Food Security and Livelihood Manager job opening at Cuso International – Calabar, Cross River State

Job Description

Job Detail

Responsibilities

• Coordinate activities of the project team to deliver results in line with the approved project plan and budget.
• Manage project resources and adequately align the resources to the program design to ensure the overall objectives are met.
• Ensure that the project budget is spent in line with Cuso International policies and the agreed donor activities.
• Lead preparation of project reports for submission to donors according to the project timeline.
• Develop and maintain close working relationships with key local and state-level personnel in government and private organizations.
• Ensure strict compliance with Cuso International policies and raise any concerns with management.
• Manage activities including support to agricultural and livestock interventions, developing market linkages and value chains, building capacity of local producers, and supporting micro-projects.
• Participate in the identification, registration, verification, and selection of project beneficiaries.
• Provide management oversight to the implementation team, including development of work plans, monitoring implementation and impact, ensuring program deliverables are completed, supervising staff, and managing the program budget.
• Organize and conduct monitoring visits to project sites and host visitors and donors as needed.
• Sensitize key stakeholders, communities, and participating households on project objectives, timelines, and activities.
• Work with community stakeholders and collaborate with them in beneficiaries' identification and selection.
• Provide team members with information, tools, and resources to improve performance and reach objectives.
• Represent Cuso International at donor coordination meetings and with external stakeholders.
• Identify and engage with technical, private, and public-sector partnerships to support program strategies and growth.
• Initiate market-based/agricultural value chain interventions by linking farmer/pastoralist groups to private sector market opportunities.
• Implement and support sustainable agriculture and livelihood projects in project communities.
• Plan and implement food security and livelihood activities such as farmer field schools and farm production hubs.
• Develop and guide training on improved farming practices, livestock management, water resource management, and agroforestry practices.
• Ensure women's involvement in project implementation and as beneficiaries in food security/agriculture training.
• Provide oversight and technical support for cash-based programming.
• Provide technical backstopping and agronomical assistance for food security and livelihood activities.
• Supervise training sessions for assisted communities and ensure relevant logistics for program activities.
• Liaise with local authorities, research institutes, partner organizations, NGOs, government bodies, and clusters.
• Coordinate with other Cuso International units and support departments for seamless program implementation.
• Contribute to the organization of learning events on project practices and approaches.
• Promote replication of documented best practices in food security and livelihood interventions.
• Develop monitoring systems and provide regular, high-quality reports on program activities.
• Support design and implementation of surveys, need assessments, and data collection.
• Document lessons learned to improve the quality of interventions.
• Work with Communications to develop content highlighting project successes.
• Review International Volunteer placement documents.
• Facilitate capacity building of international and national volunteers.
• Provide guidance and support to international volunteers for effective technical assistance.

Job Requirements

Before applying, please take the time to thoroughly review and comprehend the job requirements outlined below. Ensuring that you meet all the specified criteria will significantly enhance your candidacy for the Food Security and Livelihood Manager position at Cuso International:

Qualifications

• Master's degree in agriculture, agricultural extension education, animal production, natural resource management, business administration, international development, rural development, agricultural economics, or a related discipline.
• At least 7 years of relevant project management experience in agribusiness, SME development, or providing training and business advisory services.
• Experience with technology and input supply ecosystems in Nigeria.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and roll out project management systems.
• Strong financial analysis, budget management, and project management skills.
• Track record of building and managing strong team and stakeholder relationships.
• Extensive knowledge of development issues and understanding of food security, agriculture, and livelihood issues.
• Experience in setting up farmer field schools, agribusiness hubs, market development programming, and processing centers.
• Experience working in emergency response focusing on food security and livelihoods.
• Experience with donor-funded programs (e.g., UNHCR, ECHO, DFID, WFP).
• Solid interpersonal skills, particularly in networking and working with communities.
• Commitment to humanitarian principles and Cuso International's mission, values, and policies.
• Experience facilitating workshops and multiple stakeholder meetings.
• Strong writing and report development skills.
• Ability to work independently while being a strong team player.
• Experience in the INGO sector.
• Demonstrated capacity to provide strategic direction.
• Knowledge in designing and delivering capacity building for technical teams.

Education Requirements

• Master's degree in agriculture, agricultural extension education, animal production, natural resource management, business administration, international development, rural development, agricultural economics, or a related discipline.

Experience Requirements

• At least 7 years of relevant project management experience in agribusiness, SME development, or providing training and business advisory services.
• Experience with technology and input supply ecosystems in Nigeria.
• Experience with donor-funded programs (e.g., UNHCR, ECHO, DFID, WFP).
• Experience working in emergency response focusing on food security and livelihoods.

Skills

• Strong financial analysis, budget management, and project management skills.
• Solid interpersonal skills, particularly in networking and working with communities.
• Strong writing and report development skills.
• Demonstrated capacity to provide strategic direction.
• Knowledge in designing and delivering capacity building for technical teams.
• Ability to work independently while being a strong team player.

Salary, Benefits and incentive

Provided below are the offerings in terms of salary, benefits, and incentives awaiting you in the role of Food Security and Livelihood Manager at Cuso International:

Salary

NGN 8,000,000 - 12,000,000 per-Year.

Job Benefits

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Relocation assistance

Incentive Compensation

• Performance-based bonuses
• Project completion incentives

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Date posted: July 11, 2024

Posted on: Calabar

This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful development work in Nigeria, focusing on enhancing food security and livelihoods for marginalized communities. The successful candidate will have the chance to work in a dynamic international environment, build strong local partnerships, and implement innovative solutions to complex development challenges.