Project Manager - Strategic Advisory

As ISF deepens its work with organizations across the world that are advancing the inclusiveness, equity and sustainability of smallholder-farmer anchored food systems, there is a strong need for a self-motivated Manager to take a strong lead on core parts of the strategy project portfolio. Projects in the strategy portfolio will range from engagements with multi-million-dollar funds / programs to more discrete advisory engagements for corporates and social enterprises, and will involve a range of support requirements. A new ISF Project Manager will lead projects across this portfolio as well as supporting discrete industry leading research that aims to distill knowledge that can help move the sector forward.

Key responsibilities include:

Strategy, Partnership, and Transaction Support (60% of role)

• Support the development and design of specific financing mechanisms, programs and partnerships in collaboration with other members of the ISF team
• Lead and facilitate complex multi-stakeholder relationships through workshops, working groups, and bi-lateral conversations with clients and partner organizations
• Problem-solve around strategic issues in the ISF portfolio and provide input to strategy development
• Track risks, issues, stakeholders, and potential funders
• Support outreach, network-building, and business development efforts

Research + Writing (30% of role)

• Conduct complex financial, market, and policy analyses
• Support the development and delivery of structured communications, especially reports and presentations

Administration and team management (10% of role)

• Manage overall workplan, including key tasks and milestones
• Manage Associate and Analyst-level positions, within the context of a given engagement
• Travel as needed to support implementation
• Prepare budgets for and assist in the preparation of outgoing program and project proposals
• Coordinate support from other teams such as the Communications and Finance/Admin teams

Requirements

We are looking for candidates with a mix of entrepreneurial, strategic, and operational experience, including professional experience in strategy consulting or an equivalent type of role. Specific qualifications include:

• 5+ years professional experience working as a professional in the same or related fields
• Demonstrated career progression and at least 1+ year as an engagement / project manager
• Experience in complex multi-stakeholder facilitation through workshops, working groups, and relationship management
• Strong analytical and conceptual skills applied towards understanding and interpreting business operations, management capabilities, and practices as they relate to market and financial requirements
• Demonstrated experience getting things done independently under ambiguous circumstances, particularly in developing countries
• Exceptional communication skills and ability to present information in an insightful and structured manner, both written and oral
• Professionalism and demonstrated experience working with senior executives and officials in the private and/ or public sector
• Familiarity with innovative finance for development and common development finance tools (e.g., risk guarantees, concessional lending, blended finance, etc.)
• Passion for the application of innovative financial structures and complex partnerships towards inclusive markets for rural households