Grade 10
U.S. Department of Agriculture Food for Progress Lesotho – Sustainable Transformation of Enterprises in the Poultry Sector (STEPS)
Maseru, Lesotho
Background:Land O’Lakes’ Venture37 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit helping communities around the world build economies by strengthening agriculture from farm-to-fork, helping businesses grow, and linking farmers to markets. Since our start in 1981, we have been leveraging nearly 100 years of expertise in dairy, animal nutrition, crop inputs and agricultural insights from our close affiliate, Land O’Lakes, Inc., a farmer-owned agribusiness committed to fulfilling its purpose of feeding human progress.
Our team is made up of nearly 350 employees who are committed to market-led approaches, and passionate about collaborating locally to create lasting inclusive economic growth. By unlocking the potential of agriculture for the last 36 years, the lives of more than 3 million people have been transformed through nearly 300 programs in more than 80 countries.
Project Description:STEPS aims to catalyze private sector-driven transformation enabling local poultry sector actors to access Lesotho’s strong end-markets and reclaim market share. STEPS will transform Lesotho’s poultry sector to enhance the profitability of value chain actors, increase meat and egg production and improve food security.
Leveraging existing opportunities and tools, STEPS will address constraints which limit production, productivity, and efficiency of local poultry egg and meat markets. A segmented approach takes into consideration the unique needs of local poultry producers, including subsistence farmers, and small to large scale commercial poultry enterprises engaged in production, processing, marketing, and retailing of eggs, meat, and processed poultry products. These actors will be engaged through the indigenous and dual-purpose poultry value chains, and the commercial broiler and layer value chains, respectively. STEPS will identify pathways to further integrate and grow poultry, and poultry related business opportunities for women and youth.
Position Summary and Primary Responsibilities:The Access to Finance and Investment Manager will be responsible for providing administrative and technical guidance to the Chief of Party and staff on the design of investment and grant applications, guidelines, and regulations for the large investment and grants mechanism. The Access to Finance and Investment Manager will monitor all investment and grant activities and sub-grantees and ensure that the project complies with USDA performance reporting requirements. Primary responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to the following:
- Liaise with relevant financing and investment institutions and businesses, to explore and recommend potential investments, partnerships and financing tools and vehicles.
- Support and provide technical guidance on financing tools and vehicles.
- Oversee administration and compliance throughout selection, award and implementation of investment and grant activities including pre-award visits, review and revision of business plans, budgets and ongoing monitoring for performance and compliance with USDA regulations and Venture37 policies.
- Facilitate the establishment and roll-out of an Incubation Hub and Youth Centered Innovation Challenge facility, including drafting terms of reference, soliciting expressions of interest, and leading the selection, award process and monitoring of activities.
- Lead in drafting grant management tools including manual and oversee that appropriate administrative procedures and documentation for grants and technical assistance activities are followed and maintained throughout completion and closeout.
- In collaboration with the technical staff, prepare monthly projections for grants and technical assistance.
- Coordinate the issuance of awards and maintain contract documentation through the development and upkeep of a grants database.
- Provide direct technical support to the programs primary local NGO partner and sub-awardee.
- Coordinate closely with the Chief of Party and/or Technical Director to ensure investments and grants fit within the overall program goals and objectives.
- Prepare scheduled and special reports, studies, and analyses regarding the small grants program;
- Other duties as assigned.
- The Access to Finance and Investment Manager reports to the Chief of Party and will directly supervise the Grants and Procurement Specialist, and the Grants and Procurement Assistant. The position will be based in Maseru, Lesotho.
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience in managing large investments/grants.
- Bachelor’s degree in finance/Investment, Management, Accounting, Commerce, Business Administration, or related field.
- Relevant experience in business/finance development e.g., investment banking.
- Knowledge of Lesotho’s financing and banking rules and regulations.
- Good business communication skills.
- Demonstrated leadership and strategic partnership development skills.
- Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and databases
- Ability to work independently.
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Fluency in English and Sesotho; Must be a citizen of Lesotho.
- Master’s degree in relevant field desired but not required.
- Experience working in Southern Africa region, preferably in Lesotho.
- Experience or qualification in agriculture finance/economics, understanding of agriculture value chain development.
To apply, please visit Access to Finance and Investment Manager – Maseru, Lesotho – Careers. Applications close November 22, 2024.
Land O’Lakes Venture37 will never ask you for personable identifiable information, and we will never request money or payment during the recruitment or employment process.
Land O’Lakes Venture37 is an equal opportunity employer and an organization striving to help global communities thrive through agriculture. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status, among other factors. Our culture values a diversity of voices. So, bring us your unique experiences, your workstyle, and your dreams — they’ll only make us stronger.
