Project manager with proven expertise in pastoralism

Project Manager with proven expertise in pastoralism

SNV Burkina Faso is recruiting a Project Manager with proven pastoralism expertise to support the implementation of the Ngourdam Pro-ARIDES project in Burkina Faso. Ouagadougou. This is a full-time national contract.

Presentation of SNV

SNV is an international development partner whose mission is rooted in the contexts and societies where it operates. The organization contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the effectiveness of its programs and its strategy of influence, with the transformation of agri-food, energy and water supply systems as a central objective to enable more sustainable and equitable living conditions for all. SNV brings together more than 1,600 people, the vast majority of whom come from over 20 countries in Africa and Asia where the organization works. For more information, it is possible to consult the website: www.snv.org.

As part of its new 2030 Strategic Plan, SNV aims for a world where, in all societies, everyone lives with dignity and has a fair chance to prosper sustainably. Its mission is to build capacity and increase partnerships that transform food, energy and water systems, enabling more sustainable and equitable living conditions for all. Present in Burkina Faso since 1970, SNV carries out activities throughout the country in its offices. OuagadougouBobo-Dioulasso, Koudougou and Banfora. SNV Burkina has a multidisciplinary team of more than 70 people, 95% of whom are national staff.

Project description

The MODHEM project+/SDC, funded by the Swiss Cooperation under the RESILIA-1 programme, ended in March 2025. The evaluation report, the completion report and capitalisations show: (i) satisfactory results for agropastoral households and pastoralists as well as positive impacts for the pastoral livestock sector; (ii) areas for improvement; and (iii) lessons learned from project implementation.

In view of the relevance (economic, food security, employment, etc.) of pastoral livestock for Burkina Faso, Swiss Cooperation continues to support this sector. To do this, it makes a financial contribution to the Agri-Food Program for Integrated Resilience and Economic Development of the Sahel (Pro-ARIDES), implemented by SNV with co-financing from the Pays-Bas.

The overall objective of the contribution to the project called “Ngourdam Pro-Arides” is for 60,000 households from pastoralist, agropastoralist and vulnerable local communities (one third of which are women and youth) and 5,000 households from IDPs, resettlement populations and host communities to strengthen their food security, nutrition and resilience to climate and security crises.

Three effects are expected. Effect 1 provides that pastoralists, pastoralists and agropastoralists have better access to pastoral resources and infrastructure and adapt their pastoral practices to the effects of climate and security crises. Effect 2 aims to ensure that farmers, pastoralists and agropastoralists, especially young people and women, value animal production (milk, meat, manure, etc.) for economic opportunities (income and employment) and food and nutrition security. Effect 3 is that a regulatory framework promotes the development of pastoral livestock and improves the prevention and peaceful management of conflicts over access to natural resources (farmers-breeders), promoting social cohesion and peace.

As part of the implementation of the Ngourdam Pro-ARIDES project actions, SNV is looking for a qualified, experienced and committed candidate for the position of Project Manager with proven expertise in pastoralism. The project team will work in perfect synergy with the Pro-ARIDES team.

Job description

Under the supervision of the Deputy Country Director / Agri-Food Sector Leader, the incumbent will work closely with the project team. He will be responsible for coordinating the implementation of activities, providing team leadership and overseeing project operations, including: coordinating the implementation of the project taking into account the specific requirements of it and ensuring synergies and complementarities with Pro-Arides; managing and motivating the project team, partners and stakeholders to ensure the achievement of project objectives in accordance with the deadlines, budget and quality criteria defined;

Responsibilities

The Project Manager will take responsibility for the technical content of the project and guarantee the quality of the deliverables, ensuring sufficient technical expertise to meet the required quality standards. It will monitor, manage and review the project budget, ensuring that expenditure is validated in accordance with established procedures and levels of authority. It will identify and manage the financial and contractual risks of the project, ensuring financial security and respecting procurement procedures and contractual requirements.

He will lead and develop the project team members, offering coaching and guidance to ensure that the team has the skills and motivation needed to achieve the project goals. It will maintain very good relations with the project team, administrative authorities, technical services, traditional and customary authorities, agro-pastoral civil society organizations, related relevant projects and programmes as well as the donor. It will ensure high-quality SNV visibility and branding, and identify and exploit opportunities for long-term development, innovation and partnership building.

Other information

The incumbent will need to recognize potential threats to the project and take steps to inform colleagues and adjust actions accordingly. It will ensure the collection, consolidation and analysis of project data in accordance with SNV's monitoring and evaluation guidelines. It will contribute to the development of internal and external knowledge by documenting and sharing project results, identifying lessons learned and proposing improvements. He will participate in workshops and conferences to increase knowledge and ensure the dissemination of good practices from the project within SNV and with external partners.

Candidate profile

The candidate must have at least one baccalaureate level + 4/5 in agriculture, development or any equivalent degree in the field of rural development.

Experience

It requires at least 10 years of relevant experience in pastoralism and cross-border breeding, or in food and nutrition security, or resilience, with at least four (04) years as a project manager.

Job overview

The candidate must have a proven knowledge of pastoral development issues in the current context of Burkina Faso. It must also justify good experiences in the development of value chains, organizational strengthening and rural financing, with solid knowledge in monitoring the realization of pastoral infrastructures. Proven project cycle experiences are expected: planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, reporting, as well as financial management and team management.

The position requires proven experience in programme development and resource mobilization, with proven knowledge of donor operations and procedures (both bilateral and multilateral) and particularly of Swiss Cooperation. The candidate must possess excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills, including effective coordination, teamwork and negotiation skills. Proven work experience in conducting training and coaching is also required.

A result-oriented attitude, organizational rigor, the ability to manage multiple priorities as well as initiative and entrepreneurship are expected. The candidate must have a good ability to supervise and delegate appropriately, and master the main applications of MS Office.

Additional information

The candidate must have the capacity to strengthen and manage relations with regional authorities, local authorities, technical services, project partners and stakeholders. They must be able to work with minimal supervision and take initiatives, find solutions to problems and take corrective action.

It must be committed to the codes, standards and practices of international NGOs and SNV in particular, demonstrate high-level integrity and good personal conduct, and be able to perform multiple field and sub-regional outings. Burkina Faso nationality is required.

Location and conditions

The duty station is Ouagadougou. The nature of the contract is a local fixed-term contract of one year renewable after performance evaluation. The indicative date of entry into service is December 2026. The recruitment procedure includes a pre-selection on file, a written test and interviews. The application file consists of a cover letter and a curriculum vitae (CV) with at least 3 reference persons, including one from the last job.

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