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.
Technical Assistance Manager
JOB DESCRIPTION
I. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
A new Nigerian technical assistance facility (TA Facility) has been created, in conjunction with a new agriculture focused fund (the “Fund”), to support the medium-term economic development of SMEs and small farmers operating in the agriculture sector in Nigeria by mobilizing business service providers. Specifically, the fund and the TA facility aim to enable small businesses, small-scale farmers, farmers’ organizations, and cooperatives to benefit, either directly or indirectly, from either an investment from the Fund or a loan from a financial institution supported by the Fund.
Within five years, it is anticipated that the project will strengthen the capacities of at least 320,000 small-scale farmers and outgrower associations through linkages with supported small businesses and large scale enterprises. In addition, 40-50 SME agribusinesses will be able to expand due to capital investment. Finally, we anticipate that at least 80,000 outgrowers and at least 200 rural SMEs will have improved access to relevant rural financial services.
II. POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The Technical Assistance Manager (TA Manager) will drive the process for the allocation of technical assistance funds. The TA Manager will identify a team that will directly manage the due diligence, implementation, reporting, administration and other tasks pertinent to the delivery of technical assistance. The TA Manager will work closely with the Fund management team to identify and implement the potential TA projects that will be derived from the Fund’s investment portfolio. It is envisioned that the TA Manager will be based in Abuja.
THE TA MANAGER WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES:
Participate in due diligence visits and team discussions to assist in the identification of TA opportunities
Create proposals for suggested projects for Fund approval
Provide guidance on budgeting for all proposed projects
Source providers to implement the actions required by approved proposals
Monitor the implementation of TA projects.
Manage the TA Team, ensuring the completion of financial and administrative tasks such as bank communications, approvals/transfers and documentation
Prepare technical, financial and monitoring & evaluation reports
Sit on the Fund’s investment committee
III. REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:
In order to assist in diagnosing and structuring TA opportunities, the Manager will have an understanding of technical assistance programs. Specifically, the TA Manager should have the following:
Masters degree in business, economics, agriculture or related field preferred
5-10 years of experience in management consulting, business management, agriculture or agro-processing, preferably in Africa
Ideally, SME investment or fund management experience, in a developing country, preferably in Africa
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Proven track record in fundraising or business development
Proven ability to work in multi-cultural work environment
Strong diplomatic skills to support effective work through implementing partners and business development with donors and partners
Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as necessary
Method of Application
Please submit a resume, cover letter, salary history and three references to mtoungara@tns.org. Place position title in the subject line and include all documents in a single message. No phone calls, please.
Only applicants meeting minimum qualifications will be considered or contacted. No phone calls please.
TECHNOSERVE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
