The African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership
The African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership (AFAP) is an independent non-profit organization founded in 2012 by a partnership of African development organizations. AFAP is a service provider to the private and public sectors on sustainable development projects and policies focused on market-driven business solutions in fertilizer and agribusiness for agriculture productivity. AFAP combines technical expertise with entrepreneurial innovation.
AFAP’s public-private partnership strategy is ultimately designed to build the capacity of African fertilizer and agribusiness SMEs and increase agricultural productivity. The execution of that strategy with partners, results in increasing food security, income, job
creation, and agriculture contribution to national GDPs.
Essential Functions
The Country Manager will have overall responsibility for the development and management of the Malawi Country program portfolio and day-to-day activities. This will be achieved through the development and implementation of a country strategy which is in line with AFAP’s mission, vision, and values.
This includes Strategic Leadership in providing vision and direction for the Malawi country programme and ensuring ongoing review of progress against key country and organisational level objectives, indicators, and targets. Monitoring the relevant socio-economic and
political developments and trends within Malawi and the NGO and development sectors to evaluate and direct programmes. Leading in country resource mobilization efforts through developing and maintaining a high level of understanding of government and donor priorities and regular coordination with AFAP’s headquarter offices and ensuring all projects are implemented, monitored, and evaluated as well as with AFAP’S philosophy and strategy.
The Country Manager will also ensure positive working relationship with all partners (government, communities, NGOs, donors, etc.) are maintained and ensure partnership agreements where necessary are in place.
In Representation, Communication and Advocacy- The Country Manager will network actively and play a lead role in representing AFAP’s interests with Government, Private Sector, Academia, Donors, UN Agencies, international and local NGOs. The Country Manager
will develop and maintain strong working relations with influential stakeholders to strengthen AFAP’S reputation and position us as a partner of choice to further AFAP’S influence and impact.
The Country Manager will also participate in high level forums to influence the AFAP agenda and drive policy change working with the HQ policy team and actively engage in communication activities, providing input to the AFAP website, showcasing successes, lessons working with the Communications team at AFAP’s headquarters.
In Program Management and Resource Mobilization- The Country Manager will provide overall management and technical direction of AFAs’ program in Country, develop, and strengthen appropriate institutional structures, controls, and strategies for all short-term and long-term program and ensure consistent funding from bilateral, multilateral, and other donors to augment the resources provided from AFAP’s general fund.
In Programme design and Implementation- The Country Manager will design and implement programmes with accountability for in-country programmes and ensure that they are in line with technical best practice and national policies and support high-quality project planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation in line with policies, systems, and guidelines. The Country Manager will ensure projects are managed in a timely and cost-effective manner, according to pre-determined plans and budgets. Identify areas for HQ support. Promote a team approach and positive learning environment utilising AFAP staff and partners to consistently enhance the quality of design and implementation. Identify
and document best practices and lessons learned that can be successfully replicated and ensure program staff integrate them into their work.
In Human Resources Management- The Country Manager will ensure AFAP a high performing team to deliver against AFAP’s programmes in Malawi. This while fostering a collegial, transparent, supportive, and respectful culture within the country team and pro-
actively developing and mentoring staff to optimise their potential in pursuit of AFAP’S objectives. The Country Manager will ensure effective implementation of HR policies and procedures at country level, in line with HR policies, procedures and guidelines and local
labour law In Financial Management and Corporate Governance – The Country Manager will ensure effective financial management systems, processes and controls are in place and are fully compliant with AFAP, donor and host government requirements. Provide timely and
effective oversight of the financial position of the country program including identification and implementation of required changes to manage funding levels and ensure that partner organisations are assessed in relation to financial management and governance standards and are supported to address any capacity weaknesses.
Ensure that audits are undertaken in a timely and efficient manner in line with policy, donor and local government requirements and follow-up on recommendations arising out of audits taking appropriate actions where necessary. Ensure adherence with all local government requirements in relation to registration, taxation, labour law, auditing, fraud etc.
As for the Security of the office – The Country Manager will develop and manage country security plans and procedures in line with policies, systems and guidelines and ensure all staff adhere to security guidelines.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Proven leadership and management of international donor support programs, with extensive experience in strategic planning, resource mobilization, proposal development, management, supervision, and budgeting in a multi-project and multi-funding environment.
- Experience in administration of U.S government and USAID grants.
- Strong oral and communication skills in English.
- Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and strong interpersonal skills.
- Proven ability to develop and communicate AFAP’s vision to partners, donors, government agencies and non-government stakeholders.
Requirements
- University Degree in a related field, Masters’ degree preferred. Business management and leadership experience is highly valued.
- A minimum of five years of experience in development work with progressive leadership responsibilities and proven resource development skills, or a minimum of eight years of experience in business management and leadership with progressive increasing responsibilities.
Method of Application
If you match the requirements for these positions based in Lilongwe Send a CV, a one-page cover Letter and copies of certificates to support your application along with salary requirements to hrdepartment@afap-partnership.org and apply by COB 6th November 2022. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Please quote the position in the email subject line.