advance the integration of AE/ERA principles into national budgets and frameworks.
Cultivate ongoing communication and collaboration with a varied network comprising partner institutions, research centers, and civil society organizations.
Responsible for compiling and presenting donor reports as well as securing and managing financial resources to support organizational initiatives.
Prepare comprehensive technical and progress reports for donors, adhering meticulously to predefined templates and established deadlines to ensure full compliance.
Assist the Partnerships and Business Development team in researching potential funding sources and preparing comprehensive technical proposals for new grant applications.
Maintain a centralized repository of project data and impact reports grounded in evidence to facilitate the organization’s strategic growth initiatives.
Conduct thorough research and manage knowledge effectively to ensure accurate, up-to-date, and accessible information for organizational decision-making and strategic initiatives.
The incumbent will assist the Research/KM Manager in transforming research outcomes into accessible, practical formats tailored for farmers, including manuals, infographics, and videos.
Assist with the administration of Beat’s digital knowledge-sharing platforms, guaranteeing their accessibility to farmers and practitioners.
Cultivates and maintains productive collaborations with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders across all levels of the organization, ensuring seamless communication and alignment with shared objectives. Establishes and nurtures trusted partnerships to foster mutual growth and achieve collective outcomes. Engages with internal teams and external partners to drive project success and enhance operational efficiency. Prioritizes transparency and accountability in all interactions to build long-term professional relationships.
The Executive Director, Head of Program, Partnerships and Business Development team, MEAL Officer, Project Managers, and all other Beat staff will collaborate closely to ensure seamless operations and alignment with organizational goals.
External Relationships: This role involves engaging with Country Implementing Partners of ERA programs, Organic Agriculture member organizations, National Organic Agriculture movements, 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 three years of professional experience in software development. Proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, or C++ is essential, as is familiarity with software development methodologies and best practices. Candidates must demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, effective communication abilities, and the capacity to collaborate within cross-functional teams. Additionally, experience with cloud platforms, version control systems, and DevOps practices is highly advantageous.
A Master’s degree in fields such as Agriculture Agroecology, Environmental Science, Development Studies, or a closely related discipline is required.
A minimum of seven years of hands-on program management experience in the NGO or development sector is required.
With a strong background in advancing agroecology or sustainable food systems initiatives, you bring hands-on expertise to foster resilient and environmentally conscious agricultural practices. Your prior involvement in such projects demonstrates a commitment to innovation and sustainability within the food production sector.
Required skills and competencies include strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, proficiency in data analysis tools such as Excel, SQL, or Python, and a deep understanding of accounting principles. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential for collaborating with cross-functional teams and presenting complex financial information clearly. The role demands meticulous attention to detail, the capacity to work under tight deadlines, and a commitment to maintaining high ethical standards. Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, along with relevant certifications such as CPA or CFA being advantageous. Prior experience in financial reporting, budgeting, or audit support is highly preferred, ensuring the ability to contribute meaningfully from the outset.
Proficient in utilizing advanced technical tools and methodologies to execute tasks with precision. Demonstrates expertise in specific programming languages, software applications, and engineering principles essential for the role. Capable of analyzing complex systems, troubleshooting issues, and implementing solutions efficiently. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and technological advancements to ensure optimal performance and innovation.
Proficient in Results-Based Management (RBM), Theory of Change, and sophisticated Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) methodologies.
Exceptional proficiency in technical writing, demonstrated through consistently successful donor reports and policy briefs.
Proven ability to cultivate strong relationships and establish meaningful connections with key continental stakeholders as well as local farming communities through exceptional interpersonal and networking skills.
Demonstrates strong skills in Microsoft Office Suite, project management software, and digital data collection tools, with a proven ability to leverage these platforms effectively in a professional setting.
Passionate about environmental sustainability, inclusivity—particularly gender and youth empowerment—and dedicated to fostering equitable opportunities for all, we seek professionals who share these core values.
We are seeking applicants who possess strong interpersonal competencies, with a particular emphasis on emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and collaborative problem-solving. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to manage interpersonal dynamics effectively, foster positive working relationships, and adapt communication styles to diverse audiences. Proficiency in navigating complex social interactions and maintaining composure under pressure is essential. Additionally, the role requires a commitment to active listening, constructive feedback, and fostering an inclusive team environment.
Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage time efficiently are required.
Skilled in fostering productive relationships through clear communication and strategic stakeholder collaboration.
Capable of operating autonomously as well as integrating effectively within diverse team environments, demonstrating flexibility and accountability in both individual and group settings.
If you meet the qualifications for this role, kindly submit your application by sending a single file containing your CV and a cover letter that highlights your key qualifications, salary expectations, and benefits to careers@biovisionafricatrust.org. Ensure the subject line includes “Program Officer,” and your application must be received no later than June 18, 2026. Applications lacking a CV or 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
