PAC Consulting Agriculture and Markets Team Leader Recruitment Pack 1
Our Vision Our vision is for a world where all people have access to the technologies that enable them to meet their basic needs and reach their potential, in a way that safeguards the planet today, and for future generations. Our Beliefs We believe that: Technology is a key enabler of human development; and that technological innovation has the power to propel us into a better world. All people should have access to, and a voice in, shaping the technologies that can improve their lives. A sustainable future for our planet requires a fundamental shift in the way technology is developed and used. Our Mission To develop and demonstrate practical, technology based solutions that enable women and men living in or vulnerable to poverty, to lead dignified lives. To partner with people whose lives are transformed by these efforts and with a range of other organisations, ensuring local ownership and that the solutions work in the longer term without us. To inspire change through the widespread adoption of sustainable technologies that work - socially, economically and environmentally, so that more people living in, or vulnerable to, poverty benefit from our learning. Our Ambition Our ambition is that by 2030 we will have transformed the way technology is used to improve the lives of people living in, or vulnerable to, poverty. About Us With 50 years of expertise, Practical Action has a strong heritage and track record of bringing communities and experts together to find practical, sustainable solutions to enable people to meet their needs, which work for both people and the planet. Technology features in everything we do. Technology is The tools, and knowledge that people use for living. Working throughout Africa, Asia and Latin America, Practical Action improves the lives of around one million people every year through improved access to energy, sustainable agriculture, water, sanitation and waste management, and disaster risk reduction. We are a trusted partner of many communities, governments, development agencies and the private sector. We are uniquely placed as a knowledge broker with a breadth of capacities which enable us to capture and share knowledge in relevant ways for our diverse audiences. We are influential at national level where we work, and globally and considered a go-to agency by those seeking to improve energy access for people living in poverty. 2
JOB PROFILE Title UK Agriculture & Markets Team Leader Reporting to PAC (Practical Action Consulting) UK Team Leader Direct reports Line manager of Markets/WASH/Agriculture Consultant Financial scope Direct oversight of budgets of up to 500,000 annually Location Near Rugby, Warwickshire (with some flexible working arrangements possible) Duration Permanent, starting as soon as possible Grade A: 45,386-50,475 Travel Approximately 6-8 weeks per annum SPECIFIC JOB PURPOSE Support the implementation of Practical Action s Sustainable Agriculture strategy: to play a lead role in how Practical Action facilitates markets and private sector investment to promote inclusive and sustainable agriculture, so that it works for smallholder farmers. Specifically, the way technology is used in agriculture to improve the lives of rural women and men living in, or vulnerable to poverty. To deliver this through the PAC business model. Be the organisational lead at UK level for agricultural markets, developing and managing the delivery of work in coordination with country offices (both charity and consulting). Generate revenue by developing, delivering and managing sustainable agriculture consultancies and grow the PAC Agriculture Team (from 2 to 4-5). Raise Practical Action s profile in agriculture and markets consultancies and programming and develop a unique value proposition for this work. Apply Practical Action s approach to market systems development in agriculture consultancies and programmes in collaboration with country offices Strengthen the organisation s capacity in market systems development, SME development and the application of business skills to maximise the viability and sustainability of our work in agriculture and energy for productive use. THE ROLE The UK Agriculture & Markets Team Leader post is based in the Practical Action office in Rugby (flexible working arrangements are available), with frequent overseas travel (anticipated 8 weeks per year). It is a full-time position working 35 hours per week. SCOPE OF ROLE The role is focused on supporting the achievement of Practical Action s ambition to transform agriculture and market systems so that poor people can step up and step out of poverty in a sustainable way and at scale. The role will deliver work with and through regional and country office teams, supporting them to achieve their respective change ambitions. The role will develop a niche for Practical Action s sustainable agriculture work globally, encapsulating key elements such as transforming the way technology is used for agricultural adaptation and livelihoods, participatory systems approaches and making markets work for the poor, demonstrating the business case for our interventions for the private sector to deliver sustainable solutions at scale for rural women and men living in, or vulnerable to poverty. To promote change built on local ownership that works in the long term. 3
The role focuses on the following areas: Developing a robust portfolio of agriculture and markets consultancy work with a focus on improving learning at country and UK office level. Providing country office programmes and consultancies with technical assistance and quality assurance on agriculture and markets at programme design, implementation and review stages to ensure our work is impactful and scalable. Supporting the development of sustainable, responsible and inclusive private sector partnerships at country level and in the UK that have the potential to transform agricultural systems to benefit smallholders. Promoting inclusive business models: designing, piloting and scaling inclusive and sustainable agribusiness models that prove the business case for investing in sustainable agriculture. This includes the delivery and facilitation of business development services for small and growing businesses in the agriculture sector and in the nexus with energy access (agricultural productive use). JOB RESPONSIBILITIES Build internal momentum for the Sustainable Agriculture strategy and develop a niche externally for Practical Action as a strong player in sustainable agriculture programming and international