Program Manager

Role Overview

The Program Manager is IBL operational lead for program delivery, translating the organization's vision into high-quality, well-managed programs that reach communities and generate real impact. This is a senior implementation role for someone who thrives in dynamic, community-facing environments and has a deep passion for agriculture, climate resilience, and rural development.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the design, planning, and development of IBL programs and projects in agriculture, food systems, climate resilience, and rural development.
• Develop and maintain detailed program work-plans, budgets, and MEAL frameworks aligned with donor agreements.
• Facilitate participatory needs assessments and community consultations to inform program design.
• Integrate GESI (Gender Equality and Social Inclusion), safeguarding, environmental sustainability, and Do No Harm principles into all program activities.
• Oversee the day-to-day implementation of all assigned programs, ensuring activities are delivered on time, within budget, and to IBL quality standards.
• Manage and supervise Program Officers and Field Coordinators, providing technical guidance and mentorship.
• Lead community engagement and stakeholder consultations including farmer groups, cooperatives, local government, and partners.
• Coordinate with the Finance Manager to ensure proper financial management, procurement compliance, and budget utilization.
• Oversee program monitoring systems including data collection, tracking of output and outcome indicators, and progress against targets.
• Lead quarterly program reviews, pause-and-reflect sessions, and adaptive management processes.
• Ensure community accountability mechanisms (feedback and complaints systems) are operational and accessible.
• Prepare high-quality donor narrative and financial progress reports on time.
• Document program learnings, case studies, and success stories in collaboration with the Communications Officer.
• Contribute to the Annual Report and organizational learning reviews.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Rural Development, Natural Resource Management, Development Studies, or a closely related field. Master's degree is an added advantage.
• Minimum 3 to 5 years of progressive program management experience in the NGO or development sector.
• Proven experience managing programs in agriculture, food systems, climate resilience, or rural livelihoods in Tanzania.
• Strong understanding of participatory program design, logframes, MEAL systems, and Theory of Change.
• Demonstrated experience managing donor-funded projects and preparing high-quality donor reports.
• Experience working directly with smallholder farmers, farming cooperatives, or rural communities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with digital data collection tools (KoBoToolbox, ODK) is an advantage.
• Fluency in both English and Kiswahili (written and spoken).

Competencies and Personal Qualities

• Deep commitment to IBL's mission of sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and community empowerment.
• Strong leadership, team management, and mentoring skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal and community engagement skills, with the ability to build trust with farmers, communities, and partners.
• Analytical thinker who uses evidence to make decisions and adapt programs.
• High integrity and commitment to safeguarding and protection of beneficiaries.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly to rural field sites across Tanzania.