The UPG Technical Specialist will work under the supervision of the Project Manager for Scaling Graduation in the Peri-Urban Areas. S/he will oversee the overall project field operations, ensuring quality programme delivery on the ground, as well supporting the Project Manager in designing and/or fine-tuning the project. S/he will be responsible for supervising and monitoring project interventions to ensure quality and successful implementation through frequent field visits, inclusive & gender sensitive supervision, structured meetings and regular follow up. The role also involves strengthening the operational, technical, managerial and leadership skills of staff through hands-on coaching, mentoring and facilitating relevant training. Another key focus will be capturing learnings from the field, sharing experiences and exploring new initiatives to introduce innovations into the project.

Major Responsibilities

• Ensure the effective enrollment of project participants through accurate targeting, appropriate livelihood selection, comprehensive training, asset transfer, and other key interventions.
• Ensure the quality execution of different project components, such as community mobilisation, hands-on coaching, VSLA, etc., to achieve the anticipated sustainable graduation of the project participants from extreme poverty.
• Capture and document learnings from the field, identify opportunities for introducing innovation into the project, and adapt project strategies to the local context to enhance overall relevance and effectiveness.
• Identify project needs, challenges, and risks through regular follow-ups and field visits. Provide timely guidance and solutions to the team to resolve issues, thus improving programme performance and efficiency.
• Serve as a critical link between the Project Manager and field teams to strengthen coordination, communication, and alignment across all levels.
• Ensure accurate documentation, timely development and tracking of MIS and financial reports, and take informed actions based on analysis in collaboration with the Monitoring & Learning, Grants, Finance, and Communication teams.
• Foster strong coordination and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to promote synergy and ensure optimal use of resources.
• Ensure operational, technical and leadership skills are strengthened among the staff through targeted training, hands-on coaching, and ongoing mentoring.
• Support resource mobilization and fundraising efforts by contributing to proposal development, and documenting impact stories and lessons learned to inform donor engagement and partnership development.

Safeguarding Roles

Ensure the safety of team members from harm, abuse, neglect, harassment, and exploitation to achieve the program’s goals on safeguarding implementation. Act as a key source of support, guidance, and expertise on safeguarding to establish a safe working environment.

Practice, promote and endorse the issues of safeguarding policy among team members and ensure the implementation of safeguarding standards in every course of action.

Follow the safeguarding reporting procedure in case any reportable incident takes place, and encourage others to do so.

Education Requirements

Master’s degree in Agribusiness/agriculture/Animal production/Development studies/ Business administration/ Social sciences or related field.

Experience Required

10 years and above experience in programme design, operations, especially in the Graduation and Livelihood development sector, preferably in an NGO setting.

Skills and Competencies

• In depth knowledge on poverty dynamics, geographical context, community, culture etc.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant programmes
• Project Management skills
• Advanced People Management and Leadership skills
• Financial Management
• Analytical & Problem-solving skills
• Communication skills
• Team building skills
• Dealing with ambiguities and conflict management
• Gender sensitivity
• Documentation and reporting skills

• Ensure the effective enrollment of project participants through accurate targeting, appropriate livelihood selection, comprehensive training, asset transfer, and other key interventions.
• Ensure the quality execution of different project components, such as community mobilisation, hands-on coaching, VSLA, etc., to achieve the anticipated sustainable graduation of the project participants from extreme poverty.
• Capture and document learnings from the field, identify opportunities for introducing innovation into the project, and adapt project strategies to the local context to enhance overall relevance and effectiveness.
• Identify project needs, challenges, and risks through regular follow-ups and field visits. Provide timely guidance and solutions to the team to resolve issues, thus improving programme performance and efficiency.
• Serve as a critical link between the Project Manager and field teams to strengthen coordination, communication, and alignment across all levels.
• Ensure accurate documentation, timely development and tracking of MIS and financial reports, and take informed actions based on analysis in collaboration with the Monitoring & Learning, Grants, Finance, and Communication teams.
• Foster strong coordination and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to promote synergy and ensure optimal use of resources.
• Ensure operational, technical and leadership skills are strengthened among the staff through targeted training, hands-on coaching, and ongoing mentoring.
• Support resource mobilization and fundraising efforts by contributing to proposal development, and documenting impact stories and lessons learned to inform donor engagement and partnership development.

• In depth knowledge on poverty dynamics, geographical context, community, culture etc.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant programmes
• Project Management skills
• Advanced People Management and Leadership skills
• Financial Management
• Analytical & Problem-solving skills
• Communication skills
• Team building skills
• Dealing with ambiguities and conflict management
• Gender sensitivity
• Documentation and reporting skills

• Master’s degree in Agribusiness/agriculture/Animal production/Development studies/ Business administration/ Social sciences or related field.
• 10 years and above experience in programme design, operations, especially in the Graduation and Livelihood development sector, preferably in an NGO setting.