Country Director, Nigeria

Reporting Unit/Supervisor: Regional Director, West and Southern Africa
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Travel: Domestic up to 30% 

               

I. TECHNOSERVE BACKGROUND:

TechnoServe works with enterprising people in the developing world to build competitive farms, businesses and industries. We are a nonprofit organization that develops business solutions to poverty by linking people to information, capital and markets. Our work is rooted in the idea that given the opportunity, hardworking men and women in even the poorest places can generate income, jobs and wealth for their families and communities. With more than four decades of proven results, we believe in the power of private enterprise to transform lives.

II. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

TechnoServe has over a decade of practical experience in Nigeria. In the 1990s, the organization supported farmer organizations in developing aquaculture, livestock and other agribusiness opportunities. With operations officially re-established in Nigeria in 2010, TechnoServe is now implementing a number of programs to help raise farmer incomes and yields in the cocoa, cashew, cassava and other key industries.

III. POSITION DESCRIPTION:

TechnoServe seeks a dynamic, entrepreneurial leader to build on TechnoServe’s strong reputation and develop opportunities for pro-poor market-oriented development.   As a Country Director, you have the opportunity to develop a vision for the country and pursue it while drawing on the 40+ years of our experience around the world.  You will lead the establishment of the TechnoServe brand in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country.  You will collaborate with leaders in the Federal and State Governments and the Private Sector to develop and finance innovative programs with the potential to strengthen value chains, grow domestic production, build up entrepreneurs, establish industries and markedly improve the lives of impoverished Nigerians.  This role offers you an opportunity to make your mark in development in a dynamic and challenging environment. 

IMPACT

You will develop, present and implement the strategic vision, annual goals and objectives for the country program.  You will also oversee effective and efficient management of the client business portfolio; portfolio implementation, monitoring and evaluation, quality control, cost-effectiveness and day-to-day oversight.  You will also be charged with the responsibility of new business development (securing sufficient funding to continue and /or grow the country program); developing funding proposals; and cultivating and maintaining TechnoServe in-country partner and donor relationships.

PEOPLE

A key component of this role is the capacity to successfully champion local talent acquisition.  You will manage and develop a team; ensure mid-year and year-end performance evaluations are conducted with all staff; and recommend and implement all salary increases based upon performance evaluations.

MANAGEMENT

You will implement and manage the program budget while also managing relations with financial institutions, reviewing all financial information, monthly reports, business plans, etc. on a timely basis, ensuring proper acquisition, management and eventual disposition of all TechnoServe operational assets required for the program (vehicles, computers, furniture, etc.) and communicating internally and externally with employees, and home and regional/divisional offices.

EXTERNAL RELATIONS

Keen communication skills will be paramount when liaising with the media, public, local government and its agencies, as well as other NGOs, to ensure TechnoServe’s image is preserved. You will be communicating with bilateral and multilateral agencies and developing relationships that seek to promote TechnoServe’s mission and objectives.

IV. REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

• MBA or equivalent degree in related field
• Strong private sector strategy and management experience, including several of the following key skills areas: business development, consulting, training, financial analysis, marketing, business plan and proposal writing
• Strong interpersonal/people management skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong private sector experience and entrepreneurial orientation
• Strong financial analysis and management skills 
• Agribusiness experience preferred
• Fluency in English

VI. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Qualified and interested applicants should submit a Word-formatted single document consisting of cover letter, resume and salary history to jobs@tns.org. Please identify the position for which you are applying in the subject line.
Only applicants meeting minimum qualifications will be considered or contacted. No phone calls please.

TECHNOSERVE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER OF MINORITIES, FEMALES, PROTECTED VETERANS, AND INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES