Head of Project

About the Organization

Join Welthungerhilfe, one of Germany’s largest and highly regarded private entities in development cooperation and humanitarian aid. Operating independently of religious and political influences, the organization is guided by firm ethical principles and embraces innovation to evolve into a data-driven, human-centered institution. Their mission is to create a world with zero hunger while maintaining a sustainable planet.

Role Overview

The Head of Project based in Freetown, Sierra Leone, will take charge of overseeing and managing all project components including implementation, monitoring, reporting, and compliance both within the organization and towards donors. This leadership role includes managing the project team, partner financial institutions, agro-dealers, faith-based organizations, and maintaining adherence to donor and internal organizational guidelines. You will collaborate closely with various heads of departments, partner entities, and monitoring experts at both the country office and headquarters.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate consistently among key stakeholders such as partner banks, microfinance institutions, agro-dealers, importers, farmers, and the National Fertilizer Regulatory Agency to ensure seamless project execution and communication.
• Customize and implement the project's distribution, credit, and educational elements to align with local conditions and contractual obligations, following AfDB/AFFM directives.
• Support legal and financial due diligence of partners including banks and importers and supervise the application of trade credit guarantee schemes.
• Plan and monitor farmer and agro-dealer training initiatives, conduct field-level supervision, and track risks such as improper input use or resale. Prepare and present consistent project evaluations to stakeholders.
• Represent the project in national stakeholder forums and with potential buyers to foster inclusive market linkages and sustain the input finance model.
• Contribute actively to country program development through new project proposals and portfolio expansion within the project and across the country office.

Required Qualifications and Profile

• A university degree in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Rural Development, (Micro)Finance, Development Economics, Development Studies, or related disciplines.
• At least 5 years of leadership experience for Master's degree holders or 10 years for Bachelor's degree holders managing complex rural development or value chain (micro)finance projects in low or lower-middle income countries, preferably including public-private partnerships or blended finance in agricultural inputs.
• Solid expertise in agricultural market systems, particularly in West Africa.
• Prior experience engaging with financial institutions and market-based rural development initiatives.
• Strong facilitation and negotiation skills for interacting with both public and private sector stakeholders.
• A keen interest in integrating data-driven approaches into projects and a desire to enhance data literacy in your work.
• Willingness and capacity to travel frequently within Sierra Leone, including rural locations.
• Preparedness to receive necessary vaccinations for travel to program countries.
• Fluency in both spoken and written English is mandatory; knowledge of Krio or other local languages is beneficial; German proficiency is advantageous.

What We Offer

• Competitive and equitable salary based on a transparent pay scale.
• A supportive and safe working environment prioritizing health, safety, and security.
• An innovative, digitally enabled, and agile workplace culture.
• Opportunities for professional and personal development to support career advancement.
• A dynamic and inclusive team passionate about making a positive difference globally.

Additional Information

The initial employment contract will commence on September 1, 2026, for one year, with strong potential for renewal. The workplace will be situated in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Applications must be submitted by July 21, 2026. The organization is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination, welcoming qualified applicants from all backgrounds. All hires will undergo screening against terrorism watch lists as part of the organization’s security protocols.