Country Director, Nigeria

Job Description

TechnoServe works with enterprising people in the developing world to build competitive farms, businesses, and industries. Our vision is to be the most effective catalyst and partner for transformative, on-the-ground, market-based solutions to poverty. From inspiration in West Africa to transformation around the world, TechnoServe has deepened its impact over the last 50 years. Experience the historic journey.

TechnoServe seeks a dynamic, entrepreneurial leader to build on TechnoServe’s strong reputation and develop opportunities for pro-poor market-oriented development. As a Country Director based in Abuja, Nigeria, you have the opportunity to develop a vision for the country and pursue it while drawing on the 50+ years of our experience around the world. You will lead the establishment of the TechnoServe brand in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country. You will collaborate with leaders in the Federal and State Governments, a diverse group of funders and the Private Sector to develop, finance and implement innovative programs with the potential to strengthen value chains, grow domestic production, build up entrepreneurs, establish industries and markedly improve the lives of Nigerians. This role offers you an opportunity to make your mark in development in a dynamic and challenging environment.

Working in most Nigerian states, TechnoServe has partnered with a variety of public and private funders in agricultural development and agro-processing, small and growing business, food fortification, and clean water, among other areas. In agriculture, TechnoServe interventions have targeted the maize, rice, cashew, tomato, cassava, soy, and poultry value chains, increasing smallholder productivity and income, improving inputs and access to finance, and strengthening market linkages. Additionally, TechnoServe is working with youth entrepreneurs to improve their business practices, while working with food processors to improve compliance with national food fortification regulations and developing entrepreneurial solutions to increase access to clean water.

The incoming Country Director will enjoy a business with strong funding pipeline, a dynamic team and an organization with an outstanding reputation among stakeholders. A recent analysis of TechnoServe’s key offering and areas of competency in Nigeria also reveals a favorable position. He/She will lead this diverse team with growing platform of funding and programming.

The Country Director leads all aspects of TechnoServe’s representation, program development and project execution. The position is critical for engagement of key stakeholders, including bilateral and multilateral donor agencies, federal and state governments and private commercial sector for project funding. The Country Director is further responsible for the retention and support of talented staff for execution of high quality programs to increase the growth and effectiveness of farms, businesses and industries.

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Strategically select areas of work, partnerships, and methodologies that most effectively contribute to pro-poor market-oriented development, and assures excellence of implementation through total quality management and evidence-based decision-making
• Develop, present, and implement the strategic vision, annual goals and objectives for the country program in line with organizational strategic plan
• Champion local talent. Direct, inspire and develops a team; ensure mid-year and year-end performance evaluations are conducted with all staff; and recommend and implement all salary increases based upon performance.
• Recruit, orient, motivate, inspire and enable a high quality local and international team; promote and create opportunities for advancement of employees
• Implement and manage the country program and budget while also managing relations with financial institutions, reviewing all financial information, monthly reports, business plans, etc. on a timely basis, ensuring proper acquisition, management and eventual disposition of all TechnoServe operational assets required for the program (vehicles, computers, furniture, etc.) and communicate internally and externally with employees, and home and regional/divisional offices
• Secure funding to continue to grow country program of new business development; develop funding proposals; and cultivate and maintain TechnoServe in-country partner and donor relationships.

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Master’s degree in business, economics, agriculture or other relevant discipline with a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in a relevant field, including the development of agricultural value chains, private sector and/or entrepreneurship
• A minimum of five years of experience leading a business unit or large-scale project with responsibility for all aspects of operations
• A minimum of five years of experience working in a developing country; country post preferred
• Private sector strategy and management experience, including several of the following key skills areas: business development, consulting, training, financial analysis, marketing, business plan and proposal writing
• Experience in project management, including planning, budgeting and financial management, M&E, team leadership, and staff development
• Demonstrated ability to form, motivate and lead a diverse team to achieve results
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills; a self-starter, strong interpersonal/people management and organizational skills
• Specific knowledge of financial and contractual requirements of major donors active in the country is preferred
• Proven capacity to fundraise effectively and represent the organization among a diverse range of stakeholders
• Clear evidence of operations management and administration skills

About the Organization

TechnoServe works with enterprising people in the developing world to build competitive farms, businesses, and industries. We are a nonprofit organization that develops business solutions to poverty by linking people to information, capital and markets. Our work is rooted in the idea that given the opportunity, hardworking men and women in even the poorest places can generate income, jobs and wealth for their families and communities. With five decades of proven results, we believe in the power of private enterprise to transform lives.