The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) is an independent non-profit organization that combines innovative research, market systems development, and strategic partnerships to spread sustainable agricultural solutions for improved soil health, food security, and livelihoods around the world.

IFDC is recruiting for two anticipated projects related to Highland Farming Systems and Climate Smart Jobs in Uganda expected to start in early/mid 2022 – 2026. The proposed projects will work with over 100,000 beneficiaries in the highland areas of the three regions of Elgon, Kigezi, and Rwenzori, in northern Uganda and in other areas relevant to agricultural production and processing of project supported crops.

The proposed project aims to achieve the following main impacts:

• Food security and dietary diversity improved for rural households in the Ugandan highlands, Northern Uganda and other productive regions of the country
• Ugandan smallholder farming households obtain a living income and are sustainably economically resilient
• Eco-efficient farming, making sustainable use of and protecting natural resources
• The agriculture sector offers resource-constrained households a pathway out of poverty
• Creation of jobs and economic opportunities for rural and urban populations with a focus on women, youth and socially and economically disadvantaged persons

IFDC is seeking recruitment for the deputy project lead to be based in Kampala or one of the field offices.

Position Summary

The Deputy Project Manager assists the Project Manager to lead and manage the planning, inception, implementation, closing and the workforce of the project, within scope, budget, timeline, and acceptable quality levels along the commitments specified in the contracts signed with the donor(s) and other relevant stakeholders. In consultation with the project manager, he/she will be responsible for the coordination and implementation of all project-related activities in the country including the identification of new lead partners (i.e. agri-food companies, producer organizations, or professional organizations) and facilitates the development of a transformative partnerships. She/ he will supervise and supports the intervention managers and specific thematic leads to design and implement, in close collaboration with private partners and other relevant stakeholders.

Main Tasks And Responsibilities

• Coordinate and implement scoping and brokering activities to identify the next partners for the project.
• In consultation with the project manager, provide technical leadership, oversight and coordination for the project technical components related to climate smart interventions.
• Supervise and support the project team to develop, implement and monitor the implementation of activities in line with the project deliverables and M&E system.
• Support the project manager and the management team to develop and ensure good working relationships with key regional and national partner organizations, including local authorities.
• Develop synergies with other IFDC projects/ initiatives and with other programs in the country.
• Contributes to internal and external knowledge development, by full documentation and sharing of project insights and results. Develops knowledge by attending workshops and conferences. Ensures lessons learned are shared and applied in daily practice.

Supervision and team collaboration

The deputy project manager is supervised by and reports to the project manager. She/ he works in close collaboration with other project colleagues, other IFDC staff and colleagues from other project consortium members.

Position and duty station

The deputy project lead is a national position with a duty in the IFDC offices in Kampala or one of the field offices.

The position requires intensive travels (up to 50% of the time) in target regions in Uganda and may require some international travel to other IFDC countries.

Qualification Requirements

This is a senior position that requires highly motivated and self-driven individuals with the following qualifications;

• Holds a master’s degree in Agricultures, agribusiness, international development, natural resources management or any other related course.
• At least 5 years of experience successfully leading management of technical components of complex, results based, international or rural agricultural development programs
• Demonstrated experience (>3 years) in providing Technical Assistance to governments, development partners and private sector on climate smart interventions, including design and implementation of job creation projects with particular interest in women and young people.
• Demonstrated ability to organize advocacy and strengthen the capacity of private sector associations to advocate for a more favourable regulatory environment.
• Demonstrated ability in the concepts, principles, methods and techniques of climate smart sector development activities, including training, capacity building, agribusiness development extension services and the technical activities mentioned above for agribusiness and rural agricultural development.
• Demonstrated skills in effectively collaborating with host governments, regional institutions, donors, and development partner projects, local organizations, private companies and other partners.
• Ability to successfully manage and develop staff as demonstrated by past experience.
• Ability to manage partners, sub-contracts and grant making programs with all required reporting requirements.
• Ability to perform internal control functions to manage day-to-day operations of the project.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally in small audience and large audience settings.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required.