As such, we are seeking a Project Manager to lead this upcoming initiative working with stakeholders including the Ethiopian Tea and Coffee Authority, Ministry of Finance, Ethiopian Commodity Exchange, and Coffee Cooperatives, ensuring compliance with EUDR by year-end. The Project Manager will be responsible for the project execution both with internal and external stakeholders.

What you will be doing:

Client-Specific Deliverables

• Participate in nationwide EUDR related conversations while engaging with internal and external stakeholders including the European Union, Ethiopian Tea and Coffee Authority, Ministry of Finance, Ethiopian Commodity Exchange, and Coffee Cooperatives in policy formulation, project design etc.
• Collaborate with the Pula country team in client identification, engagement, onboarding & contracting and providing recommendations for EUDR compliance related activities.
• Establish and maintain interpersonal relationships with key partners and stakeholders across the private and public sector to ensure smooth running of project operations.
• Take lead in organizing internal and external kick-off meetings.
• Coordinate and deliver high level training and workshops to Pula’s partners and clients from federal to kebele level.

Project Planning and Execution:

• Develop a comprehensive project plan, outlining key milestones, deliverables, and timelines.
• Coordinate with internal teams to ensure resources are allocated appropriately and tasks are completed on schedule.
• Monitor project progress and performance against established Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and milestones.
• Prepare and present regular progress reports to internal and external stakeholders, highlighting achievements, challenges, and next steps.

Execution of data collection:

• Recruit Field Associate Manager, Field Coordinators and Call Centre Coordinators while providing oversight on Field Agent recruitment.
• Oversee the collection of farmer information, yield levels, and geo-mapping data using Pula’s in-house system, Mavuno.
• Ensure data accuracy and integrity to support traceability, source mapping, product tracing, and EUDR claim verification.
• Provide accurate timelines for project implementation and completion through collaboration with internal and external teams.
• Ensure meticulous completion – leave no farm/farmer behind.
• Evaluate efficiency of service delivery and operations using spending data, while actioning strategic initiatives to keep costs low for field operations teams
• Detailed assessment of real costs by location and responsibility
• Apply ingenuity to find savings wherever possible
• Ensure all expenses are reconciled within policy deadlines.
• Monitor budget verses spend closely

Strategic Development and learning

• Organize post-project team workshops to evaluate key learnings and improvements in the design, tools, and execution of the project
• Coordinating with the innovations and expansion teammates on launching new initiatives and pilots

The right applicant would have the following skillset:

• 7 years + experience working in agriculture/ social enterprises linked specifically to the Coffee value chain. Understanding EUDR and key players is important.
• Experience leading field operations or Monitoring and Evaluation department is a must. Having a good relationship with stakeholders such as Ethiopian Tea and Coffee Authority, Ministry of Finance, Ethiopian Commodity Exchange, and Coffee Cooperatives is an added advantage
• Experience working at national level in a fast moving environment is an added advantage
• Experience in managing teams remotely is an added advantage
• Deep commitment to the “art of management” and nuances of modern management practice
• Ability to work independently – highly self-motivated
• Creative problem-solving skills
• Highly collaborative, with an outgoing personality and clear and consistent communication
• Detail-oriented, meticulous, and attentive to accuracy
• Ability to grasp complex analytical concepts quickly and thoroughly
• Prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery