Job Summary:-

CARE International in Sudan has received funding from the European Union to implement the Promoting Inclusive Markets and Economic Empowerment (PRIME) project in South Kordofan and East Darfur States. In South Kordofan, the project will be implemented in Al-Rashad, Abujubeiha and Abbasiya localities, whereas in East Darfur, the project will be implemented in Bahar Alarab, Abu Karinka, and El Daein localities. The project aims to contribute to sustainable and resilient livelihoods and food security in rural communities in the states of South Kordofan and East Darfur that are most affected by food insecurity, climate change, and conflicts. The Program Manager Livelihoods and Food Security is expected to provide technical and programmatic oversight in the implementation of the PRIME project, supporting CARE's Livelihoods, Resilience and Market systems approaches in South Kordofan State. The project will help increase food security and livelihood resilience, sustainable income growth and job opportunities for rural women and youth including Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in South Kordofan through inclusive value chain development.  

The project intends to: (1) Sustainably increase productivity and profitability of female smallholder farmers in mango, sorghum, groundnut, and other nutrition-sensitive value chains using agroecological practices in South Kordofan and East Darfur States; (2) Create sustainable decent employment and income-earning opportunities for female and youth small-holder farmers through viable market linkages and value chains in rural and food insecure areas of South Kordofan and East Darfur States; (3) Increase women/youth leadership in managing community resources and sustainable access to natural resources, contributing to food security and mitigation of conflicts over resources in South Kordofan and East Darfur States. The project works with NNGOs, microfinance institutions, traditional community leaders, women producer's associations, and community-based organizations (CSOs) at the local level.

The Program Manager should have a full understanding of enterprise creation through IGAs, Agriculture support, asset creation, natural resource management, gender, and working with the community structures. The Program manager should also be conversant with market systems approaches as well as inclusive value chain development. The purpose of this position is to coordinate and manage the full range of project management responsibilities of the PRIME project in South Kordofan state. S/he will ensure that the project targets and objectives are met, and quality standards and donor requirements are adhered to. S/He will also provide leadership in ensuring that – in line with CARE principles and policies – the project applies a gender-centric approach to everything that CARE does. The PM will report directly to the Program Coordinator and have a working relationship with the Head of Programs and Operations (HoPO) for South Kordofan. S/he will work closely with other program staff to provide and coordinate managerial and technical support to all aspects of the PRIME project. The PM will directly assist the field teams including but not limited to providing on-site support for planning, budgeting, and implementation, quality assurance and accountability, and representation of the organization at key meetings at the field level. Strong oversight, follow-up, project implementation preparation, monitoring, and reporting to CARE /donor standards are among the key responsibilities.

1. Program Management and Development  (30%):-

* Ensure that program plans and activities are meeting the intended purpose and goals and that the project staff members have  adequate knowledge and skills to deliver the project.
* Create opportunities for self-employment and decent jobs for rural women and youth in agri-businesses, market linkages and value chain development.
* Foster appropriate market systems development (MSD) approaches, engaging private sector players, and mobilize other  stakeholders to champion MSD approaches.
* Oversee the PRIME project startup and implementation, while creating opportunities for women and youth to thrive.
* Ensure that the PRIME project is successfully implemented through proper follow-up, monitoring, and reporting.
* Ensure that the program targets and schedules are met. This includes being responsible for the quality of periodical reports/    updates and the programmatic tracking of progress by ensuring that program records are kept up to date.
* To ensure that the program incorporates cross-cutting issues such as gender, peacebuilding, and lessons learned, whilst ensuring maximum participation of other stakeholders.
* Ensure that the project engages local stakeholders and develops the local capacity for longer-term sustainability.
*To regularly document program learning and success cases and disseminate learning within the country program.
* Manage and monitor the local partner.
* To develop monitoring tools and maintain an effective monitoring and planning system, which informs reporting and progress updates to the CMP
* Pay close attention to issues, trends, or concerns that arise, and that may affect direct delivery of the project, including changing contexts, as well as follow up with partner reports, updates, and meetings while keeping the program Coordinator informed of these changes on a regular basis and offering possible solutions.
* Provide specific coaching and mentoring to local partners, project staff, while maintaining a consistent approach with other team    members.

2. Supervise and build the capacity of the project program (30%):-

 * Closely work with key program staff at the field office to ensure program accountability, quality, and feedback to management,  donors, and beneficiaries.
* Conduct periodical field visits to monitor program performance and provide guidance to program personnel on implementation.
* Carry out day-to-day management of the program including staff management, and capacity-building through training, coaching,  and mentoring of key staff. 
* To build staff capacity through training, mentoring, and on-the-job support as appropriate.
* To identify areas for staff and local partner training and development needs, set plans, and ensure effective implementation plan.

3. Liaison/coordination (15%):-

* Develop and maintain close liaison with the local authorities, concerned, and national/international agencies involved in  humanitarian activities in the affected areas. 
* Take a leadership role in sectoral coordination with other NGOs and UN agencies working in the cluster and performing similar    program activities.
 *At the locality level attend, and participate in sectoral coordination meetings, while respecting CARE International’s core values,  the code of conduct, and maintaining humanitarian space.
* Represent CARE and engage with the Humanitarian Affairs Commission, line ministries, and UN agencies to improve the quality of   the services provided.

4. Financial responsibilities (10 %):-

* In consultation with the Program Coordinator, grants, and Finance team, ensure that the project budget is spent according to the    donor requirements.
* Responsible for the BMZ project financial management i.e., reviewing financial reports, BVAs, spending plans, and transactions  and ensuring that the project is on track.
* Ensure that field office program financial expenditures are approved based on CARE policy and procedures.
* Develop the procurement plan, spending plan, and financial forecast based on the DIP.

5. Monitoring and reporting (10%):-

* In coordination with project staff, develop a detailed work plan and M&E plan for the project, and ensure an M&E output informs        and strengthens the project cycle.
*  Provide support and guidance to the M&E Officer in the development of relevant M&E tools for monitoring sub-project activities in      a manner that informs the indicators and allows for improvement in the program quality and progress.
* Tracks sub-project progress and solicits feedback from staff and partners in relation to objectives and work plans.
* Ensure M&E data collected are analyzed with the respective staff, used to inform the project cycle, and disseminated in a timely        manner, in the form of reports.

6. Uphold CARE Values and contribute to CIS shared priorities (5%):-

* Be aware of the Care International Safety and Security Management Plan (SSMP) and always comply with it.
* Be aware of CARE’s commitments to Gender and Diversity and strive to uphold them.
* Promote CARE’s core values at all times.
* Other priority tasks as required by management, for overall benefit of CIS.

 Authority:-

• Supervision: Directly supervises the Senior Livelihood Officer, Senior MEAL officer, VSLA officer, Gender and protection officer.

Contacts and Key Relationships:-

• Livelihoods and Resilience Coordinator – Direct Report
• Head of Programs and Operations – operations and program support functions
• Project Staff
• Others and NGOs and development agencies – Coordination
• Government of Sudan – counterpart.

 Working Conditions:-

This position will be based in Abu Jubayhah (South Kordufan) field office. The project locations in South Kordofan are security sensitive and the incumbent is expected to comply with CARE international security protocols and will be supported to facilitate his/her operations within the framework of the project.
 

Required Qualifications and Competencies:

• Holds a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, economics, development studies or any other related field to the scope of the project. Advanced degree preferred, with over 4 years’ experience in Resilient livelihoods, inclusive value chain development and Markey systems approaches.

• At least 5 years’ experience in implementing Livelihood and resilience programs, Nutrition sensitive agriculture projects focusing on agriculture sector development, agriculture input provision, market linkages, private sector engagement, farmer field and business school’s establishment, VSLA development, value chain development, market systems strengthening, IGA development and a solid understanding of Gender and protection issues in the current context of South Kordofan. 

• Proven knowledge of engaging financial institutions, enhancing financial inclusion, matching funding, and fostering sustainable  relationships between groups and financial institutions.

• Facilitative manager who can motivate staff and is sensitive to their ideas and concerns.

• Excellent report-writing skills both written and verbal.

• Excellent communication, presentation, diplomacy, and facilitation skills.

• Experienced problem-solver and decision-maker.

• Good knowledge of government policy systems, processes, and procedures especially in developing countries.

• Experienced in capacity building for a partner organization, working with local partners, and partner selection process. 

• Should have finance skills for monitoring sub-grants, budgets, and financial reports.

• Demonstrated ability to work in teams, understanding community approaches, and problem-solving techniques. 

Languages: Good knowledge of both written and spoken Arabic and English languages are required for this position.
 

External candidates who are interested and meet the above requirements should submit their education and experience certificates, Cover letter & update CV to HAC- Abu Jubeha (South Kordofan)  or sudanjobs.net before closing of business day, Sunday, 31st, March 2024.