Programme manager Field Crops & Beekeeping

As programme manager Field Crops and Beekeeping you bring proven experience and/or a strong affinity with sustainable crop production within agricultural value chains and understand the value of beekeeping as a complementary agriculture practice. Are you ready to drive change across the broader field crops and beekeeping ecosystem, lead our community of experts and make a real impact? This is your opportunity! 

PUM is a unique NGO committed to making a positive impact on a global scale. With a network of 1,200 skilled voluntary experts, we collaborate with ambitious entrepreneurs in 26 countries and 12 programmes, sharing expertise to strengthen business ecosystems and create economic, social, and environmental value. We work closely with small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as the organisations that support them. We believe in the power of collaboration and in the magic that happens when diverse perspectives come together; Together we grow!

As programme manager you will be part of the programmes department, consisting of 12 programme managers and led by the head of programmes. You are responsible for developing programme strategies aligned with organisational goals and partnerships opportunities, building a strong expert community, and ensuring projects are delivered successfully with lasting impact. You will translate client requests into clear project proposals, enabling effective matching between clients and experts, in close collaboration with our in-country managers and their team of representatives. Your daily activities will be varied and challenging:

• You develop and guide programme plans with clear propositions to strengthen sustainable and resilient field crops and beekeeping ecosystems, ensuring alignment with PUM’s goals and evolving priorities, including partnership development.

• You monitor programme developments and trends, anticipate future demand, and proactively position experts.

• You assess project requests, distinguishing between specialised technical needs and general business support, in consultation with the in-country managers.

• You translate client requests into actionable project proposals and ensure a strong match between client needs and expert skills.

• You are an ambassador for diversity, growing a strong and inclusive expert community and ensuring the right expertise is ready to meet future needs.

• You manage programme data and knowledge, capturing insights and sharing them across projects and the expert community to maximise impact and learning.

• You coordinate project planning, manage data to support efficient delivery, and contribute as a key stakeholder by leveraging your knowledge and network to support the identification and mapping of strategic partnerships.

• You ensure compliance with organisational policies and objectives in all projects.

As programme manager Field Crops and Beekeeping you understand the full field crops chain, from plant breeding and seed production to cultivation, harvesting, storage and market access. You are familiar with themes such as efficient water and soil nutrient management, integrated crop protection, apiculture and the responsible use and reduction of chemical inputs. Within beekeeping you understand the value of beekeeping as a complementary agricultural practice and understand how it supports pollination, biodiversity, income diversification, and rural entrepreneurship.

• You are a proactive, hands-on and strategic thinker with a Bachelor’s or Master’s working and thinking level.

• You bring 10 years of experience and/or a strong affinity with field crops and beekeeping, combined with a relevant network and a strong understanding of strategy and business planning, including management, marketing, finance and operations.

• You have a background in programme management and team leadership; experience working with volunteers is considered a plus.

• You understand the business realities faced by SMEs and small-scale farmers operating in diverse and often challenging environments.

• You thrive as a team player, using strong intercultural communication skills to work effectively with a diverse, international group of colleagues.

• You thrive in an organisation in growth and transition and enjoy contributing to further professionalisation.

• You are data-driven, with a strong focus on impact, quality and results, and are comfortable using digital tools, including Microsoft 365 and Dynamics.

• You are fluent in English; French or Spanish is an advantage.

• You are available for 37,5 hours per week (1 FTE).

Becoming a programme manager at PUM isn’t just a career move; it’s a chance to drive meaningful change. Working at a volunteer organisation like PUM offers extra fulfilment. In addition to the benefits mentioned, here’s what else awaits you: