Tanzania Product Innovations Specialist
Job Description
The Project Specialist will lead the design of the department’s impact trials, managing a team of 15-20 Trial Officers, Managers, and Coordinators. These trials are often conducted in collaboration with farmers in their fields across all regions of One Acre Fund operation, currently encompassing the Southern Highlands and Arusha/Meru. This role will also involve analysis of all impact trial data and finalizing the impact models for each individual product in consideration. This is highly influential in deciding what is offered to 50,000 smallholder farmers through One Acre Fund loans and trainings.
The position requires at least 20% time observing and supervising field activities/farmers with the remaining time spent analyzing results, planning, calendaring, coordinating with other departments, creating materials, and preparing reports or recommendations. This position will also be responsible for the professional development of staff in a growing team. The selected candidate will work with leadership to prepare and plan trials, conduct targeted field follow up, and provide actionable recommendations based on analysis to drive organizational decision-making and product offerings.
This role will require the ability to manage many priorities at once and rapid progress on deliverables to meet deadlines.
Duties and Responsibilities
Phase 2 Impact Trial Lead: Design and manage “Phase 2” impact trial design, planning, supervision of execution, analysis, and reporting:Design and Plan: Recommend field trial design with moderate department leadership supportLead site selection to be representative of agroecological zones of One Acre Fund’s operation regionsSupport in sample size calculationsConsult with global partners in statistical and agricultural trial designKeep online calendar updated 8-12 months into the futurePredict and mitigate risks of off track items with advance planningSupervision of Execution Management:Monitor key benchmarks and key performance indicators of trials, such as enrollment and data qualityReview CommCare tablet surveys and ensure field tests catch any data risksHighlight risks and work with the execution team to mitigate risks earlyRegularly attend Trial Officer training as well as field visits to trial sitesShare feedback with the Coordinator and Managers for improved data quality, efficiency of resources, and trial executionAgenda review and supervisionMonitor data quality and identify trends in errors
Analysis and Reporting:
Run analysis on data using STATA or R statistical software with moderate support of department leadershipUpdate or create impact models for any products in Phase 2Report results in brief, action-oriented memos with recommendations for next steps Communicate main points and next steps to headquarters at least once per year
Phase 1 Early Trial Lead: Design and manage early phase “feasibility” trials for agricultural products
Review data needed for next steps on products seasonally with department leadership to recommend trial design for the data needed, with options ranging from office garden plots to 200+ formal agricultural research station plotsCreate and maintain protocols for all activities to guide executionCreate professional materials for data collection and trial management, which may include mobile data collection surveysSupervise Trial Officer and/or any other staff maintaining trial plotsEnforce tight controls on the research station materials through stock trackingManage rapid professional development and delegation plan for one to two low job grade team members and support them in managing temporary workers if relevantWhen relevant, run analysis on data using STATA or R statistical software with minimal support of department leadershipReport results in brief, action-oriented memos with recommendations for next stepsCommunicate main points and next steps to headquarters at least once per yearDesign and Plan:Supervision of Execution:
Analysis and Reporting:
Team Management and Cross-Country Coordination: Manage a team of 15+ field staff and develop 1-2 key deputiesLiaise independently with external departments and cross-country contacts within One Acre Fund on Phase 2 or research station needsWeekly check-ins with 1-2 direct reports, supporting them on task prioritization and planning Draft professional development plans and facilitate bi-annual performance reviewsMonitor development areas of Coordinators, Managers, and Officers to ensure continual improvement in trial execution and efficiencyImplement continual improvements in Phase 1 and Phase 2 trial management/coordination based on lessons recorded each seasonSupervise unbiased hiring and management of teamMonitor Trial Officer KPIs
Qualifications
Graduate of 4-year university (mandatory)Graduate degree (preferred)Professional experience with data management and analysisProficient in STATA or R statistical software Personal or professional experience with agronomy and/or rural livelihoods (preferred)3-5 years practical experience working on project management (mandatory), including preferred experience with:Managing project calendarsTrial supervisionDrafting surveys for field data collectionData analysis leading to specific recommendationsReport writing based on clear objectivesCreating Excel tools for clear communication and tracking of projectsProven ability to teach/mentor othersFluency in Microsoft Excel and WordComfort and sensitivity working in a multicultural environmentExcellent ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writingOpen to feedback, willing to admit mistakes and learn from themTyping speed needs minimal improvement, at least 25-30 words per minuteFluent Business and Conversational EnglishAbility to live and work in Iringa and/or Mbeya regionCareer Development and Growth:
One Acre Fund invests in building management and leadership skills. Your manager will invest significant time in your career development. We provide constant, actionable feedback delivered through mentorship and through regular management consulting-style career reviews. We also have regular one-on-one meetings, where we listen to and discuss career goals, and work collaboratively to craft roles that each person can be passionate about. Because of our rapid growth, we constantly have new high-level roles opening up and opportunities in many functions. This results in fast career growth for our staff.
LOCATION
Iringa, Tanzania
PREFERRED START DATE
February 2019
COMPENSATION
Starts modest. However, this is a career-track role with fast raises for performance, paying a meaningful salary for long-term placement in developing nations.
BENEFITS
Health insurance