Program Coordinator

1. About Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA)
The Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) is an international non-governmental organization established in 1986 to advance sustainable agricultural development and food security across Africa. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, with a Strategic Partnership Office (SPO) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, SAA maintains country offices in Ethiopia, Mali, Nigeria, and Uganda. SAA supports Africa-led agricultural transformation by promoting resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems. Its work focuses on practical, innovative, and scalable agricultural extension models that bridge research and smallholder practice; capacity development for frontline extension agents and farmers; and integrated value-chain development that connects production to markets. Building nearly four decades of experience —SAA works closely with national and international research and extension systems, universities, the private sector, civil society, farmer associations, and development partners. Together, these partnerships aim to enhance productivity, profitability, and resilience, with a special focus on empowering women and youth in agriculture.

2. Position Overview and Objective
The Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) is expanding its footprint into Senegal. The organization seeks to engage a highly motivated and qualified Program Coordinator to support the establishment of SAA’s operations and country presence. The coordinator will play a central role in coordinating institutional and operational start-up activities, facilitating engagement with key stakeholders, and ensuring effective administrative and communication processes. Working closely with SAA’s Strategic Partnership Office (SPO) and Headquarters teams, the coordinator will lead efforts related to office set-up, liaison with government ministries and partner institutions, documentation and reporting, and bilingual communication support (English/French).
The overarching objective of this consultancy is to ensure the smooth and timely establishment of SAA’s institutional presence in Senegal, strengthen relationships with government and development partners, and lay the groundwork for future program implementation aligned with SAA’s mission to promote Africa-led agricultural transformation and resilient food systems.

3. Scope of Work and Key Responsibilities
The key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

A. Stakeholder Engagement and MoU Follow-up:

• Serve as the primary liaison between SAA and relevant ministries, public institutions, and development partners to facilitate the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and related agreements.
• Coordinate and schedule meetings between SAA leadership and government representatives, ensuring timely follow-up on agreed actions.
• Document, compile, and report progress related to MoU follow-up, stakeholder interactions, and institutional coordination.
• Plan and organize a stakeholder consultation workshop in collaboration with SAA to introduce the organization’s mission, build partnerships, and promote alignment with national agricultural priorities.

B. Office Establishment and Operational Setup

• Identify and assess potential office premises, evaluating suitability, accessibility, cost, and availability of essential services.
• Support logistical and administrative arrangements for setting up the SAA Senegal office, including procurement of furniture, utilities, communication services, and office registration processes.
• Facilitate coordination with SAA’s administrative and finance teams to ensure compliance with local regulatory requirements, including support for the establishment of a local bank account and related documentation.
• Maintain regular communication with SAA’s SPO and HQ to ensure operational readiness and adherence to SAA’s policies and standards.

C. Information Collection, Analysis, and Reporting

• Collect and synthesize key information on Senegal’s agricultural development policies, institutions, programs, and potential partners.
• Develop concise reports and briefing notes to inform SAA’s strategic planning, partnership engagement, and decision-making.
• Support the preparation of documentation required for the official registration and operationalization of SAA in Senegal.
• Contribute to the development of an institutional database of key stakeholders, potential collaborators, and sectoral opportunities.

D. Translation and Communication Support

• Provide accurate written translation (English ↔ French) of official correspondence, reports, and other key documents.
• Offer oral interpretation (English ↔ French) during meetings, official engagements, and field visits.
• Ensure effective and culturally appropriate communication between SAA, Senegalese partners, and government officials.
• Support the preparation of communications materials, briefs, and documentation to raise SAA’s visibility among national stakeholders.

4. Expected Deliverables:
The coordinator will be expected to produce the following deliverables during the contract period:

• Monthly Activity and Progress Reports summarizing tasks accomplished, issues encountered, and recommendations for next steps.
• MoU Follow-up and Stakeholder Engagement Reports capturing meeting outcomes, progress made, and pending actions.
• Office Establishment Progress Report outlining milestones achieved, challenges, and recommendations for completion.
• Stakeholder and Institutional Database summarizing key agricultural actors, potential partners, and areas of collaboration.
• Translated and Interpreted Documents/Communications (English ↔ French) delivered as required throughout the assignment.

5. Duration and Level of Effort
The consultancy will be conducted over a one-year period (February 1, 2026 – January 31, 2027) on a part-time basis. The anticipated level of effort is up to three (3) working days per week, equivalent to approximately twelve (12) working days per month. The daily rate will apply to each full working day of approved work. The coordinator will be expected to operate primarily from Dakar, Senegal, with occasional local travel as required for official meetings, field visits, or coordination activities. Work arrangements will remain flexible, balancing on-site presence with remote engagement when appropriate and agreed upon by SAA. Throughout the consultancy, the coordinator will maintain close coordination with the Strategic Partnership Office (SPO) and Headquarters teams, providing regular updates and deliverables in accordance with agreed timelines. Contract extension beyond the initial one-year period may be considered based on performance, program needs, and funding availability.

6. Required Qualifications and Experience
The ideal candidate will possess a strong combination of technical expertise, coordination experience, and communication skills, with the ability to operate effectively in a multi-stakeholder, bilingual environment.

7. Minimum requirements include:

• A Master’s degree or higher in Agriculture (e.g. Agriculture Extension and Rural development, Agronomy, Agribusiness, Agriculture Economics, Horticulture, Soil Science, Biological Systems Engineering, Agriculture Communication) or related fields.
• At least five (5) years of relevant professional experience in project coordination, stakeholder engagement, capacity building or program administration within international, governmental, or development organizations.
• Demonstrated experience in agricultural development, rural livelihoods, or related sectors, particularly within the Senegalese or broader African context.
• Proven ability to coordinate multi-institutional initiatives, organize high-level meetings, and maintain constructive relationships with government agencies, donors, and implementing partners.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to draft clear, concise, and professional correspondence and reports.
• Fluency in both French and English is essential; and familiarity with Senegal’s agricultural policies, institutions, and development landscape are strong assets.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated capacity to work independently, manage competing priorities, and deliver high-quality outputs within tight timelines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and online communication and collaboration tools.
• Must be legally authorized to work in Senegal for the duration of the consultancy.

8. Reporting and Supervision
The coordinator will report directly to the Director, Strategic Partnership Office (SPO) of the Sasakawa Africa Association. Operational guidance and administrative oversight will be provided jointly by the Head of Administration (SPO) and the Administration Manager (HQ), in coordination with the SAA Headquarters team in Tokyo.

The coordinator will be expected to:

• Maintain regular communication with the SPO and HQ teams to provide progress updates and discuss challenges or emerging opportunities.
• Participate in coordination meetings as required.
• Submit periodic reports and deliverables in line with agreed timelines and quality standards.

9. Payment Terms

• This is a part-time consultancy remunerated monthly at an agreed daily rate, based on twelve (12) working days per month. The monthly fee will be calculated as:,
  Agreed Daily Rate × 12 days per month.
  Any deviation from this arrangement must be agreed in writing in advance by SAA.
• Invoicing & Documentation: Payment will be made monthly upon (i) submission of an invoice, (ii) timesheet indicating days worked, and (iii) approval of satisfactory deliverables by SAA.
• Taxes & Statutory Obligations: The coordinator is responsible for all applicable taxes, social charges, and statutory obligations under Senegalese law.
• Currency & Method of Payment: Fees may be paid in FCFA or USD (as agreed at contract signature) via bank transfer to the coordinator’s designated account. The coordinator is responsible for any bank charges at their end.
• Withholding & Compliance: SAA reserves the right to withhold payment for incomplete or unsatisfactory deliverables until rectified, and to offset any verified overpayments or advances against subsequent invoices.
• Insurance: The coordinator is responsible for their own health, accident, and personal liability insurance for the duration of the contract.

How to apply

Application Procedure
Interested candidates should email the following to saa-recruit@saa-safe.org by December 1, 2025:

• Cover letter outlining relevant experience.
• Detailed CV.
• Proposed daily rate (in FCFA or USD).
• Contact information for at least two professional referees.
• Copies of any English and French language proficiency certificates (if available).

Email subject line: Program Coordinator (Consultant) – Dakar
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Selection Process:

• Shortlisting will be based on demonstrated experience, sector fit (agricultural development/coordination), bilingual capability, and proposed daily rate.
• Interviews (virtual or in-person) may include a brief practical exercise and language assessment (French/English).
• Reference checks will be conducted prior to award. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• SAA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women.