Program Area Manager - Magu, Mwanza- Tanzania

Program Area Manager based in Magu, Mwanza

ROLE PURPOSE

The Program Area Manager (PAM) is responsible and accountable for the effective and efficient leadership of TREES' Program Area (PA) through the provision of day-to-day programmatic and operational leadership across the region. S/he will be expected to provide strategic leadership in the overall implementation of the PA Long Term Plans in the assigned regions in accordance with TREES' Strategic Plan, while ensuring the functionality of the PA operations. This would be demonstrated in undertaking responsibilities which include: planning and leading the implementation of projects that focuses and benefiting the small holder farmers; providing operational support to the project implementation staff to ensure timely provision and effective utilization of TREES’ resources for the benefit of the targeted participants; strengthening and promoting effective communication with the Country Office (CO) on all operational support deemed necessary for efficient project delivery and risks identified and put forward appropriate mitigation plan; and establish a good working relationship and influencing decision makers at both the regional and the districts Local Government Authorities. This position reports to the Senior Manager Field Programs.

DIMENSIONS OF THE ROLE

• Establish, guide, direct and oversee PA annual plans and budget to advance the mission and objectives of TREES and promote sustainability and growth of the TREES in line with the Country Strategic Plans
• Communicate and supervise the adherence to TREES global policies.
• Drive operational excellence by ensuring appropriate best practices, processes and technologies are in place.
• Always drive compliance to TREES’ values and ensure remedial action is taken where necessary.
• Establish and manage a very effective PA management systems and structures for effective program delivery.
• Review PA plans and strategy regularly, proactively assess future needs and perform sustainability forecasts to ensure relevance and appropriateness of projects.
• Identify and address challenges and opportunities central to PA success timeously and cascade critical issues to the highest levels.
• Oversee the implementation of effective Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) systems aligned to agreed standards for quality program management.
• Oversee the establishment of corrective measures and improvement plans where standards are not met.
• Lead by example in organizational ethics and morals, and take strong action against non-adherence to values, ethics and codes.
• Present plans, reports and proposals at annual planning meetings and ensure that management decisions/resolutions are translated into clear actions.
• Support the development of PA staff through various capacity development initiatives, mentoring and coaching and effective delegation.
• Responsible for all strategic reports at the PA and ensure they are at agreed quality and standards and are aligned to strategic plans.
• Support direct subordinates in the development of their annual Key Performance Indicators (KPI) and monitor their performance through providing regular feedback. 
• Lead and build a high-performance and successful team in a multi-cultural setting.
• Directly supervise staff at the PA level.

ACCOUNTABILITIES 

Staff Management and Development

• Set medium to long-term goals and objectives for subordinates and actively monitor progress in achieving objectives.
• Work with People and Culture (P&C) on the recruitment, orientation, performance management and ongoing development of PA staff.
• Develop and maintain a high-performance team and regularly evaluate performance of subordinates to ensure functional objectives are met or exceeded according to established policies and objectives.
• Assure stable employee relations by managing conflict and creating a positive working environment.
• Oversee workforce planning to ensure the team is suitably staffed to meet objectives considering various internal and external factors.
• Ensure work ethics is of such a nature that employees continuously strive towards improving their own performance.
• Provide technical assistance as and when needed, with the support of the P&C Manager.
• Ensure that the organizational culture is maintained and that employees live the values of TREES.
• Create a conducive working environment in which people are motivated, respected, valued and managed well to realize their potential and development
• Ensure that all staff have knowledge and understand TREES policies, processes, standards and systems.

Strategic Leadership

• Strong, influential, and confident manager able to spur confidence in the organisation
• Identify skill gaps, suggest capacity building and develop staff development plans
• Provide strategic leadership to the PA program operations:
• Enhance team performance through learning exchange visits internally
• Build motivated and high performing team

Strategic Program Management

• Operationalize the strategy through annual and quarterly plans (including budget planning) for the PA, undertake quarterly participatory review of the plans and budget and share quarterly report.
• Closely support and monitor project staff to deliver project activities and utilize the budget in a timely manner.
• Lead PA level Project Internal Review (PIR) meetings and support the development of adjusted work plans and realignment of budgets in a timely manner.
• Ensure that PMEL data are uploaded regularly,
• Ensure procurement plans and cash forecasts are prepared and utilized efficiently
• Work with project staff to ensure quality and timely reporting of both mandatory and ad hoc reports, regardless of funding source.

Strategic Partnership Management

• Establish and manage relevant strategic partnerships and relationships with regional stakeholders focusing on the agriculture, and environments that will support in achieving strategic objectives.
• Develop and maintain a positive organizational image in the region to ensure positive response to, perception and trust of the TREES.
• Maintain and strengthen existing and new partnerships with government counterparts, and other relevant development organizations in both the region and district levels.
• Represent TREES in all regions and district stakeholders’ meetings and forums to foster external relations

Program Sustainability

• Oversee the development and implementation of realistic interventions that support the needs of the targeted participants.
• Develop contingency plans in conjunction with key stakeholders to ensure long-term sustainability.
• Drive the creation of sustainable interventions to ensure achievement of strategic targets.
• Enhance effective participation of communities and stakeholders in program activities

Financial and Budget Management

• Evaluate financial trends and ratios and manage the PA’s expenditure within the approved budget to ensure effective cost control.
• Review management and financial reporting and statements to determine progress and status in attaining objectives.
• Oversee the sound management of all resources, and full compliance financial policy
• Oversee and manage an efficient flow of funds to the projects.
• Prepare timely and accurate PA monthly budgets request in-line with approved annual budget
• Manage and monitor the adherence to internal control systems

Innovation and Change Management

• Evaluate the need for change and transformation initiatives in anticipation of the global and CO priorities.
• Initiate, lead, authorize and drive initiatives aimed at optimizing program and operations, improving service delivery and reducing unnecessary costs.
• Propose and present new innovative ideas and identify opportunities to leverage from partners and other networks.