COMPANY OVERVIEW

The Pharo Foundation (“the Foundation”) is a privately funded entrepreneurial organisation that runs philanthropic programmes as well as for-profit social enterprises. The Vision of the Foundation is an economically vibrant and inclusive Africa. The Mission is to achieve the Vision by investing in the human and physical capital of Africa, with an emphasis on job creation. Established in 2011 as a UK based non-profit, the Foundation has already carried out more than 30 projects, primarily in Ethiopia and Somaliland. The key themes for the philanthropic side of the Foundation are education, health, water and agriculture.  Social enterprises cover all sectors where the Foundation can make an impact financially, create jobs and add value in a sustainable manner.

Headquartered in London, the Foundation also has an operational HQ in Nairobi and offices in, Addis Ababa, Asosa and Hargeisa.

As part of its development of social enterprises, the Foundation has acquired 484 Ha of land in the Benishangul-Gumuz Region (“the BGRS Region”) of Ethiopia. The first phase of the development of the commercial Farm on this land is development of 100 Ha, with a view to develop the remainder over the next 2-3 years.

POSITION SUMMARY

Based at the Farm, approximately 60km from Asosa in the BGRS Region of Ethiopia, the Project Manager (PM) of Pharo Farms (“the Farm”) is a critical role for the farm development.

As a critical resource in the development of the farm, the PM will be responsible for the development of project management tools, methodologies and processes. The incumbent will be required to develop project tracking and reporting plans, support daily activity planning on site, assist with planning sourcing and procurement and support with tracking trends and data required for risk and financial reporting. In addition, the person will support the quality reviews and evaluation of project key performance indicators (KPIs).

S/he will be a seasoned and experienced project management professional, having demonstrated expertise performing project management operations at a large commercial farm or in a similar environment.

REPORTING TO: CEO Social Enterprises in Nairobi, Kenya

FUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

• General Manager Pharo Farms
• The Pharo Foundation Country Representative in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
• Pharo Foundation Finance and Admin Manager in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
• Procurement Manager in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
• Farm Agronomist, Production Supervisor and HR / Admin Officer at the Farm.
• Investment Analyst in Nairobi.

EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS:

• Local authorities in the BRGS Region. Community leaders around the Farm.
• Suppliers and service providers. Government stakeholders

DIRECT REPORTS: None

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop project management tools and processes. Responsible for defining and managing the overall approach / methodology in-line with industry standards.
• Project planning and scheduling – Development, regular tracking and reporting of project plans and schedules.
• Provide support on daily activity planning, ensuring that these are in line with the agreed schedule.
• Preparation of project progress reports, including project performance analysis, for both operational and financial aspects.
• Support sourcing and procurement support to ensure that the provision of required goods and services in a timely manner, according to the project schedule.
• Support the operational and financial risk assessment processes.
• Provide data and analytical support for the evaluation of the project KPIs.
• Support the quality review process for the project.
• Analysis of the resource requirements, gaps, and support the development of plans to close the identified gaps.

Fixed Term Contract (12 months) with possibility of renewal based on need, performance and budget.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• BA / BSc, in project management discipline, or equivalent. Project Management certification will be an advantage.
• At least 5 years’ experience as a project management professional, preferably in the construction or agricultural sector.
• Solid project management skills with demonstrated ability to use MS Project at a high proficiency level.
• Good understanding of the development of KPIs and past experience working or analyzing impact driven metrics.
• Clear ability to multitask and manage multiple activities with tight deadlines.
• Strong communicator and experience in developing project reports.
• Strong understanding of the leading implementation approaches to project management, with the ability to draw on these to implement a tailored, appropriate framework.
• Sound business sense and a market-driven approach, with the flexibility to modify approaches to achieve goals as information changes and events unfold.
• Excellent spoken and written English.
• A self-starter, capable of working independently and with the ability to produce high quality results under pressure.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

• Great attention to detail and a flexible approach to work. High professional and ethical standards.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, planning and coordinating.
• Positive outlook and outgoing personality with solid interpersonal and diplomatic skills.
• Structured and process oriented. Excellent time-manager who can balance multiple priorities.
• Motivated to learn and perform and not afraid to ask questions.
• Willing to challenge status quo and add value by introducing positive change.
• Good communicator and comfortable to work in a team environment.