Project Manager - Technical Assistance

About the role

COLEAD, a non-profit interprofessional association founded in 1973 that supports sustainable agri-food systems, is looking for a Project Manager to strengthen its Technical Assistance department. The role is based at COLEAD's programme management unit in Nairobi and covers a portfolio of partner-beneficiaries and technical assistance and capacity-building activities for the Sub-Saharan horticultural sector, from needs assessment and project design through implementation, monitoring, evaluation and follow-up.

Key responsibilities

• Assess support requests from partner-beneficiaries and identify priority needs, challenges and capacity-building opportunities.
• Develop and manage tailored support projects, including the implementation of COLEAD's Sustainability Self-Assessment System (SAS).
• Coordinate technical assistance, training and other capacity-building activities from planning through implementation, monitoring and follow-up.
• Prepare terms of reference, support the selection and contracting of experts and service providers, and supervise their work.
• Coordinate with programme partners and stakeholders on technical, administrative and logistical implementation.
• Organise and monitor calls for expressions of interest and other beneficiary selection processes.
• Ensure activities meet quality standards and comply with COLEAD and donor procedures.
• Contribute to monitoring, evaluation, reporting, activity documentation, financial follow-up and performance tracking.
• Maintain relationships with horticultural companies, producer organisations, public institutions and experts, and contribute to workshops, conferences and trade fairs.

Required profile

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in agriculture, agronomy, horticulture, agribusiness, project management or a related field.
• At least 7 years of relevant professional experience, including substantial experience in the Sub-Saharan agricultural or horticultural sector and at least 5 years in project management.
• Experience designing, implementing and monitoring technical assistance, capacity-building or organisational development activities.
• Strong understanding of horticultural value chains and experience with businesses, producer organisations, public institutions and support-service providers.
• Experience managing external experts and service providers, and project monitoring, reporting and administrative follow-up.

Required skills

• Strong project management, analytical, organisational, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a multicultural environment.
• Good digital literacy and fluency in English; knowledge of French, Spanish or Portuguese is an asset.

The position is full-time in Nairobi, with regular regional travel and occasional travel to Belgium or other countries. Applications (CV, cover letter and references) are due by Monday 2 November 2026, 17:00 CET.