COLEAD

Discussion

Project Manager - Training

COLEAD is a non-profit interprofessional association founded in 1973 whose main purpose is to facilitate and implement all actions that directly and/or indirectly increase the contribution of the agri-food sector to the achievement of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).


COLEAD manages development projects in the agricultural and food sector in low and low-middle income countries, financed by donors (mainly the European Union).

In December 2025, COLEAD signed a grant contract with the European Union Delegation in The Gambia to implement the SPRING programme, in line with the priorities of the EU Global Gateway strategy and the Multi-Annual Indicative Programme (MIP).

As part of the implementation of its new programme SPRING – Sustainable Production for Resilient and Inclusive New Generations, COLEAD is seeking a Project Manager to support the delivery of this ambitious five-year initiative in The Gambia.

About SPRING

The Gambian horticultural sector is a strategic driver of economic growth, food security and decent employment. However, the sector continues to face challenges related to low productivity, limited compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) requirements, unsustainable production practices and restricted market access, particularly affecting women, youth and vulnerable groups.

The overall objective of SPRING is to strengthen the contribution of the Gambian horticultural sector to economic growth, food security and nutrition by accelerating a resilient, market-driven and people-centred agroecological transition.


Position

The Project Manager will be based in the Gambia and will work closely with COLEAD's programme management teams in Brussels, Nairobi and other regional offices, as well as with national stakeholders and programme partners.

The Project Manager will contribute to the effective implementation, coordination, monitoring and reporting of programme activities, ensuring that expected results are delivered on time, within budget and in accordance with COLEAD and donor procedures.

More specifically, you will:

  • Manage the planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of training and capacity-building activities under the SPRING programme, in line with annual work plans, budgets and programme objectives;
  • Ensure the quality and timely delivery of training activities, including face-to-face, blended and online learning interventions, in close collaboration with COLEAD's Training Department and programme teams;
  • Coordinate the selection and contractualisation of experts, trainers, training centres and other service providers in accordance with COLEAD and donor procedures;
  • Coordinate the selection and participation of beneficiaries, including MSMEs, producer organisations, public institutions, research centres and other stakeholders of the Gambian horticultural sector;
  • Contribute to the development, adaptation, digitalisation and continuous improvement of training materials, learning resources and capacity-building tools;
  • Support the management and follow-up of learners and trainers through COLEAD's digital learning platforms;
  • Maintain effective working relationships with programme partners and stakeholders to support programme implementation, provide technical guidance and foster collaboration;
  • Contribute to monitoring, evaluation and reporting activities, including the collection and analysis of training data, indicators and programme results;
  • Ensure the administrative and financial follow-up of training activities, including verification of supporting documents, contracts and invoices;
  • Provide relevant technical information on capacity-building needs and developments within the Gambian horticultural sector in collaboration with COLEAD's technical and communication teams.

You may also be requested to:

  • Participate as technical resource or expert in working groups involving other COLEAD departments and programmes;
  • Contribute to procurement and tendering processes for the selection of external service providers;
  • Support audits, evaluations and programme reviews related to training activities;
  • Participate in relevant technical, institutional and policy events organised within the framework of the SPRING programme;
  • Contribute to communication, visibility and knowledge-sharing activities implemented by COLEAD.

Requirements

  • University degree in agriculture, horticulture, agribusiness, food systems, nutrition, public health nutrition, agricultural economics, rural development, project management, environmental sciences or a related field.
  • At least 5–10 years of relevant professional experience in the management and implementation of agricultural, horticultural, food system or rural development projects;
  • Experience working with donor-funded programmes, preferably financed by the European Union or other international development partners;
  • Good knowledge of agricultural value chains, private sector development and market systems approaches;
  • Experience or demonstrated interest in nutrition-sensitive agriculture, food systems ( in particular SPS compliance, agroecology, food safety, climate resilience, or sustainable agriculture) and nutrition-related capacity development is an asset.
  • Experience in the design or delivery of training and awareness programmes related to nutrition, healthy diets, SBCC (Social and Behaviour Change Communication) or food and nutrition security would be an advantage.
  • Strong project management, planning, coordination and reporting skills;
  • Excellent analytical, organisational and communication skills;
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital collaboration tools;
  • Excellent command of English, both written and spoken.

Personal competencies

  • Strong interpersonal and networking skills;
  • Results-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities;
  • Proactive and solution-focused approach;
  • Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a multicultural team;
  • High level of integrity, professionalism and accountability.

Benefits

This is a full-time role based in Banjul, offered under an independent consultancy agreement for an initial period of one (1) year, with the possibility of renewal.

You will be based in The Gambia, but with regular travel within the country and occasional travel in the region and internationally as required.
The position is to be filled as soon as possible.

We offer a competitive remuneration package aligned with market standards and reflective of the candidate’s experience and qualifications.

Joining COLEAD means becoming part of a multicultural and committed team working to promote sustainable and inclusive agri-food systems. COLEAD's values are commitment, diversity, humanity, performance and continuous improvement.

To apply, please send your CV + cover letter + references by Friday 31st of July 2026.


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