Climate Smart DD Senior Project Officer

Solidaridad

Solidaridad is a global civil society organization (CSO) that provides market driven solutions for sustainable production practices across different supply chains. We envision a world in which all we produce, and all we consume, can sustain us while respecting the planet, each other and the next generations. Our mission is to bring together supply chain players and engage them with innovative solutions to improve production, ensuring the transition to a sustainable and inclusive economy that maximizes the benefit for all stakeholders.

Duration: 1 year contract (renewable based on performance and resources availability)
Reporting line: Project Manager

Oromia Dairy Farmer’s Bounty Project (ODFBP)

Solidaridad has been implementing, The World Bank BioCarbon Funded, ODFB Project in partnership with private sectors in the Oromia Forested Landscape Program (OFLP) areas. The main objective of the Project is to contribute to the sustainable transformation of the Oromia dairy sector by promoting climate-smart dairy farming while reducing GHG emissions through dairy service hubs. The project targets smallholder and commercial dairy farmers, dairy cooperatives, milk collectors, and milk processors to drive more sustainable dairy production in the Oromia region. Its approach is to test 3 business models; such as, Dairy Service Hubs, Extension Support, and Commercial Fodder Production Centers, and by attracting Private Sector co-investments. These Climate Smart Dairy Services components of the project are implemented in partnership with private sector actors (i.e. processors and dairy farm input suppliers). The project will demonstrate improved business, environment, and social inclusivity. It will generate a more stable income for dairy farmers from sustained input and output markets throughout the year while enhancing access to improved and nutritious food, availability of animal source food for local markets, and reduction of GHG emission.

Position Overview
The Senior Project Officer will be based in the project field office and will be responsible for the successful field implementation of the ongoing Oromia Dairy Farmer’s Bounty Project (ODFBP) and support the project team on the overall growth of the livestock program in Ethiopia. In direct coordination with the Project Manager and other team members, s/he will carry out capacity building of stakeholders, private sectors, and key project participants along the dairy value chain. Provide technical direction, guidance, and capacity strengthening to the project participants and partners to enhance program quality and impact. Monitor and document the progress of the ODFBP activities through field visits, meetings with consultants, reviewing of consultant’s reports, and provision of feedback.

Main objective of the function
The Senior Project Officer supports the Project Manager with the development and
implementation of project plans, policies, and solutions. The Senior Project Officer also contributes to issue resolution and escalation, research and analytic activities, and planning and monitoring activities.

Organizational position
The Senior Project Officer reports to the Project Manager at the country level. The Senior Project Officer shall work closely with the project team members, innovation advisers, MEAL Officer, Gender Officer, and Quality Function team.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Supports the Project Manager in monitoring and tracking the project deliverables and outcomes including preparation of preliminary reports in relation to budget, schedule, and resources.
• Ensures compliance to the organization’s and donor’s Project Management Methodology, Theory of Change, Risk management and security policies, quality assurance policies, and procedures.
• Coordinating project schedules, resources, equipment, and information.
• Liaising with clients to identify and define project requirements, scope, and objectives.
  Coordinates project management activities, resources, equipment, and information.
• Delivers projects into doable actions and set timeframes, as well as supports PMEL activities.
• Liaises with stakeholders to identify and define requirements, scope, and objectives.
  Coordinates the assignment of tasks to Project Officers and assists with schedule management.
• Analyzes risks and opportunities, oversees project procurement management, and monitors project progress while handling arising issues.
• Acts as the point of contact and communicates project status to all participants.
  Works with the (Senior) Project Manager to eliminate foreseeable challenges, and uses tools to monitor work plans and expenditures.
• Creates and maintains comprehensive project documentation, plans, and reports.
  Ensures standards and requirements are met through conducting quality assurance tests.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• Relevant academic level education: Master’s degree in a relevant field (Dairy Science, Livestock Breeding, Animal Nutrition, Rural Development, Agricultural Economics, Project Management, etc.
• At least five (5) years in managing livestock and Dairy Value Chain, Climate Change, & Food Security projects funded by international agencies in a similar/related role
  At least three (3) years of experience – managing Climate Smart Dairy Farming, Agriculture, and sustainable supply chain projects in a senior management position with international organizations
• Must be familiar with the dairy industry perishables supply chains, especially in production and marketing.
• An understanding of the policy environment, issues, and stakeholders in the livestock, agriculture, and/or agribusiness sector in the country.
• Excellent skills are required in program management; design, reporting and documentation, and monitoring and evaluation.
• Experience in leading and managing small teams.
• A self-starter and can work with minimum supervision
• Willing to work with strict deadlines
• Demonstrable track record of working with Public Private Partnership in international organization
• Experience setting up new projects and programs
• Capable of working in a dynamic, inter-cultural and multi-stakeholder setting.
• Able to travel extensively within project areas
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, another language, and
• Oromifa proficiency are desirable
• Knowledge of strategic, human resource, financial, and quality management.

Specific job requirements

• Proven work experience in project coordination or similar activities.
• Experience in project management – from conception to delivery.
• Ability to prepare and interpret flowcharts, work plans, schedules, and step-by-step action plans.
• Solid organizational skills, including multitasking and time management.
• Strong client-facing and teamwork skills.
• Familiarity with risk management and quality assurance control.
• Change orientation- Anticipates problems focuses on seeking solutions and is willing to be challenged and challenge others