CERD is dedicated to supporting the sustainable development of rural communities with a strong focus on green economy, environmental protection and the promotion of various ecological production systems in agriculture. We believe that rural communities deserve special attention, which is why our motto reads: Rural is IN!
CERD is now searching for a committed, reliable, dynamic individual who is ready to take full leadership within our organization as a Program Director. We look forward to welcoming a new and motivated leader who is enthusiastic about sustainable and rural development, connections with nature, and has a strong sense for environmental protection and organic agriculture. Apply until February 7th, 2025 and compete for this unique job opportunity.
Location: Village Krnete, Laktaši, 25 kilometers from Banja Luka, transportation provided
Position Title: Program Director (senior position)
Classification: This is a negotiable full-time or part time position (with a three-month probation period). Flexible working arrangements are possible.
Language Requirements: Excellent command of written and spoken English and B/H/S
Supervisor: Executive Director during the initial stage with possible transitioning to independent top management position reporting directly to the highest governing body
Starting date: Preferably by the end of February 2025
Duration of engagement: The position is offered initially until the end of 2025, with a possible extension, subject to the availability of funding.
CERD in Brief:
The Center for Economic and Rural Development (CERD) is a developmental NGO based in the village of Krnete in the Laktaši municipality. CERD focuses on its beneficiaries, who rely on their work and aim to create value for future generations. By collaborating with other organizations active in rural areas, CERD creates a network of stakeholders and fosters synergy among them.
CERD collaborates with various stakeholder groups, including local rural groups (producer associations, cooperatives, women’s groups, youth organizations, small local NGOs, community associations), local authorities, and relevant policy and decision-making bodies as well as vast partners’ networks in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Western Balkan region and Europe which are active in similar area of interest as our organization.
To better serve its primary target group, CERD relocated its headquarters from Banja Luka to the rural area in the village of Krnete, where it rehabilitated an old, abandoned school building and transformed it into its office and a modern Rural Educational Center. Surrounding this Center, CERD acquired and leased agricultural land to establish its organic (ecological) farm. This farm and the protected trademark brand Domestica®, owned by CERD, serve as platforms for local economic development in rural communities through capacity building and promoting organic agriculture. To pursue commercial activities and improve its sustainability prospects, CERD established a social enterprise called Marketing and Export Center (MEC d.o.o.).
Through its projects, CERD focuses on partnerships and networking with various stakeholders to represent the interests of the rural population and advocate for their rights. CERD is a founding member of the Rural Development Network in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The organization also collaborates with many similar organizations active in the rural development sector in the Western Balkans and Europe.
Context:
The Program Director will have the authority to lead and oversee all of CERD’s activities and projects. Under the guidance of the Executive Director, the Program Director will assume overall responsibility for planning, executing, and overseeing the organization’s projects and initiatives. This includes coordinating with other cooperation units such as the financial and administration department and other implementation team members.
The Program Director will be responsible for ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with CERD’s strategic goals. The Program Director will manage and coordinate activities in multi-project environments, serve as a point of contact for donors, partners, and project staff, and establish and maintain effective communication and coordination structures for activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina and other targeted regions. The Program Director will also handle all project reporting, including Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), and work on promoting the organization and its projects through social and other media channels.
Core Functions/Responsibilities:
- Assume overall leadership and management of CERD’s portfolio of projects, including planning, organizing, and implementing activities.
- Develop new project ideas, design projects, write proposals, and contribute to strategic planning.
- Develop strong working relationships with partners, beneficiaries, donors, and other stakeholders to ensure further development and that current projects achieve desired results.
- Conduct monitoring and evaluation, oversee data collection, and prepare narrative reports, communications materials, and other program documentation as per donors’ requirements.
- Represent CERD at various events and promote its activities among stakeholders through various channels and media outlets, including taking adequate photos and writing of articles and posts for web page, social media (FB, Instagram, Linkedin…).
- Establish coordination and communication with internal and external parties, including donors and partners, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and proper formatting in communication.
- Organize and conduct presentations and workshops on relevant subjects.
- Ensure gender equality is mainstreamed throughout all activities and project implementations.
- Manage the tendering process for procurement of goods and services according to donors’ requirements.
- Oversee project budgets, create budget proposals, and monitor the local and regional environment for updates that could impact CERD’s activities.
- Demonstrate commitment to CERD’s Core Values and engage in Domestica farm operations and maintenance as necessary.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
- Minimum 7 years of programmatic and administrative management experience, preferably on international donor-funded projects.
- Strong organizational, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to think creatively, work independently, and manage projects from remote locations.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and social media platforms.
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience.
- Excellent communication skills and verbal and written fluency in English.
- Working knowledge of rural development, environmental protection, and social issues is an advantage.
Interested candidates should send their CV and letter of interest (Motivation Letter) to: office@cerd.ba by February 7, 2025.
CERD is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer, promoting equality and challenging discrimination. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. Flexible working options are available, and CERD offers opportunities for networking, learning, and development.