Project Manager, Fortification and Demand Creation

About the Role

The post is a dynamic and exciting role. The Project Manager will be expected to quickly expand and strengthen relationships with their team, key internal functional areas, relevant partners, exploiting synergies within GAIN and with external stakeholders to ensure continued, effective project delivery.

The Project manager has a leadership role. They are expected to have an overview of implemented projects in Benin and able to lead the implementation of a complex and ambitious food systems project in Benin, through leading a team of direct reports and functional specialists. They will be directly responsible for managing key stakeholder relationships internally and externally.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Provide strategic leadership in the design, planning and implementation of the projects as per the GAIN Project Management Guidelines (PMG) combined with deep understanding of the private sector especially MSMEs, understanding and technical knowledge in value chains.
• Define project scope, activities and objectives in line with the GAIN Benin business plans, program frameworks, and organizational strategic priorities.
• Identify, track and resolve project issues on an ongoing basis, and proactively seek support where issues require wider attention and resolution.
• Monitor risks and develop contingency plans to respond to emergencies. Escalate issues when appropriate.
• Work with relevant environment, gender and safeguarding specialists to ensure that they are integrated in project designs and implementation plans.
• Lead a high performing project team consisting of people across the organization; bringing together the skills, experience and competencies required for successful project delivery.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with civil society, INGOs, government entities, private sector and other organizations.
• Work with international finance to ensure that accurate budgets and forecasting are drawn up for all activities, and that activities costs are kept within budgets.
• Leading on the procurement process by identifying, selecting and managing suppliers within ethical and procurement standards and guidelines.

About you

The ideal candidate should have experience or deep understanding of the private sector especially MSMEs, understanding and technical knowledge of value chains. Demonstrate experience in delivering projects on time / on budget, using project management processes and tools including risk management, benefits management, financial management and quality assurance.

The post holder should have experience in stakeholder engagement with external partners such as civil society, INGOs, government entities, private sector and other organizations. You should be able to represent the organization in key meetings and influence desired outcomes. Knowledge of working with various donors especially from Europe would be an advantage.

The ideal candidate should have prior experience managing or supervising staff. Leadership skills in people management to build a positive and inclusive culture and working environment for the staff is a requirement. The candidate should have an education background in business management, including nutrition and agri-business, public health, international development, or suitable equivalent. Certification in Project/risk management also preferred.

About our Offer

The starting gross salary on offer for this role is from XOF 14’020’308 – XOF 16’041’924 per annum, depending on experience.

GAIN has a fair and competitive salary structure that allows for annual progression subject to good performance. In addition, GAIN offers a total of 37 days holiday per year (including annual leave, public holidays and additional office closure days), an attractive pension scheme and competitive insurance cover including health, travel and life assurance. We are committed to the health of our staff, especially in these challenging times, and have developed a programme of wellbeing that includes flexible and hybrid working, additional leave allowances, wellbeing days, mindfulness coaching and access to independent and confidential counselling.

GAIN also has a strong commitment to professional development. We will support you to grow in your career through both formal and informal training, and are committed to providing opportunities through internal recruitment, secondments, and promotion. All of this is delivered in a supportive and collaborative environment.

About GAIN

GAIN is a Swiss-based foundation that was launched in 2002 to tackle the human suffering caused by malnutrition. Working with both governments and businesses, we aim to transform food systems so that they deliver more nutritious food for all people. In particular, we aim to make healthier food choices more desirable, more available, and more affordable. GAIN’s mission is to advance nutrition outcomes by improving consumption of nutritious and safe food for all people, especially those most vulnerable to malnutrition.

Our Working Culture and Environment

We provide a flexible working environment that includes a combination of home and office working opportunities through our global hybrid working policy. This encourages our staff to have a healthy work-life balance and increases staff motivation, enriches employee wellbeing, and improves performance and productivity.

All of our positions are based in one or more of GAIN’s designated offices as stated on our job advertisements. Successful candidates will be based in one of GAIN’s country offices and must have the existing right to live and work within a reasonably commutable distance of the relevant city / cities in which the role is advertised. Please note, that GAIN does not sponsor working visas and relocations.

GAIN reserves the right to withdraw an offer of employment for candidates who are considered to ineligible under the above conditions during or after the recruitment process.

Applicants must have the right to work and be currently based in the advertised country location, to be eligible to apply for this position.

This advert closes on 10th August 2023. Early applications are encouraged. GAIN reserves the right to close this advert early should we receive suitable candidates ahead of the closing date.

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition is committed to equality of opportunity and creating an inclusive environment where diversity is valued. We are keen to reflect the diversity of our society at every level within our organisation and therefore welcome applications from talented and committed people from all backgrounds, representing the diverse societies we operate in.

How to apply

To apply, please click on the following link:

https://www.gainhealth.org/project-manager-fortification-and-demand-creation