Project Manager- Agriculture and Market Support (AMS)

Lutheran World Federation; Roma; In loco; EUR 45.000 - 60.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

A recognized humanitarian organization is seeking a Project Manager for Agriculture and Market Support. The role involves leading and overseeing agricultural development projects aimed at improving livelihoods for smallholder farmers. Applicants should have a degree in Agricultural Economics and at least 6 years of relevant experience, including background with donor-funded initiatives. This position requires strong leadership skills and the ability to work effectively in challenging environments. The role is based in Italy with a contract duration of 12 months.

Competenze

• Minimum 6 years of experience in agricultural development or market systems.
• Demonstrated experience managing donor-funded projects.
• Experience working in refugee hosting districts is an advantage.

Mansioni

• Provide overall leadership for the AMS project.
• Manage technical and budget activities during project cycles.
• Supervise project officers and community facilitators.

Conoscenze

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Formazione

Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics or related field

Master’s degree (preferred)

Descrizione del lavoro

Project Manager – Agriculture and Market Support (AMS)

LWF World Service is the humanitarian and developmental arm of the Lutheran World Federation. We are widely recognized, an international, faith‑based organization operating in over 20 countries. We bring people of all backgrounds together in the common quest for justice, peace, and reconciliation in an increasingly complex and fragmented world. A commitment to the human rights of every individual, regardless of status, guides our work, actions, and operations. We are known for timely, compassionate, and professional humanitarian work, and for our field presence in hard‑to‑reach areas. Our work is people‑centered and community‑based. Above all, we work with the most vulnerable and engage proactively with local government and community structures to claim and uphold their rights.

Job Details

Job Title: Project Manager – Agriculture and Market Support (AMS)

Place of Assignment: Adjumani and Kiryandongo District

Reports To: Subprogram Manager

Starting Date: ASAP

Duration of Contract: 12 months

Closing Date for Applications: 18th January 2026

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Subprogram Manager, the Project Manager will provide overall leadership, technical oversight, and operational management of the AMS project in Adjumani / Kiryandongo. The role ensures high‑quality implementation, strong partnerships, effective team supervision, and achievement of programme outcomes related to market‑oriented agriculture, enterprise development, and improved livelihoods for smallholder farmers focusing on youth in work.

Key Responsibilities

Programme Leadership & Management

Provide strategic direction for AMS implementation in alignment with LWF and WFP project objectives.

Manage and oversee technical, budget management, monitoring and reporting activities during the project cycles to ensure efficient and effective implementation in line with LWF Programme quality principles and standards, donor requirements and good practices.

Develop annual and quarterly work plans and ensure timely execution of activities.

Supervise field teams including project officers (Agribusiness / Enterprise Development), extension staff, and community facilitators.

Take lead in guiding staff and participants to select and engage high‑productive and commercially viable enterprises, mapping existing skills and establishing capacity needs.

Proactively engage with the private sector to connect participants to appropriate agricultural inputs and services, support aggregation and value addition and marketing.

Offer technical mentorship, coaching and handholding including providing tailored business development support (BDS) to staff offering extension services.

Provide technical leadership in the development and implementation of strategies, standards, project plans, tools and best practices in nutrition aligned to the Government of Uganda requirements and effectively engage partners, donors and governments.

Proactively anticipate, identify and provide innovative solutions to project challenges and obstacles for youth access on a timely manner.

Help identify, assess and strengthen partnerships, applying appropriate partnership concepts, tools and approaches for youth‑led enterprises.

Maintain clear, regular and effective lines of communication with all stakeholders and implementing partners to ensure effective project implementation and program impact.

Coordinate and monitor financial, material and human resources relevant to project needs. Through planning and oversight ensure project resources are available and used efficiently.

Act as a project contact person and represent the organization with donors, INGOs working groups, local partners and relevant local government and community actors. Participate in relevant knowledgeable networks to collect and share promising practices in the area of food security and self‑reliance.

Promote Lutheran World Federation Uganda and contribute to its learning and continuous performance improvement agenda.

Guide implementation of market‑oriented agriculture interventions including value chain development, post‑harvest handling, and enterprise support.

Initiate and / or support efforts to strengthen farmer organizations, cooperatives, and youth agribusiness groups.

Promote climate‑smart agriculture and nutrition‑sensitive approaches.

Ensure quality assurance in training, extension delivery, and market linkage activities.

Partnerships & Coordination

Serve as the primary liaison with WFP, district local governments, and other partners together with the livelihoods coordinator.

Represent LWF in coordination platforms including food security, livelihoods, and market development forums.

Facilitate collaboration with private sector actors, financial institutions, and service providers.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting

Oversee data collection, field monitoring, and documentation of results.

In collaboration with the MEAL Coordinator, plan and coordinate the development of project Monitoring and Evaluation plans and collect data including process monitoring, mid‑term review and final evaluation data.

Prepare high‑quality reports for LWF and WFP, including progress updates and success stories.

Lead learning and reflection sessions to improve programme effectiveness and ensure accountability mechanisms are in place for beneficiaries and stakeholders.

Ensure cost‑effective use of resources and approve field expenditures.

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Agriculture, Agribusiness, Development Economics, Development Studies, Economics, or any related field (Master’s preferred).

Minimum 6 years of experience in agricultural development, market systems, or livelihoods programming.

Demonstrated experience managing donor‑funded projects, preferably WFP or similar agencies.

Strong leadership, team management, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Experience working in refugee hosting districts or similar contexts is a strong advantage.

Excellent communication, analytical, and report‑writing abilities.

Competencies

• Strong project management skills.
• Ability to work in remote, fragile environments.
• Proficiency in participatory approaches.
• High integrity and accountability.
• Strong networking and negotiation abilities.

Equal Opportunity Employment

LWF is an equal opportunity employer, irrespective of gender, race or religious affiliation. LWF is a signatory to the Code of Conduct for humanitarian agencies. Our recruitment and selection procedures reflect the organization’s commitment to the prevention of abuse and exploitation of beneficiaries.

Only short‑listed candidates will be contacted.