Head of Project*

The position is to be filled as soon as possible, with an initial contract duration of 1 year. There are very good prospects for an extension. Employment location will be Freetown, Sierra Leone (SL).

As Head of Project, you will be responsible for the overall coordination and management of all project activities, including implementation, monitoring, reporting, and compliance within Welthungerhilfe (WHH) and towards the donor. You will oversee and manage the project team, partner banking institutions, agro-dealers, FBOs, and reports in accordance with donor guidelines as well as WHH’s internal processes. You will collaborate closely with the Head of Programs, other Heads of Projects, the Head of Finance, the Head of Logistics, partner organizations, MEAL experts, and advisors based at the country office and at headquarters in Germany.

Your responsibilities

• Facilitate regular coordination between key actors, including partner banks and microfinance institutions, agro-dealers, importers, farmers and the National Fertilizer Regulatory Agency (NaFRA), ensuring smooth implementation and information flow.
• Operationalize and adapt the project’s distribution, credit, and training components to local realities, in line with contractual agreements and AfDB/AFFM implementation guidance.
• Support the legal and financial due diligence of project partners, including banks and importers, and oversee usage of the trade credit guarantee scheme.
• Design and oversee farmer and agro-dealer training activities, ensure field-level monitoring, and track risk indicators (e.g., input misuse or resale). Create and present regular project evaluation to key stakeholders.
• Represent the project in national stakeholder meetings and with potential off-takers, supporting inclusive growth of market linkages and long-term sustainability of the input finance model.
• Participate and contribute to the country programme growth through project proposal and portfolio growth both in his/her project or across country office .

Your profile

• University degree in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Rural Development, (Micro)Finance, Development Economics, Development Studies or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years (Master's) and 10 years (Bachelor's) of proven experience in managing complex, multi-stakeholder rural development or value chain (micro)finance projects in lower-/lower-middle income countries, preferably with exposure to public-private partnerships, agricultural input systems, or blended finance mechanisms.
• Strong understanding of agricultural market systems, especially in West Africa.
• Experience working with financial institutions and/or market-based rural development approaches.
• Strong facilitation and negotiation skills with public and private stakeholders
• You recognize the growing value of data in your field and are eager to build your awareness and skills to incorporate data-informed approaches into your work.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly within the country, including to rural areas
• Fluency in English (spoken and written) is essential. Working knowledge of Krio or other local languages is an asset.

What we offer

• Fair Compensation: A fair and equal remuneration based on a transparent salary scale.
• Commitment to Well-Being: We attach great importance to our duty of care with a focus on safety, security & health.
• Modern & Agile Work Environment: Be part of a forward thinking organization that fully embraces digitalization and innovation across all areas.
• Personal & Professional Growth: Access diverse learning and development opportunities to advance your career.
• Team: Join our dedicated and diverse teams, where passion, expertise, and joy come together to create a better world.

In addition, Welthungerhilfe offers numerous other benefits, which you can find under Our benefits.

Fluency in English (spoken and written) is essential. Working knowledge of Krio or other local languages is an asset.