Regional Rice Transformation Manager

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Governance:

• Provide strategic leadership and ensure effective implementation of the Regional Rice Road Map in alignment with national agricultural and food security policies.
• Advise the Board and regional bodies on rice policies, investment priorities, and market development.
• Oversee the Secretariat, ensuring strong governance, robust MEL systems, and delivery of results.

Stakeholder Engagement and Policy Advocacy:

• Engage heads of state, ministers, and business leaders to secure alignment and harmonization of rice sector policies.
• Build and sustain strategic partnerships with governments, donors, private sector actors, farmer associations, and research institutions.
• Convene dialogue among stakeholders to resolve systemic bottlenecks in the rice value chain.
• Mobilize private sector actors and secure their long-term commitment to the agenda.
• Champion evidence-based reforms and oversee production of the annual State of the Rice Sector report.
• Represent the organization in regional and international forums, advocating for West Africa’s rice priorities.

Resource Mobilization:

• Facilitate large-scale financing and partnerships across the rice value chain.
• Build and maintain strong donor and investor relations, ensuring compliance and diversification of funding sources.
• Negotiate innovative financing models, joint ventures, and public-private partnerships that unlock capital for seed multiplication, paddy production, processing, and logistics.

Program Management:

• Manage delivery and execution of the Matching Grant Facility, ensuring transparency and results.
• Recruit and manage a high-performing team, ensuring effective financial, administrative, and operational systems.
• Oversee preparation and management of annual budgets and operational plans aligned with strategic priorities.

Requirements:

• Master’s degree or higher in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Public Policy, Development Studies, or related field.
• 10+ years of senior leadership experience in agriculture, trade, investment, or development.
• Demonstrated success in closing investment deals and building partnerships.
• Strong track record in policy engagement and multi-country coordination.
• Deep understanding of regional integration and agricultural transformation.
• Fluency in English and French required.
• Knowledge of rice value chains in West Africa highly desirable.

What We Are Looking For:

• Deal Maker: Proven track record mobilizing capital and closing major investment partnerships in agriculture or agricultural infrastructure.
  
• Business Pragmatist: Able to translate vision into action and attract private investment into seed multiplication, paddy production, and processing.
  
• Skilled Negotiator: Experienced in engaging senior government officials and navigating cross-border political and institutional dynamics.
  
• Visionary Leader: Inspires stakeholders to rally around the shared agenda of rice self-sufficiency and regional food security.
  
• Change Agent: Credible, decisive, and focused on moving from planning to execution.

About Us:

PFS’ partner is a specialized regional coordination platform focused on accelerating rice self-sufficiency in West Africa. It works with governments, private sector actors, farmer organizations, and development partners to implement a Regional Rice Road Map, strengthen competitiveness, and enhance food and nutrition security across the region. The role will strategically engage with regional bodies to ensure member countries advance this agenda and support national chapters to represent both governments and private sector interests.

Contract Type: 1-year renewable, based on performance and funding