Sustainable Landuse and Agriculture Programme Manager

Background

The African Climate Foundation (ACF) is the first and only African-led climate change re-granting organisation on the continent. Through its grant making and thought leadership, the ACF seeks to support interventions at the nexus of climate change and development that have the greatest potential to deliver long-term socio-economic transformation and inclusive development.

About the Sustainable Landuse and Agricultural Programme

Recognising the critical importance of addressing land degradation for improving adaptive capacity and socio-economic and climate resilience, the ACF is seeking through its Sustainable Landuse and Agricultural Programme to support the scale up of sustainable agricultural practices and to identify mechanisms to incentivize and support the restoration and protection of key biodiverse areas. With a strong commitment to supporting initiatives that will contribute to universal access to affordable and nutritious food for current and future generations; improving the benefits and conditions for farmers and farm workers (particularly small holder farmers); and unlocking new opportunities in ecosystem protection and services, the Sustainable Landuse and Agricultural Programme intersects closely with the ACF’s work on climate justice, finance, adaptation and resilience, and trade and industrialization.

About the Job

Reporting to the Head of Programmes, you will:

1. Lead the Sustainable Landuse and Agriculture Programmes strategy revision and implementation, including:

• Revising and refining the ACF’s Sustainable Landuse and Agriculture strategy and cost implementation plan in consultation with the ACF team and key partners and stakeholders.
• Identifying and overseeing sector-relevant research and analysis to inform effective programming, delivery, and monitoring of progress.
• Working closely with ACF Country Leads to ensure delivery and facilitate synergies.
• Working closely with the MEL Advisor to ensure effective monitoring and reporting on delivery against programmatic indicators, and to support evaluation and learning initiatives.

1. Develop and maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholders:

• Governments (national and sub-national), finance institutions, civil society actors, think tanks and research organisations, the philanthropic community, and other key stakeholders.
• Identify key partners through stakeholder mapping and continuous engagement.

1. Lead and oversee the Programmes grant-making, pipeline development and managing the grantee portfolio, including:

• Developing and overseeing the programmatic grant making portfolio, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness of programmatic grant making, and delivery on ACF objectives.
• Managing the programmatic budget, identifying funding gaps, developing and leading fund raising strategies.

1. Supporting thought leadership:

• Contributing to the ACF’s research and online content and representing the organisation at public events or in the media.
• Providing support to the broader ACF team, including the Senior Management Team, the Board and Council, on issues related to the work of the Sustainable Landuse and Agriculture.

About you

We are looking for an experienced Programme Manager with strong technical skills who is creative, solutions orientated and who can build and manage a rapidly growing portfolio of work. Requirements include but not limited to:

• A Master’s degree or equivalent in agroecology, conservation science, development studies, environmental science, finance, economics, agrarian studies, or related field.
• 10 years progressive experience working at the interface of economic policy and sustainable land use and management, four years of which must be in a supervisory capacity.
• Experience working with local and national governments in East and West Africa.
• Experience working with finance institutions including MDB’s, central banks, insurance companies and the banking sector.
• Fluency in English and French or English and Portuguese.
• Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written).
• Prioritizes work and meets deliverables.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Honesty, integrity, and high levels of professionalism.

Start date: Position Available Immediately

Location: Remote work. Africa based.

Closing date: 17 February 2023

Application Details:

Please submit your CV and a 600-word response to the question below. Please note that applicants who do not submit a written response to the question will not be considered for this position. Please also note that no cover letter is required.

Question

Private capital for the scaling of territorial markets is lacking and public finance for agroecological food systems is far below that invested into industrial food systems. What are the critical factors influencing this dynamic and what, if anything, needs to change within territorial markets to attract more public and private investment?

For further information about the ACF, visit  www.africanclimatefoundation.org .

Should you not hear back from us by 31 March 2023, please consider your application to be unsuccessful.

The ACF strives to be  an equitable organisation with a team which reflects the diversity of Africa. We  offer a flexible and rewarding working environment as well as a competitive salary.