The posting
COLEAD is looking for a Project Manager to strengthen its Technical Assistance department, as part of the implementation of its projects and programmes supporting the Sub-Saharan horticultural sector. COLEAD is an inter-professional association established under Law 1901 in France, dedicated to supporting the sustainable transformation of agri-food systems in low-income and lower-middle-income countries, with an historical anchorage and consolidated experience in the horticultural sector across Sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. Since its creation, COLEAD has implemented development programmes in more than 50 countries, financed by public and institutional partners. The organisation is ISO 21001 certified and operates under a governance framework that reflects its inter-professional nature and its commitment to the long-term transformation of agri-food systems. The project manager will be based at COLEAD’s programme management unit in Nairobi and will actively contribute to the development and implementation of projects supporting partner-beneficiaries from the private horticultural sector (fruit and vegetable production, processing and/or export-oriented companies, producer groups and organisations, consultants/service providers, professional organisations, etc.) and the public sector (SPS competent authorities, Public sector extension services, Universities and training centres, etc.). These different projects aim to achieve the objective of the projects and programmes implemented by COLEAD i.e. the improvement of the capacity of all stakeholders in the Sub-Saharan horticultural sector to adapt to evolving SPS, commercial, social and environmental requirements on local, regional and international markets. Main responsibilities As Project Manager, you will take operational responsibility for a portfolio of partner-beneficiaries and technical assistance and capacity building activities, from needs assessment and project design through implementation, monitoring, evaluation and follow-up. More specifically, you will be responsible for: Development of support projects (‘development projects’) for partner-beneficiaries Analyse in-depth applications for support received from potential partner-beneficiaries. Implement COLEAD's Sustainability Self-Assessment System (SAS) with companies and other relevant partners and prepare the corresponding assessment reports. Work with partner-beneficiaries to identify needs, priorities and appropriate capacity-building solutions and translate these into structured individual development projects. Guide partner-beneficiaries towards relevant COLEAD resources, expertise and networks and build lasting working relationships with them. Implementation of technical assistance and capacity building activities Manage and coordinate the implementation of capacity building activities agreed with partner-beneficiaries, including technical assistance, training and other targeted support. Prepare terms of reference and contribute to the identification and selection of appropriate experts and service providers. Coordinate the contracting, mobilisation, and evaluation of external service providers in accordance with COLEAD and donor procedures. Coordinate with local partners and service providers regarding the technical, administrative and logistical arrangements required for activities. Organise and monitor calls for expressions of interest and other processes used to select participants or partner-beneficiaries for programme activities. Ensure that planned activities are implemented to the expected quality, within agreed timelines and in accordance with applicable procedures. Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting Plan, coordinate and monitor programmes technical assistance and capacity building activities falling under your responsibility. Ensure appropriate technical, administrative and financial follow-up of activities under your responsibility. Maintain complete and accurate programme records, including activity documentation, invoices, certificates and relevant monitoring data. Ensure timely and reliable inputs to programme monitoring, evaluation and reporting on the implementation, results and follow-up of technical assistance activities. Identify implementation issues and propose practical solutions and corrective actions where required. Teamwork and programme contribution Work closely with Programme Coordinators and COLEAD colleagues responsible for Technical Assistance, Training, and other programme components. Maintain regular contact with horticultural companies, producer organisations, competent authorities, support organisations, experts, training providers and other programme stakeholders. Contribute to the organisation and assessment of tenders and other procedures for selecting external service providers. Contribute to technical support workshops, conferences, trade fairs and other events organised by or involving COLEAD. Contribute, where relevant, to the development of training resources. Contribute to other COLEAD activities where required by programme implementation needs. Profil Higher education degree (ideally Master’s degree) in a relevant field such as agriculture, agronomy, horticulture, plant protection, food science, environmental sciences, agribusiness, economics, management or project management. At least seven (7) years of proven/relevant professional experience, including substantial experience in Sub-Saharan’s agricultural or horticultural sector. At least five (5) years of demonstrated project management experience, including responsibility for planning, implementation, monitoring and follow-up of activities. Practical experience working with horticultural businesses, producer organisations, public institutions and/or business-support organisations, with a sound understanding of horticultural value chains and the challenges affecting their competitiveness and sustainability. Practical experience in one or more of the following areas is considered an asset: SPS inspections and compliance issues; management or strengthening of training institutions; and facilitation of access to finance.Demonstrated experience in designing, managing, and monitoring technical assistance, capacity-building or organisational development activities. Experience managing external experts, consultants or service providers, including preparation of terms of reference, monitoring of assignments and evaluation of deliverables. Experience with project monitoring, reporting and administrative and financial follow-up. Good digital literacy and command of standard office and collaboration tools. Experience with CRM/ERP systems, online reporting tools, digital learning platforms or project management systems is considered an asset, as is the ability to quickly learn and adopt new digital tools. Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another COLEAD working language, particularly French, Spanish or Portuguese, is an asset. Skills and competencies The successful candidate will demonstrate: Strong project management, planning and organisational skills, with the capacity to manage several activities and partner files simultaneously. A high degree of autonomy, initiative and accountability, while working effectively within agreed procedures and reporting lines. Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate identified needs into practical and structured support activities. A results-oriented and solution-focused approach, with the ability to anticipate implementation challenges and propose appropriate responses. Rigour and attention to detail, particularly regarding project documentation, budgets, procedures and monitoring data. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish constructive working relationships with private-sector operators, public institutions, professional organisations, experts and colleagues. Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly with diverse stakeholders in both face-to-face and digital environments. Strong teamwork, coordination, and collaboration skills in a multicultural and geographically distributed organisation. Flexibility and the ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities. Commitment to continuous learning and to COLEAD's mission, strategy and values. Informations contractuelles This is a full-time position based in Nairobi, Kenya. Regular travel within the region will be required. The successful candidate should also be available for occasional short-term assignments within the Eastern African region and, where relevant, travel to Belgium or other countries linked to the implementation of the programmes. Initial contract duration: one year, renewable Expected starting date: January 2027 COLEAD offers a competitive remuneration package aligned with market conditions and taking into account the selected candidate's experience and qualifications. Joining COLEAD means becoming part of a multicultural team working to strengthen the contribution of sustainable agri-food systems to economic, social and environmental development. COLEAD's values are commitment, difference, humanity, performance and continuous improvement. To apply, please submit your CV, cover letter and professional references by 2nd of November 2026.
