Project Officer at Strathmore Agri-Food Innovation Center (SAFIC)

JOB TITLE: Project Officer.
DEPARTMENT: Strathmore Agri-Food Innovation Center (SAFIC).
REPORTING TO: Community of Practise Manager.

PROJECT SUMMARY:
SAFIC, a center of excellence within Strathmore University Business School (SBS), empowers agri-food innovations and supports the scaling of food systems across Africa. Its mission is to transform the agri-food sector and drive innovation in strategic areas. The Center is building a vibrant ecosystem of collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing by fostering partnerships and networks across Africa.

By embracing cutting-edge technologies, data-driven insights, and interdisciplinary approaches, SAFIC significantly contributes to Africa’s journey towards food security, sustainable development, and economic prosperity. Through knowledge transfer and capacity building, local stakeholders are equipped with the skills and expertise to implement innovative practices using advanced technologies. The Center promotes a spirit of co-creation to develop collective
solutions.

JOB PURPOSE:

The Project Officer is responsible for planning, coordinating, and monitoring project activities to ensure timely and effective implementation. This role involves developing work plans and risk management strategies, while providing operational and administrative support. The Project Officer will offer support in liaising with partners and stakeholders,
facilitating communication, capacity building, and compliance. Additionally, the position oversees project data collection, reporting, and documentation to ensure accurate progress tracking and knowledge management. The role requires strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills to drive successful project outcomes and maintain donor and institutional standards.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Project Planning and Coordination
• Coordinate project activities, including preparation of concept notes, funding proposals, development of detailed workplan, budgets and implementation plans.
• Develop project reporting templates aligned to partner workplans, budgets and donor reporting requirements and coordinate project partner onboarding and capacity strengthening around sub-grant agreements, reporting and compliance.
• Monitor project progress by tracking deliverables, milestones, timelines, and budgets, ensuring adherence to approved work plans.
• Maintain project risk register and monitor risks and apply mitigation strategies during project implementation.
• Provide operational and administrative support for project implementation by maintaining programme activity calendars, including logistical arrangements for programme events, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders.
2. Monitoring, Reporting and Documentation
• Support the implementation of the existing PMO framework, methodologies, and processes in alignment with organizational objectives and continuously evaluate processes and tools, driving improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Collect, compile, and analyze programme data and prepare regular progress reports for donors and senior management.
• Compile and consolidate project reports from implementing partners and from SAFIC teams ensuring timely, accurate and complete submission to contribute to the preparation of high-quality progress and final donor submissions.
• Maintain comprehensive project files, records, and documentation for effective knowledge management and reporting.
• Document and disseminate lessons learned, best practices, and success stories to inform future initiatives and strengthen institutional learning, while supporting the development of success stories and knowledge products.
• Coordinate external programme evaluations and audits with the relevant SAFIC teams.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
The post holder will be required to have and demonstrate evidence of the following qualifications, attributes, and skills:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Project Management, Public Policy, Agricultural Economics, Development Studies, Information Systems, or a related field.
• At least 3-5 years of progressive experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder development or technology-enabled projects.
• Demonstrated experience managing donor-funded projects, including work planning, budgeting, and reporting.
• Strong understanding of digital transformation, digital public infrastructure, or technology enabled service delivery in agriculture or development contexts.
• Proven experience coordinating government, private sector, and development partners.
• Professional certification in project management (PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent) is an added advantage.
• Experience in working with agricultural or socioeconomic data is an added advantage.

Key Competencies and Skills:
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills.
• Detail-oriented with a high commitment to data quality and accuracy.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a technical team.
• Good communication skills for presenting data insights.
• Proactive, organized, and able to manage multiple tasks.
• Commitment to ethical data practices and SAFIC’s mission to transform African agriculture.

If you are interested in the position and have the skills we are looking for, we would like to hear from you. Please forward an application letter together with a copy of your updated resume quoting ‘Project Officer’ to the People and Culture Manager, Strathmore University Business School, on careerssbs@strathmore.edu by end of the day (5.30 pm) Tuesday, 17th February 2026.

Due to the large number of applications we may receive, only the shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Please be advised that Strathmore University Business School is an equal opportunity employer and does NOT ask for money from applicants under any circumstances during its recruitment process. Interested applicants are encouraged to exercise caution upon receiving any such interview opportunity that requires payment of any money.