The SPO will be expected to:

• Work in close collaboration with internal and external partners to design, manage and implement project strategies, and negotiate, execute and manage complex, performance-based contracts/grants that span the end-to-end crops value chain;
• Review grant proposals and provide clear written analyses and recommendations for funding, including proposal summaries and progress reports for new and existing grants for review by foundation leadership;
• Provide deeply strategic suggestions in order to develop catalytic grantmaking opportunities that support initiatives;
• Consult with grantees and other partners to maximize impact of projects and ensure optimal learning. This may include: site visits, providing operational guidance and convening meetings of key stakeholders;
• Plan and budget for strategic priorities in support of crop value chain goals. Contribute to the design of new strategies, collaborations and implementation plans to ensure long-term sustainability and impact;
• Prioritize investments, assess constraints and opportunities that impact the crop value chain for improved smallholder farmer productivity and incomes;
• Collaborate with foundation colleagues in related program areas to take advantage of cross-sector grant making opportunities;
• Identify, convene, and partner with a variety of stakeholders in the public and private sectors for joint investments in integrated value chain solutions;
• Manage internal processes and oversee portfolio progress ensuring appropriate documentation, grant budgeting and reporting;
• Provide high quality interactions and clear and consistent communications with grantees and partners in the field;
• Proactively identify opportunities across the Agriculture Development strategy, with a particular emphasis on issues related to gender, nutrition and the environment;
• As needed, hire, manage and onboard new employees, including communicating performance expectations, giving and seeking feedback, providing coaching, measuring progress, supporting employee development, and recognizing achievement and lessons learned.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years' experience in the end-to-end design and implementation of cereal crop value chain projects in or with the private sector in support of smallholder productivity enhancement. Experience in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia is preferred;
• Experience managing input and output markets in the agricultural sector, preferably including experience of integrating smallholder farmers into supply chains, particularly those focused on cereals such as maize, wheat and rice;
• Working awareness of fertilizer supply chain, financial services and seed input delivery as they pertain to staple crops;
• Experience managing partnerships with both public and private sector stakeholders;
• Ability to utilize a strong network of business relationships in order to promote Agriculture Development strategies is ideal;
• Experience with agribusiness strategy, out-grower contracts, agricultural finance, marketing, and supply chain logistics preferred;
• Significant experience working with local and national organizations preferably in Sub-Saharan Africa or South Asia. Success in multiple geographies is strongly preferred;
• Strong analytical skills combined with a sound understanding of business planning and budgeting methodologies and tools;
• Experience developing and managing performance-based contracts, grants or cooperative agreements;
• Experience in a role requiring collaboration, prioritization and results-orientation in complex internal and external organizations;
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, especially in positions requiring culturally sensitive communication with a broad and diverse audience;
• Demonstrated ability to work with flexibility, efficiency, and diplomacy both individually and as part of a complex team effort;
• Expertise in taking a gender transformative approach when working across the value chain;
• A master's degree in a related field of study or MBA is strongly preferred, bachelor's degree is required;
• Ability to travel approximately 30% of each work year as needs dictate;
• Strong dedication to the mission and proven interest in global poverty alleviation, especially as it intersects with agricultural practices;
• A healthy sense of humor and a high level of integrity.
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