Job Description

Job description

IDH is implementing a two-year pilot program in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation in South Africa. We are excited to be searching for a proactive and pragmatic Program Manager with an interest to join our team, and we hope it's you! The two-year pilot program started in 2025; t

his is therefore a short-

term contract until 31 December 2026.

Your role.

As Program Manager you will support the technical, agronomical and business development aspects of the program and oversee the implementation and management of various programs with SMEs and emerging farmers in South Africa that are supplying FMCG companies and other off takers in the Southern African Food Systems Transformation. Ultimately, you will ensure projects are implemented accordingly to achieve the targets that have been agreed with IDH's partners.

Key Responsibilities:

Work in partnership with off-takers, SMEs and small holder farmers setting up projects to be implemented according to the agreement. Lead the design, development, execution of program strategies, activities, with a strong focus on creating work opportunities for young women and technical, knowledge transformation. Oversee technical work (agronomy, commercial supply chain development), ensuring alignment, delivery on impact and pilot goals. Provide business advisory and develop technical guidelines for SMEs and farmers and solutions to meet specific program requirements. Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring efficient and effective program delivery according to IDH requirement. Manage budgets, monitor financial performance, and ensure compliance with financial and administrative policies. Ensure timely and accurate reporting of program activities and outcomes of program and implemented projects. Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including SMEs, FMCG's, processors, SMEs, farmers and farmer organizations, inputs suppliers, and service providers. Support the convening of working groups under the Southern African Food Systems transformation Alliance. Drive innovation in program approaches, specifically relating to agronomy and supply chain solutions.

Who you are:

You have at least five years' experience of commercial agriculture supply chain development especially working with SMEs and small holder farmers. You have a solid experience of the emerging agriculture sector in South Africa, a practical, results-oriented professional who excels at balancing multiple priorities and managing diverse tasks in fast-paced, dynamic environments.

Your exceptional planning and organising skills allow you to maintain structure and clarity, even in complex stakeholder environments. You ensure effective coordination and communication among various groups, fostering alignment and collaboration. With strong social versatility, you easily build relationships and adapt to different personalities, perspectives, and interests, ensuring smooth interactions and productive outcomes.

What you bring:

Bachelor's degree and/or relevant accreditations in agronomy and supply chain development as well as management. Fluent in English writing and verbal communication. You must be a citizen of South Africa or with a permanent resident and work permit. At least five years of relevant experience as an agronomist and/or in supply chain management positions, with exposure to development programs in agriculture. Proven track record in program management/ managing portfolio of projects especially in FMCG's and food processing companies in Africa. Proven track record in agriculture stakeholder management and building international partnerships. Strong understanding of sustainable agriculture development, natural resource management, and related frameworks. Excellent convening, facilitation, and negotiation skills, with the ability to work across different cultures. Willingness to travel frequently within South Africa and occasionally travel in and outside of Africa.

We offer you

A full-time (40 hours) until the end of 2026.

As an employee of IDH, you will be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including:

13th month salary (base monthly salary excluding any additional allowances) Monthly travel allowance with rate of ZAR 4.84 per km Communication allowance of ZAR 2,000 if the company device (i.e. phone) is not provided Pension scheme employer and employee contribution (percentages to be detailed at a later date) Contribution to health insurance plan 6 weeks Remote Working per year (based on full time contract). Provision of a company laptop.

Interested?

Would you like to apply? Click the Button or follow this link and submit your application in English. We encourage applicants to respond before 25/01/2026. In the event that the right applicant is found, the application link may be closed earlier. Important note: In order to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), we do not proceed your applications via email/ LinkedIn with attached CVs, and motivational letters. We kindly request that you submit your application link shared as above. This process ensures that we can review your application while safeguarding your personal information in accordance with GDPR regulations. For the successful candidate, a certificate of conduct (verklaring omtrent gedrag) is required to submit as a part of IDH onboarding procedure. For more questions about the role and organisation, please contact Phat Nguyen at phatnguyen@idhtrade.org

Who we are.

IDH seeks to transform markets through collaborative innovation, convening and investment in inclusive and sustainable solutions that enable businesses to create value for people and planet. To achieve this, IDH brings together coalitions of committed stakeholders from across global value chains towards joint visions and program agendas for sustainable trade.


For more information, go to http://www.idhtrade.org or follow @IDHTrade on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Our commitment to safeguarding


The offer of the role will be made subject to receipt of satisfactory references, proof of relevant qualifications, identification checks and other safeguarding checks including background checks overseas (where appropriate). IDH also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants' previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.

At IDH, we're committed to equal employment opportunity, and we prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We strive to be a more equal opportunity workplace every day.