consultancies. Working with and through country offices: win, deliver and manage a body of international agricultural markets work; and in doing so be responsible for ensuring strong programme design, technical delivery, financial control, client reporting, strategic fit, contract preparation and compliance. Win new work from international clients and commercial organisations using networks and business development skills (e.g. proposal writing, budgeting) - usually in the range 50k - 1m. Play a leading role in the delivery of Practical Action s approach to inclusive and sustainable agricultural market systems, using business skills to design and deliver initiatives that are economically viable and strengthen PAC s reputation as an innovative thought leader in these areas Develop and manage a strong network of associates and consultants to provide technical skills to the agriculture and markets portfolio. Ensure coordination and synergies between key work areas and units and across different geographies, including other thematic areas (energy, DRR, WASH), policy and practice, programmes and fundraising. Manage the reputational risk of PAC (and thus the Group) with large donors including DFID, World Bank, UN, EU and private sector organisations. Ensure that PAC UK s work on Sustainable Agriculture contributes effectively to Practical Action s overall mission and support knowledge capture and dissemination from across the organisation. Represent PAC and Practical Action at international meetings and events. Author and commission articles in support of Practical Actions influencing strategy and raise PAC s profile in agriculture, markets and private sector development. Undertake any other tasks as assigned by the PAC Team Leader. Overseas travel will be necessary, according to project and management requirements. LINE MANAGEMENT OR SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES Managing a team of 1-5 direct reports (as team grows). FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES To manage project budgets in the range 50k - 500k per annum. 4
PERSON SPECIFICATION KEY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE Post-graduate degree or higher in a relevant subject Significant experience of working in international organisations and/or in international development consultancy in a variety of contexts, with increasing levels of management and leadership responsibilities Experience of delivering and/or managing consultancy: proven ability to win work from donors, clients and a network of contacts and to write winning proposals Experience managing, delivering and reporting on short, medium and long term international projects Proven ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse group of staff and consultants in multiple geographic locations. Skills in sustainable agriculture and inclusive markets programmes and consultancies, with in depthunderstanding and experience in two or more of the following areas: Private sector development in the agricultural sector Inclusive and sustainable market systems development SME development, business modelling, SME financial analysis. Impact investing in agriculture Ability to lead a team of individuals (both staff and associates and consultants) to deliver individual assignments and broader strategy. Proven experience of international project management, team building and project support and of delivering capacity building covering a range of programme issues. High level understanding of core principles of good practice in development covering areas such as: gender and social inclusion; strategic partnerships and consortia building; local partner capacity development; beneficiary and partner feedback; participatory approaches. Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a clear ability to communicate to a variety of audiences. Excellent English language, preferably with some knowledge of French and/or Spanish. Computer literate, including Microsoft Office Suite with good statistical and/or qualitative data analytical skills. This includes an ability to advise on or engage with the most effective approaches to baseline studies, monitoring and evaluation design. Strong personal empathy with Practical Action s vision and mission and values. Ability and willingness to travel overseas (anticipated up to 8 weeks per year). BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES The post holder will require high levels of competency in the following: Leading and Managing: evidenced by the ability to inspire, enthuse and communicate, delegating supporting, coaching or directing as appropriate. Provides clarity and direction to the team. Is able to identify, address and solve performance issues with their team. Managing relationships demonstrated by an ability to understand and react appropriately to motivations that drive colleagues behaviour. Is sensitive to cultural differences and behaves appropriately within them. Understands how to develop productive working relationships Teamwork demonstrated by the ability and inclination to work co-operatively with others. Will recognise the value of sharing ideas, knowledge and information with others and takes personal responsibility for doing so. Self-motivation demonstrated by the level of timeliness and accuracy the individual displays in carrying out their role, by their personal energy and enthusiasm and by their willingness to learn to exceed expectations in their role. 5
HOW TO APPLY To apply go to https://practicalaction.org/blueoctopus/vacancies/view/69374, and submit a copy of your CV and a supporting statement that describes your suitability by 25 th September 2017. KEY BENEFITS Hours A flexi time system is in operation around core attendance times. Full time roles are contracted at 35 hours per week. Annual leave Annual holiday entitlement is 25 days in addition to public holidays. Pension scheme Practical Action operates a unit-linked Stakeholder pension from AEGON. New employees join the scheme from day one of employment. The employer contributes 10% of salary and the employee contributes 5%. Bike to Work scheme Practical Action participates in the Bike to Work scheme. This is a government sponsored initiative designed to encourage bicycle usage as part of their Green Transport Plan. The scheme offers employees a tax advantage that means the cost of buying a bicycle is reduced by 30 to 45%. Childcare vouchers Practical Action runs a childcare voucher scheme. Childcare Vouchers cover children up to 16 years of age. They are non-taxable and exempt from National Insurance Contributions. 6