Program Manager - Sustainable Agriculture Initiatives

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Professional development opportunities

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch seeks an experienced Program Manager to oversee Sustainable Agriculture Initiatives. You will design, implement, and evaluate programs empowering smallholder farmers, promoting climate-smart practices, and improving market access.

The role requires a Master's degree in a related field, 5+ years of project leadership, strong budgeting and M&E skills, and excellent stakeholder engagement across government, research bodies, and communities.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent experience in Agronomy, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Rural Development, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in managing agricultural development projects, preferably in the Western Cape.
• Proven expertise in sustainable agriculture practices, climate-smart agriculture, and value chain development.
• Strong project management skills, including planning, budgeting, and M&E.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including rural communities and government entities.
• Experience in facilitating training sessions and workshops.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and agricultural data management tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and monitoring of sustainable agriculture programs.
• Develop and manage project budgets, ensuring financial accountability and efficiency.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with farmers, community leaders, agricultural cooperatives, and government agencies.
• Organize and facilitate training workshops on sustainable farming techniques, soil health, water management, and climate adaptation.
• Monitor project progress, collect data on agricultural outputs and impacts, and conduct rigorous evaluations.
• Identify opportunities for market linkage and value chain development for agricultural products.
• Represent the organization at agricultural forums, conferences, and stakeholder meetings in the Western Cape.
• Collaborate with research partners to disseminate relevant findings and best practices to farmers.
• Supervise and mentor program staff and field officers based in the Stellenbosch area.
• Contribute to the development of new program strategies and funding proposals.

Skills

Project management

Budgeting

M&E

Stakeholder engagement

Training facilitation

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Master's degree in Agronomy, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Rural Development or related field

Tools

MS Office

Agricultural data tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a reputable non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable development and food security, is seeking an experienced Program Manager for their Sustainable Agriculture Initiatives in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. This crucial role involves overseeing the design, implementation, and evaluation of projects aimed at empowering smallholder farmers, promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices, and improving market access for agricultural products. You will work closely with local farming communities, government agricultural departments, research institutions, and other stakeholders to ensure the success and sustainability of these initiatives. The position is based in Stellenbosch, offering a chance to directly contribute to the economic and environmental well-being of the Western Cape agricultural sector. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in agricultural development, project management, and community engagement, combined with a passion for sustainable solutions. This role offers the chance to lead impactful projects in a region renowned for its agricultural significance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and monitoring of sustainable agriculture programs.
• Develop and manage project budgets, ensuring financial accountability and efficiency.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with farmers, community leaders, agricultural cooperatives, and government agencies.
• Organize and facilitate training workshops on sustainable farming techniques, soil health, water management, and climate adaptation.
• Monitor project progress, collect data on agricultural outputs and impacts, and conduct rigorous evaluations.
• Identify opportunities for market linkage and value chain development for agricultural products.
• Represent the organization at agricultural forums, conferences, and stakeholder meetings in the Western Cape.
• Collaborate with research partners to disseminate relevant findings and best practices to farmers.
• Supervise and mentor program staff and field officers based in the Stellenbosch area.
• Contribute to the development of new program strategies and funding proposals.

Requirements

• Master's degree or equivalent experience in Agronomy, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Rural Development, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in managing agricultural development projects, preferably in the Western Cape.
• Proven expertise in sustainable agriculture practices, climate-smart agriculture, and value chain development.
• Strong project management skills, including planning, budgeting, and M&E.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including rural communities and government entities.
• Experience in facilitating training sessions and workshops.
• Proficiency in relevant software, including MS Office Suite and agricultural data management tools.
• A passion for sustainable development and improving livelihoods in rural communities.
• Ability to travel regularly within the Western Cape region.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Opportunity to lead impactful projects in a critical sector for the Western Cape.
• Work within a respected non-profit organization dedicated to sustainable development.
• Professional development opportunities in agricultural innovation and project management.
• Exposure to cutting-edge sustainable farming techniques and technologies.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment in Stellenbosch.
• Contribution to food security and economic empowerment in rural communities.
• Generous annual leave and other employee benefits.
• Chance to shape the future of sustainable agriculture in the region.