Program Manager at PEACE CORPS CAMEROON

Akwajobs   (Yaoundé, Cameroun)

Posted : 30 March, 2021

Category : AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES, AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS   Location : Yaoundé, Cameroun

Job type : Full Time

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JOB DESCRIPTION

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Programming and Training (DPT) the Program Manager (PM) of Agriculture oversees and manages the Agriculture Program, providing programmatic and training guidance and direction, and Volunteer support including Volunteer safety and security. The work of the PM is both administrative and programmatic.

While this position is based in Yaounde, the PM will be required to travel for site development and site visits, and to support training events or other Peace Corps (PC) needs.  The PM may need to travel internationally to trainings provided to Peace Corps staff.  The PM may also be required to work outside of, or in addition to, normally scheduled hours to support training events and other needs.  

Salary:        Grade: 11, range 19,638,089 – 34,366,649 FCFA annual basic salary plus additional allowances.

Location:     Yaounde, Cameroon                              

 Application opens:   March 26, 2021           Application closes: April 9, 2021

Supervisory role:      Yes

The PM will have the following roles and responsibilities: 

Programming and Volunteer Support 

• Responsible for the determination of the Agriculture program goals and objectives.
• Develop and maintain productive working relationships with the government, local and international development partners to further sector programming activities.
• Make timely and high quality submissions of programming and training documents (Site visit reports, PSR, VADS, (DOVE) IPBS, VRG feedback, etc.).
• Ensure high quality site management and site monitoring to maximize the success of the sector work and the impact on the associated communities.
• Monitor, modify, and adapt the program to respond to the Peace Corps niche of government priorities, community needs, and available Peace Corps resources.
• Take appropriate measures in Volunteer programming, placement, and support to ensure high levels of Volunteer work, health, safety and security.
• Communicate clearly, effectively, and regularly with PCVs while being available and responding immediately to their requests.
• Identify viable work counterparts for Volunteers to ensure effective integration and better work performance at their assigned posts.
• Take whatever corrective or remedial actions as are necessary in relation to performance and behavior of Volunteers, possibly including a variety of disciplinary actions, up to and including administrative separation.
• Monitor Volunteer performance through quarterly reports submitted by Volunteers, IST meetings/conferences, correspondence and counterpart/supervisor oral and written feedback.
• Respond to (written/oral/telephone/text/e-mail) Volunteers' requests for assistance or materials in a timely and comprehensive manner. Provide information/suggestions, which are both helpful and realistic.
• Provide guidance and timely assistance to Volunteers in the area of Grant & Proposal Writing (VAST, PCPP, LGL, etc.) and processing so that these proposals are well received and duly considered for funding.
• Contribute to the preparation of the Integrated Planning and Budget System (IPBS), and take full responsibility for developing the strategy for the specific program area. These duties include developing information for the country strategy formulation, exploring new program opportunities, projecting future program levels and requirements, and providing advice on other aspects of planning and programming as it relates to the Agriculture program.
• Responsible for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the Agriculture program and related training events.
• Coordinate with the Monitoring, Report and Evaluation Coordinator to ensure that the Agriculture program meets all accountability measures set in place by Peace Corps Cameroon.

 Management and Administration  

• Demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving abilities in resolving programming and Volunteer issues.
• Advise CD and DPT in a timely manner of significant problems and recommend viable solutions that can be readily adopted.
• Provide clear guidance to PCVs regarding PC policies and enforce policies in a fair and consistent manner in collaboration with Senior Staff.
• Work with other staff to standardize relevant administrative procedures and policies; ensure effective long term planning by updating the travel and event calendars; improve overall communication systems (mail and emergency communication network) between Yaounde office and the field.
• Handle time management, long term planning, and the prioritizing of tasks to maintain effectiveness and balance.
• In collaboration with the DPT and DMO, prepare program budget: staff travel, training activities, office supplies, Volunteers' needs, etc.
• Act as the Duty Officer as needed. In this capacity, be available after office hours, including week-ends hours, for any possible emergencies concerning Volunteers and Staff.  
• Supervise the proper and timely filing of PCV relevant information in VIDA and all other program and training documents.

