Program Area Manager - Magu, Mwanza- Tanzania

Program Area Manager based in Magu, Mwanza

ROLE PURPOSE

The Program Area Manager (PAM) is responsible and accountable for the effective and efficient leadership of TREES' Program Area (PA) through the provision of day-to-day programmatic and operational leadership across the region. S/he will be expected to provide strategic leadership in the overall implementation of the PA Long Term Plans in the assigned regions in accordance with TREES' Strategic Plan, while ensuring the functionality of the PA operations. This would be demonstrated in undertaking responsibilities which include: planning and leading the implementation of projects that focuses and benefiting the small holder farmers; providing operational support to the project implementation staff to ensure timely provision and effective utilization of TREES’ resources for the benefit of the targeted participants; strengthening and promoting effective communication with the Country Office (CO) on all operational support deemed necessary for efficient project delivery and risks identified and put forward appropriate mitigation plan; and establish a good working relationship and influencing decision makers at both the regional and the districts Local Government Authorities. This position reports to the Senior Manager Field Programs.

DIMENSIONS OF THE ROLE

• Establish, guide, direct and oversee PA annual plans and budget to advance the mission and objectives of TREES and promote sustainability and growth of the TREES in line with the Country Strategic Plans
• Communicate and supervise the adherence to TREES global policies.
• Drive operational excellence by ensuring appropriate best practices, processes and technologies are in place.
• Always drive compliance to TREES’ values and ensure remedial action is taken where necessary.
• Establish and manage a very effective PA management systems and structures for effective program delivery.
• Review PA plans and strategy regularly, proactively assess future needs and perform sustainability forecasts to ensure relevance and appropriateness of projects.
• Identify and address challenges and opportunities central to PA success timeously and cascade critical issues to the highest levels.
• Oversee the implementation of effective Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) systems aligned to agreed standards for quality program management.
• Oversee the establishment of corrective measures and improvement plans where standards are not met.
• Lead by example in organizational ethics and morals, and take strong action against non-adherence to values, ethics and codes.
• Present plans, reports and proposals at annual planning meetings and ensure that management decisions/resolutions are translated into clear actions.
• Support the development of PA staff through various capacity development initiatives, mentoring and coaching and effective delegation.
• Responsible for all strategic reports at the PA and ensure they are at agreed quality and standards and are aligned to strategic plans.
• Support direct subordinates in the development of their annual Key Performance Indicators (KPI) and monitor their performance through providing regular feedback. 
• Lead and build a high-performance and successful team in a multi-cultural setting.
• Directly supervise staff at the PA level.

ACCOUNTABILITIES 

Staff Management and Development

• Set medium to long-term goals and objectives for subordinates and actively monitor progress in achieving objectives.
• Work with People and Culture (P&C) on the recruitment, orientation, performance management and ongoing development of PA staff.
• Develop and maintain a high-performance team and regularly evaluate performance of subordinates to ensure functional objectives are met or exceeded according to established policies and objectives.
• Assure stable employee relations by managing conflict and creating a positive working environment.
• Oversee workforce planning to ensure the team is suitably staffed to meet objectives considering various internal and external factors.
• Ensure work ethics is of such a nature that employees continuously strive towards improving their own performance.
• Provide technical assistance as and when needed, with the support of the P&C Manager.
• Ensure that the organizational culture is maintained and that employees live the values of TREES.
• Create a conducive working environment in which people are motivated, respected, valued and managed well to realize their potential and development
• Ensure that all staff have knowledge and understand TREES policies, processes, standards and systems.

Strategic Leadership

• Strong, influential, and confident manager able to spur confidence in the organisation
• Identify skill gaps, suggest capacity building and develop staff development plans
• Provide strategic leadership to the PA program operations:
• Enhance team performance through learning exchange visits internally
• Build motivated and high performing team

Strategic Program Management

• Operationalize the strategy through annual and quarterly plans (including budget planning) for the PA, undertake quarterly participatory review of the plans and budget and share quarterly report.
• Closely support and monitor project staff to deliver project activities and utilize the budget in a timely manner.
• Lead PA level Project Internal Review (PIR) meetings and support the development of adjusted work plans and realignment of budgets in a timely manner.
• Ensure that PMEL data are uploaded regularly,
• Ensure procurement plans and cash forecasts are prepared and utilized efficiently
• Work with project staff to ensure quality and timely reporting of both mandatory and ad hoc reports, regardless of funding source.

Strategic Partnership Management

• Establish and manage relevant strategic partnerships and relationships with regional stakeholders focusing on the agriculture, and environments that will support in achieving strategic objectives.
• Develop and maintain a positive organizational image in the region to ensure positive response to, perception and trust of the TREES.
• Maintain and strengthen existing and new partnerships with government counterparts, and other relevant development organizations in both the region and district levels.
• Represent TREES in all regions and district stakeholders’ meetings and forums to foster external relations

Program Sustainability

• Oversee the development and implementation of realistic interventions that support the needs of the targeted participants.
• Develop contingency plans in conjunction with key stakeholders to ensure long-term sustainability.
• Drive the creation of sustainable interventions to ensure achievement of strategic targets.
• Enhance effective participation of communities and stakeholders in program activities

Financial and Budget Management

• Evaluate financial trends and ratios and manage the PA’s expenditure within the approved budget to ensure effective cost control.
• Review management and financial reporting and statements to determine progress and status in attaining objectives.
• Oversee the sound management of all resources, and full compliance financial policy
• Oversee and manage an efficient flow of funds to the projects.
• Prepare timely and accurate PA monthly budgets request in-line with approved annual budget
• Manage and monitor the adherence to internal control systems

Innovation and Change Management

• Evaluate the need for change and transformation initiatives in anticipation of the global and CO priorities.
• Initiate, lead, authorize and drive initiatives aimed at optimizing program and operations, improving service delivery and reducing unnecessary costs.
• Propose and present new innovative ideas and identify opportunities to leverage from partners and other networks.

