Program Specialist - Land O'Lakes Inc.

The Program Management Specialist will support Venture37 international development projects in agriculture and agriculture-related enterprise development. This position will provide a wide range of support including operational, administrative, financial, and programmatic implementation that is tailored to project needs and spans project start up through closeout. This position may also support new business initiatives by serving in proposal coordination, research and writing roles. The position works as part of a support team and also collaborates closely with other key staff on assigned projects. Up to 25% international travel is required.

Project Support (70%)

• Provide direct project support to assigned projects, tailoring type and the level of support to project needs.
• Support project implementation teams to facilitate the successful start-up, implementation and close-down of Venture37 international projects.
• Track program deliverables such as quarterly and annual reports, annual work plans, final reports, budget accrual and pipeline analyses.
• Review monthly internal progress reports and review spending status on a monthly basis.
• In collaboration with Chiefs of Party, coordinate, and schedule monthly program review meetings.
• Monitor progress against project output and assist project leadership to implement action steps to achieve objectives and facilitate resolution of project issues.
• Coordinate, review and assist in timely submission of quarterly/semiannual reports, and other project deliverables. Assist with editing when necessary to result in quality submissions.
• Work with the project management team to communicate project successes through communications pieces such as success stories, blogs, updating past performance reports, flyers and corporate capability statements.
• Supports project teams in recruitment and procurement of services, equipment and supplies to meet project's needs in alignment with organizational policies.

• Contribute to one or more on-going strategic projects to advance the quality of Venture37 projects, the capability of our teams and/or the improvement of our processes as assigned.

• Serve on proposal development teams to capture new business and projects.
• As assigned, serve in coordination, research and writing roles during live bids.

Required Experience/Knowledge (to be able to perform this job):

• Bachelors degree in International Development, Agriculture, Business, Finance, Economics or a related field;
• Minimum two years relevant work experience;
• Strong written communication skills;
• Demonstrated interest in international development issues;
• Demonstrated leadership, ethics, and sound judgment, both independently and as part of a team;
• Ability to work independently, maintain maturity and patience, interpret and implement company policy, and adjust quickly to change in fast-paced, multicultural team environment;
• Experience with MS Office Products with the ability to learn additional software packages;
• Superb communication skills (written and verbal), fluent in English, active listener, customer focused, and unquestionable ethics and values;
• Must have strong collaboration and facilitation skills as well as demonstrated ability to exercise judgment and discretion in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with all levels of employees in multi-country and multi-cultural settings;
• Project management experience and ability to coordinate multiple activities in support of several projects at the same time;
• Must have excellent organizational skills with an emphasis on attention to detail and accurate record keeping.

Preferred Experience/Knowledge:

• Master's degree in a relevant field;
• Direct experience working on a USAID, USDA or other large donor funded project;
• Prior volunteer recruitment and mobilization experience;
• Experience using recruitment databases and systems and LinkedIn;
• Fluency in a second language; French, Spanish or Arabic strongly desired.

About Land O'Lakes, Inc.

Join us and be part of a Fortune 250, farmer- and member-owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food. We have been named a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and to the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list.

We provide a broad portfolio of benefits to keep you and your family at your best. Land O'Lakes is Where Your Future Takes Root.

Land O'Lakes, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) M/F/Vets/Disabled. The company maintains a drug-free workforce, including post-employment substance abuse testing pursuant to a Drug and Alcohol Policy.

Neither Land O'Lakes, nor its search firms, will ever contact you and ask for confidential information over the phone or in email. If you receive a call or email like this, please do not provide the information being requested.