Country Project Manager, Ukraine

Fall 2013

Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) invites applications for the senior post of Country Project Manager (CPM) for its anticipated Ukraine Horticulture Business Development Project (UHBDP). MEDA is an association of Christians who invest in people living in poverty around the world so they can unleash their potential to earn a livelihood to provide for their families and enrich their communities. To learn more about MEDA and its work, visit our website www.meda.org.

This opportunity is conditional upon securing project funding.

 

Country Project Manager, Ukraine

(2 year renewable contract)

Leading a project team, the CPM is responsible for the overall success of UHBDP. Building on the successes of a prior five year project now ending, this seven year project will integrate small farmers in Crimea, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions of Southern Ukraine into high value domestic and regional markets for horticulture products.

The CPM coordinates and provides in-country management for all project activities including (but not limited to) horticultural development; establishing value chains, post-harvest handling, market linkages and associated business investments and partnerships; new business development; liaising with project funding agencies, key project implementation partners, local governments and other supporting agencies; project financial management and general administration; and, human resource management of Ukraine and expatriate staff. The duty station for this position will be in either Simferopol or Melitopol, with frequent travel across all project regions. The position will report directly to and work in close connection with MEDA's North American (N.A.) Senior Project Manager.

Qualifications

• A minimum of ten years demonstrated experience in program management including: staff management, budgeting, reporting, monitoring and evaluation and capacity development.
• Demonstrated experience in facilitating, creating, and establishing horticulture value chains and supporting services (e.g.: input supply; financial services; supply chain logistics, supply consolidation/grade/pack operations; food safety; quality assurance and traceability systems) is highly desirable. Basic understanding of agricultural extension practices, small farm productivity and upgrading issues, farmer organization, land tenure, etc. is desirable.
• Candidate must demonstrate thorough understanding of business decision making in competitive market environments as well as market segmentation and value chain methodologies. Direct private sector experience is ideal, particularly in marketing.
• Associated experience in small and medium-sized enterprise development including business planning, investment and financing required.
• Demonstrated ability to mobilize stakeholders into partnerships and alliances, lead and facilitate collaborative processes.
• Post graduate education in relevant disciplines: business / agribusiness, marketing, economic development, etc.
• Fluency in English and Russian languages is required. Working knowledge Ukrainian is desirable.
• Prior work experience in the Ukraine or an equivalent CIS country is required.
• Appreciation and support of MEDA's faith, values, mission and purpose.

Please send your resume to: jobs@meda.org