WHO ARE YOU.

• An enthusiastic advocate for TREES’ mission and values. You are passionate about improving livelihoods through agroforestry. You center farmers in every decision, ensuring projects drive real impact for communities and the environment.
• You are a strong and capable technical trainer. You demonstrate strong leadership by designing and delivering comprehensive training programs for field staff on all communications and advocacy systems and applications, and ensuring they are proficient.
• You are a communication ninja. Your strong communication skills and relationship-building abilities make you an effective team member who shares information. 

• A detail-oriented executor with a systems mindset. You understand what details matter, and you get them right. You look for ways to make systems simple, efficient, and user-friendly. You can turn a vision into tactical next steps.  

• An adept problem solver. You overcome obstacles in your work by identifying them, adapting to new information, and proactively devising solutions. You take action before being asked and hold yourself accountable for the goals you set.  

• A multi-functional professional: As a versatile professional, you possess a unique blend of skills that allows you to craft engaging narratives, capture stunning high-resolution photographs, and efficiently coordinate and manage events from start to finish. This diverse skill set establishes you as a dependable partner in any project or collaboration.  

• Very creative and think outside the box: Your creativity knows no bounds; you have a remarkable talent for transforming abstract concepts into tangible outcomes. Your innovative thinking and ability to approach challenges from unconventional angles help you bring ideas to life in captivating, impactful ways. 

• Persuasive and able to work in different cultural settings: Skilled in persuasion and demonstrating social dynamics and communication styles unique to each culture. This ability enhances collaboration and fosters meaningful connections across different backgrounds. 

REQUIREMENTS

• Post-graduate degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, agriculture or a similar field
• At least 5 - 10 years’ experience in agricultural development work at miD to senior management and leadership positions; experience in Agroforestry is an added advantage
• Solid understanding and knowledge of policies and strategies relating to Agroforestry, sustainable food systems, and climate change
• Ability to communicate effectively and authoritatively on area of expertise, and influence others to reach common goals. 
• Demonstrated experience of operational and programming processes, systems and principles,
• Excellent report writing, analytical, and communication skills, including oral presentation skills.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to quickly adapt technical guidance to any given operating environment.
• Experience managing staff, including demonstrated experience in staff training, coaching and mentoring.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Skills and knowledge in managing carbon credit projects
• Ability to multitask and work under pressure with minimal supervision
• Knowledge and experience with results-based management tools and reporting processes,
• Strong program management and team-building
• Advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to teamwork and a value-driven work environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND BENEFITS  

TREES is an International Organization that strives to be the best home for staff wanting to make an impact on the farmers we serve. We believe that the diversity of our staff contributes to excellence. TREES values collaboration and teamwork that foster increased engagement and innovation for professional growth.  

We offer a multicultural, collegial work environment with a competitive salary, comprehensive medical insurance, workers' compensation, and substantial paid time off, including annual leave and sick leave. 

APPLY 

If this opportunity speaks to you, please apply with 1) a cover letter that explains why TREES’ work excites you and why this role is a fit for you; and 2) your resume. Submit your application by November 19th, 2026.  Ensure that both documents are shared as PDF documents. We review applications on a rolling basis.  

Trees for the Future is an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, or other characteristics or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.  

We embrace and value diverse skill sets and backgrounds. We are a community of leaders who are proud to represent many different national, racial, ethnic, socio-economic, religious, gender, and other identities. Our diversity as a community is our strength, driving our ability to be empathetic, visionary, and effective leaders. 

Due to the high volume of applications received, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. 

WHO WE ARE

Founded in 1989, Trees for the Future (TREES) is a nonprofit that partners with farmers in Africa to transform their degraded land into thriving businesses. Using regenerative farming practices, farmers plant diverse crops that restore soil, increase food variety, capture carbon, increase biodiversity, and generate income for their families. TREES has restored more than 100,000 acres of land and improved access to food and income for more than 475,000 people so far.

At TREES, we are committed to empowering farming families through sustainable land management practices that restore degraded landscapes, strengthen climate resilience, improve food security, and create sustainable livelihoods. Our work is grounded in the belief that farmers are at the centre of building healthy ecosystems, resilient communities, and thriving local economies.

TREES began operations in Tanzania in 2015 and reached across five key regions in mainland Tanzania; Mwanza, Simiyu, Singida, Tabora and Iringa. To date, TREES has collaborated with the government and farming communities across 11 District Councils, supporting households with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to adopt sustainable agricultural and environmental practices.

Applicants must be legally authorised to work in Tanzania.

Learn more at trees.org.