Our vision is a world with enough healthy food for all, produced by healthy people in a healthy environment. Around our core theme of "ecological development and sustainable food systems", Biovision contributes to the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Agenda 2030 at international and national level. SDG No. 2 "No Hunger" is our focus.
As a pioneer of change, Biovision advocates a fundamental, agroecological transformation of food systems, supports agroecological innovations and approaches and works to increase their prominence and use. For our medium-sized, well-positioned NGO, we are looking for a committed personality to strengthen our Development Projects team as a
Co-Head development projects department (80%)
(Start Date: June 2021 or upon agreement)
In this role, you will contribute significantly to the strengthening, further development and measurable success of this key department of Biovision. Your main tasks and responsibilities are:
- Leading the Development Projects Department in close collaboration with the other Co-Head (approx. 0.4 FTE each) and with flat hierarchies and adequate participation of the team. Your core responsibilities will be:
- Strategy and portfolio development, strategic steering;
- Resource planning and controlling (staff, budget);
- Team development and coaching, enabling team members to assume responsibility, to grow and to succeed; fostering co-learning with partner organisations;
- Risk & security management (project portfolio and partnerships, staff safety and security during project visits);
- Refining and ensuring efficient implementation of key processes (particularly related to project cycle management);
- Maintaining, institutionalising and further developing strategic (research) partnerships, networking with allies and thematic experts;
- Liaising with other programme departments, coordinating fundraising and communication activities in collaboration with the respective departments.
- Managing and steering a portfolio of projects in East Africa in the field of agroecology, food systems transformation and agricultural development, building a bridge between science and farmers (approx. 40% FTE):
- Monitoring of project progress and of key interventions based on evidence, ensuring joint learning and continuous improvement;
- Establishing close links with implementing partners and supporting capacity development to ensure the delivery of project outcomes from a technical, financial and administrative perspective;
- Developing new projects in close collaboration with partners, occasionally participating in competitive calls.
We are looking for a dynamic and motivated team player with the following qualifications:
- Relevant work experience (at least 10 years) in international co-operation in an agricultural context, preferably in Sub-Saharan Africa;
- Relevant experience (at least 5 years) in leading a team of peers, proven leadership skills;
- Existing network to a range of international and pan-African development and research institutions is an asset;
- A relevant Master’s degree in agriculture, geography, environmental sciences or related fields; ideally complemented by a postgraduate degree in development studies;
- Experience in project cycle management and familiarity with key approaches of international development cooperation;
- Experience with research for development, knowledge dissemination and agroecological approaches; expertise in our thematic areas;
- High motivation to contribute to and strengthen participatory processes in a dynamic team of experienced professionals and openness for innovation and creativity;
- Cultural sensitivity for working with diverse stakeholders and readiness to travel 3-4 times per year (mainly to Sub-Saharan Africa);
- Excellent knowledge of German (mother tongue or C1) and English (C1/C2), good command of French (B1/B2);
- Ability to work in a team, with flexibility, humour and critical thinking;
- Swiss passport or residence permit C / B.
We offer a challenging position in a dynamic team and an innovative NGO with commensurate wages, adequate social security and a centrally located workplace in Zurich. Please send your entire electronic application documents until May 5th, 2021 to bewerbung@biovision.ch. For further information, please contact Loredana Sorg (+41 44 512 58 33).