Graduate Opportunity - Project & Operations Manager, Uganda

Devenish's pioneering agricultural-development project is seeking an energetic graduate to deliver a new project and enhance the company’s operations in Uganda. The project will build upon the core business which comprises of a Pig Performance Unit and feed mill. The feed mill produces pig and poultry feeds in the Hoima District of Uganda. Devenish's improved pig genetics and specialised nutrition products are sold throughout Uganda.

Through this project, Devenish aims to transform the pig and feeds industry in Uganda by introducing new high-quality products to farmers for the first time and by doing so, assist farmers to transition from subsistence to sustainable commercial level farming.

The Opportunity

The Graduate Project & Operations Manager ('POM') will have responsibility of managing the implementation of a multi-faceted project that is being supported by the Africa Agri-Food Development Fund ('AADP') on the ground in Uganda. This project will see the expansion of the mill's production capacity and a growth in distribution network across the country. The role will require a balanced skillset and strategic-minded approach. It will also involve working closely with the existing management team and helping to lead a growing team.

The successful applicant will be an ambitious and purposeful graduate, who is flexible and adaptable in new cultures and environments. They will be a resilient, hard-working person who is fully committed to 'making a difference'.

As a strong network builder, the successful candidate will seek out new opportunities for growth and development.

A key part of the role will be to foster knowledge transfer between Ireland and Uganda in the agri-sector and to continue to build upon Devenish’s contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals ('SDGs') in Uganda.

The role will be based in Hoima, with regular travel to the Ugandan capital city of Kampala.

A competitive package will be provided, along with flights, accommodation, and transport.

Click here for more information about the bustling city of Kampala.

Is this rewarding opportunity right for you?

The successful applicant for this Graduate Development role will demonstrate the following skills and attributes:

• A willingness to lead and drive change, collaboratively
• A keen interest in Devenish's success in Uganda
• A broad range of competencies
• A problem solver, with enthusiasm for dealing with complex issues
• A self-motivator and can work autonomously
• Someone who is excited to experience different cultures, open minded and comfortable in new environments
• Someone who can motivate, encourage, and inspire their team, through coaching, mentoring, and leading by example
• A skilled communicator who can fully engage with farmers, councillors, businesses, and local people
• An enthusiasm to learn

Do you meet the following criteria?

To apply you must have:

• A degree in agricultural science, agronomics, food science, business studies or related subjects with experience working in farming or industry
• The ability to relocate to Uganda for one to two years. Return trips to Ireland will be provided, within the current pandemic travel guidelines.

Additional Desirable Criteria

• Experience of pig or poultry farming
• Experience in agriculture or agri-food sector desirable
• Experience of dealing with complex business issues
• Previous experience of working internationally and with different cultures
• Previous experience in Africa on work secondments or voluntary projects

The Devenish Group is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.