TALENT ROSTER – DEPUTY PROGRAM DIRECTOR – OPERATIONS – SAHEL REGION

Talent roster – Deputy Program Director – Operations – Sahel Region

Proposal Positions

BKO

ID:20121590

Full-Time/Regular

About IFDC  

The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) is a public international organization that advances soil health and strengthens agricultural systems through science-based innovation. For over 50 years, IFDC has translated research into practical solutions that improve nutrient use efficiency, restore degraded soils, strengthen local agricultural markets and expand opportunity for smallholder farmers, especially women and youth. 

We work with farmers, governments and private sector partners to build resilient farming systems that produce nutritious food, improve livelihoods, and safeguard natural resources for future generations.  

Our Values 

We are guided by four core principles: 

Collaborate – We work across teams, countries and partners to create lasting impact. 

Innovate – We apply evidence and continuous learning to design practical and responsible solutions. 

Include – We promote equity and meaningful participation for women, youth and underrepresented groups. 

Act with Integrity – We steward resources responsibly, uphold transparency and remain accountable to the communities, partners, staff and donors who place their trust in us. 

Responsibilities 

The Deputy Director of Operations plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the program’s ambitious goals, strengthening seed systems in countries are achieved through effective management, coordination, and oversight. Here’s a structured breakdown of their responsibilities:

• Support the Program Director in translating strategic goals into actionable operational plans;
• Ensure program activities align with IFDC’s mission and donor requirements (e.g., Dutch Embassy);
• Oversee compliance with local laws, regulations, and IFDC policies;
• Coordinate and manage the program team; 
• Supervise day-to-day operations across countries;
• Coordinate seed system development activities, including support for seed enterprises, cooperatives, and farmer organizations;
• Monitor progress against targets such as seed availability, adoption rates, and farmer income growth;
• Manage procurement, supply chains, and logistics to ensure timely delivery of inputs and services;
• Oversee office administration, security, and maintenance in program countries;
• Optimize operational efficiency through improved systems and processes;
• Track program performance and prepare reports for donors and stakeholders;
• Identify risks and propose mitigation strategies;
• Ensure transparency and accountability in program operations;
• Support the program’s leadership and the consortium partners to build and manage a strong implementation team with a clear strategy to deliver results;
• Represent the program in meetings, conferences, and other opportunities conducive to publicizing, promoting and marketing the programs;
• Participate or lead regular program management meetings with representatives of consortium members and with the donor embassy representatives;
• Strengthen partnerships with donors, NGOs, and government ministries;
• Represent the program in regional forums and donor coordination meetings;
• Supervise technical teams and ensure efficient resource allocation;
• Oversee donor reporting, financial accountability, and compliance with program standards;
• Coordinate field missions and ensure timely delivery of outputs;
• Perform other roles necessary or those to be assigned to you by IFDC leadership. 

Requirements 

For the Deputy Director of Operations, the job requirements typically combine technical expertise, leadership skills, and regional experience. Here’s a structured overview: 

• Advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Development Studies, Economics, or related fields;
• Strong knowledge of seed systems, agricultural value chains, and rural development;
• Familiarity with donor-funded programs and international development frameworks;
• Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in program operations, preferably in agriculture or rural development;
• Proven track record in managing large-scale, multi-country projects;
• Experience working with government institutions, NGOs, and private sector partners in the Sahel;
• Ability to supervise diverse teams across multiple locations;
• Strong skills in strategic planning, resource allocation, and operational efficiency;
• Experience in capacity building, mentoring staff, and promoting gender/youth inclusion;
• Expertise in procurement, logistics, financial oversight, and compliance;
• Familiarity with donor regulations (especially Dutch-funded projects);
• Strong monitoring, evaluation, and reporting skills;
• Fluent in both French and English, enabling effective communication and collaboration in multicultural settings;
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively convey project objectives and achievements.  

Reporting and Work Relationships

The Operations Deputy Program Director is supervised by and reports to the Program Director. He/She will also collaborate with the Country IFDC leadership and other program leads in-country.  

Location 

This role is for nationally recruited staff and is based in one IFDC office in Burkina Faso, Mali or Niger. 

Benefits 

IFDC’s benefits include annual and sick leave, health and group life insurance coverage, a 13th-month salary, social security and pension contribution in compliance with local laws and end-of-contract benefits. 

Salary Clause 

The salary grade for this position is BG 10. 

The determination of new employee salaries considers numerous factors. These include the salary range linked to the assigned job grade, the candidate’s qualifications in relation to the job’s responsibilities and prerequisites, internal fairness, the competitive state of the job market, as well as potential organizational and budgetary considerations. 

Diversity Clause 

IFDC is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe in the value of bringing together people with a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. All employment decisions at IFDC are made on the basis of ability, performance, and organizational need, in alignment with our values of fairness, respect, and opportunity for all. 

The recruitment for the position of Deputy Program Director – Operations is being conducted in support of an ongoing proposal effort in the Sahel region.