  Training 

• Play an active leadership role in the design, preparation, implementation and evaluation of all standard Peace Corps training events  in the 27 month continuum, including: TDW, TOT,  PST, IST, MST, and COS.
• Collaborate in the planning and implementation of all agricultural training events for the realization of program objectives.
• Elaborate and communicate the technical training objectives to new Volunteers to meet all training needs.
• Write and submit Agricultural workshop/training proposals including preparation of a detailed budget as necessary.
• Spend adequate time with trainees and training staff during PST in formal and informal sessions to accurately assess Trainees’ abilities for successful site placement.
• Supervise the implementation of Pre-Training Research activities, and the identification of training resources for all training events.
• Coordinate the updating and/or production of agricultural technical materials.
• Supervise the assessment of Trainee progress toward meeting technical training objectives and competencies to determine suitability for Volunteer service.
• Participate as a team member with the Training team to plan and facilitate sessions.
• Collaborate with the language training staff to determine the technical content of the competency-based technical language curriculum.
• Participate in the recruitment of part-time agricultural technical trainers and the supervision of their activities.
• Offer support and serve as a technical advisor for Trainees.

 

Supervisory Responsibilities 

• Personal Services Contractors (PSCs) may only supervise other PSCs. (See MS 743a and MS 744a)

 Safety and Security 

• Responsible for developing and applying criteria for Volunteer placement, such as minimum standards for housing and access to transportation, communication and basic necessities (water and food).
• Ensure that Volunteers are placed in suitable communities and are provided adequate housing that meets the minimum standards for habitability, safety and security.
• Monitor Volunteers’ compliance with Peace Corps policies, especially related to safety and security, and takes corrective actions as necessary.
• SSI 110 Standard Security Requirements: PTA: Addresses safety and security proactively by ensuring appropriate assignments for Volunteers and adhering to Peace Corps site development policies and procedures. Identifies and immediately communicates Volunteer safety and security concerns or issues to the Safety and Security Manager (SSM) and the CD. Ensures prospective sites meet established programmatic and safety/security criteria (e.g., safe housing, a clearly defined assignment with an organization that shows real interest in working with a Volunteer, etc.). Reviews and references site history files when evaluating potential sites. Incorporates appropriate site-specific safety and securityrelated information into site history files. Ensures designated host country counterparts participate in counterpart orientation/training and are prepared to work with and support Volunteers, including their role in Volunteer safety and security. Maintains communication with each Volunteer and solicits periodic feedback, including information about Volunteer safety and security. Maintains a calendar of Volunteer site visits, and completes appropriate number of site visits to assess Volunteer progress, safety and security, and to provide technical guidance and moral support. Monitors Volunteer compliance with Peace Corps policies, especially related to safety and security, and initiates corrective action as necessary. Participates in the design and implementation of the Emergency Action Plan (EAP). Acts as duty officer, as needed. Knowledgeable and supportive of Peace Corps safety and security policies and procedures, including the timely reporting of suspicious incidents, persons or articles.
• Occasional Money Holder

The PM-AG may be required to courier cash and/or purchase orders to various vendors who furnish supplies and/or services to training sites, or other locations as directed by the Contracting Officer. The PM-AG may also be required to courier cash to PC Trainees or Volunteers. The PM-AG will not be functioning as a procurement or disbursing official but will only be acting as an intermediary between the Contracting or Disbursing Officer and the recipient. In the case of dealing with vendors, the PM-AG will not exercise any procurement discretion concerning the supplies or services to be purchased or the cost limits of these purchases; these will be determined by the Contracting Officer.

 Required Qualifications

 

Education: Masters Degree in Agricultural Science, Agricultural Economics, or a related field is required.

 Prior Work Experience

• At least five years’ experience in programming and training, or related field.
• At least five years of demonstrated ability to manage data involving but not limited to statistical analysis, interpretation and reporting.
• At least five years of demonstrated experience in adult training particularly in a multi-cultural setting.
• At least five years’ experience in an international organization or similar entity.

 

Language Proficiency:  Fluency in French and English with excellent writing skills in both languages.

 Desired knowledge and skills   

• Experience working with international volunteer organizations.
• Proficiency in use of Microsoft Office Suite as well as other web-based applications.
• Ability to meet deadlines, meticulous work habits, and the highest level of integrity.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, conflict management skills, diplomacy and tact with staff, Volunteers, Trainees, community members and members of government.
• Demonstrated ability to juggle multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work as a team member and also independently and proactively.
• It is anticipated that at times the duties and deadlines of this position may require the incumbent to work beyond normal working hours.

 Application instructions

Submit the following in MS Word or PDF:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume
3. Three professional references
4. Telephone number where you can be reached

 

Peace Corps Cameroon does not accept documents saved on any cloud format including Google. The file size should not exceed 8MB.

 

Submit your application to the following email address: CM-HR@peacecorps.gov and include PROGRAM MANAGERAGRICULTURE in the subject line.

  Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

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