Project Director – Sharing Underutilized Resources with Fishers and Farmers (SURF Project)

Project Description:

Sharing Underutilized Resources with Fishers and Farmers (SURF Project) is a US Department of State- funded project aiming to improve the capacity of Tunisian farmers, fishers, agriculture and fishery firms, and cooperatives to adapt to climate change. The project should promote the use of climate and data science to spur innovations and upgrades, while working with the private sector, government-run educational institutions, small famers and fishers, and other key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Hydraulic Resources and Fisheries (MAHRF) and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MHESR). The project will also assist small farmers and fishers to improve operations, boost yields, and access new resources and technologies while also connecting Tunisian and U.S research institutions for technology transfer to develop, fund, and deploy local climate smart technologies and innovations.

Position Description:

The Project Director (PD) will lead the Sharing Underutilized Resources with Fishers and Farmers (SURF Project) and is responsible for achieving the project’s vision and strategy, directing the project technical team, and managing critical relationships with national and international partners, Department of State and other key stakeholders. The PD has overall programmatic and fiscal responsibility for the project, including achieving project results, effectively communicating accomplishments, making financial reports, and ensuring compliance with all US government and the organization’s regulations. The PD will be based at the project’s main office in Tunis with significant travel inside the country. The PD will report to the Portfolio Director.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide managerial oversight to the project, inclusive of supporting personnel, sub-partner management, and efficient budget and financial management, and ensure impacts achieve the results defined in the project Scope of Work.
• Serve as the main focal point to DOS and key government stakeholders, ensuring timely responses to informational, data and monitoring inquiries and requests, as well as coordinating to resolve any technical issues.
• Participates in the strategic development of methods and techniques with executive management.
• Plans, directs, and coordinates activities for the project to ensure that goals and objectives are accomplished within prescribed time frame and funding parameters.
• Analyze needs, design activities and develop work plans for the project on a regular basis.

Applied Knowledge & Skills:

• Comprehensive knowledge of theories, concepts and practices with project management, process development and execution.
• Excellent and demonstrated project management skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong influencing and negotiation skills.
• Strong consultative skills.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to plan, organize, and manage sources for successful completion of projects.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to sets goals and budgets for projects and leads department in achieving strategic goals.
• Ability to leads coordination of resources for ongoing projects across business units and addresses/resolves project issues.
• Ability to motivate, influences, and collaborates with others.
• Ability to build positive local working relationships with local communities, national and local government officials, donor representatives and the community at large.

Problem Solving & Impact:

• Decisions and actions have a significant impact on management and division operations. Problems encountered are complex and highly varied.
• Exercises judgment to meet business strategies and develops objectives that align with organizational goals.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.