Project Manager

SNV is a global development partner, deeply rooted in the countries where we operate. We are driven by a vision of a better world: A world where across every society all people live with dignity and have equitable opportunities to thrive sustainably. To make this vision a reality, we need transformations in vital agri-food, energy, and water systems. SNV contributes by strengthening capacities and catalysing partnerships in these sectors. We help strengthen institutions and effective governance, reduce gender inequalities and barriers to social inclusion, and enable adaptation and mitigation to the climate and biodiversity crises.

Building on 60 years of experience we support our partners with our technical and process expertise and methodological rigour. We do this in more than 20 countries in Africa and Asia with a team of approximately 1,600 colleagues. By being adaptable and tailoring our approaches to these different contexts, we can contribute to impact at scale, resulting in more equitable lives for all.

Our core values of people-centeredness and respect, equity and equality, and diversity and inclusion, are fundamental to who we are, and what we do. This is reflected in our vision and mission, and strategy, which sets out our aspirations and commitments as our compass towards 2030.
 

We are currently looking for Project Manager, Full-time, based in Medan, North Sumatra to manage the implementation of Smallholder Regenerative Agriculture and Sustainable Palm Oil (HORAS) Hub Project.

The Project Manager leading the project implementation by following guided procedures and processes according to specific rules and donor compliance. The Project Manager leads and manages the project's planning, inception, implementation, closure, and workforce within the scope, budget, timeline, acceptable quality levels, and commitments specified in the contracts signed with the donor(s) and other relevant stakeholders.

Project Overview 

Limited capacity among smallholder farmers to adopt sustainable palm oil and regenerative agriculture practices continues to contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation. These challenges are compounded by weak institutional capacity and limited access to finance, constraining smallholders’ ability to develop effective Internal Control Systems (ICS) and comply with traceability requirements in the palm oil supply chain.

To address these issues, SNV and Unilever are collaborating through the HORAS Hub project, funded by Unilever, to promote a sustainable, inclusive, and traceable palm oil sector. The project establishes a Smallholder Hub that supports behavioural change among current and future farmers while strengthening sustainability practices and traceable sourcing.

Implemented from 2023–2028, the project aims to improve livelihoods, halt deforestation, and support land regeneration in North Sumatra. HORAS will deliver integrated services to around 20,000 smallholders across seven districts, including farmers, farmer groups, and cooperatives.

The HORAS Hub also functions as a multi-stakeholder platform involving local governments, mills, financial institutions, private sector actors, implementing partners, and farmer organisations. 

Key delivery:

Project set-up and design: The project management approach is clear and structured. All project team members understand their roles, responsibilities, and expected deliverables. The project is planned to be executed in compliance with relevant procedures and donor requirements.

Project Management: The project is implemented smoothly, timely, and highly quality. Risks are successfully managed, and relationships are effectively managed.

Project quality assurance: The project meets the technical product quality standard.

Contract Management & Project Accounting: Contractual commitments and project finance are managed, reported on time, and are compliant. All relevant stakeholders are fully informed and (if necessary) approval is obtained in case of deviation from the initial contract or budget.

People Management & Team Leadership: The project is staffed in a timely manner. SNV and local staff are qualified and motivated, and their performance is managed against project expectations.

Business development: Opportunities are utilised on time, and threats are recognised and countered promptly.

Analysis & Reporting: Consistent data and information are available and insightful. The Management and Project Support Office is always up to date.

Knowledge Development: Project insights and results documented, analysed, and improvements proposed. Contribution to business development processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead overall implementation of the HORAS project, ensuring delivery of project objectives across multiple districts in line with agreed workplans, budgets, and donor commitments.
• Manage and motivate a multidisciplinary project team, providing leadership, performance management, and coordination across advisors, district focal points, and partners.
• Oversee project planning, financial management, and donor compliance, ensuring adherence to SNV procedures, contractual obligations, and reporting requirements.
• Maintain strong partnerships with key stakeholders, including government institutions, private sector actors, farmer organisations, and development partners.
• Ensure high-quality project delivery and adaptive management, using monitoring data and lessons learned to continuously improve implementation.
• Strengthen the positioning and sustainability of the HORAS Hub, identifying opportunities for partnerships, innovation, and future programme development.

1. Postgraduate degree (or bachelor’s with substantial relevant experience) in Agriculture, Forestry, Agronomy, Agricultural Economics, Development Studies, or related fields.
2. Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience, including demonstrated experience managing complex donor-funded development projects, preferably in Sumatra Island.
3. Proven experience leading multi-disciplinary project teams and coordinating implementation across multiple partners or geographic locations.
4. Strong understanding of palm oil supply chains, smallholder agriculture, sustainable commodity production, market development, inclusive business approaches.
5. Demonstrated experience working with multi-stakeholder environments, including government institutions, private sector actors, development partners, and farmer organisations.
6. Solid experience in project planning, budgeting, financial oversight, and donor compliance for international development programmes.
7. Experience overseeing monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems, and communications initiatives and using data to guide adaptive project management.
8. Strong leadership capability with the ability to motivate teams, manage performance, and foster collaborative working environments.
9. Strong communication skills in Bahasa Indonesia and English.

Contract Duration: 1 year with possible extension

Desired start date:  May 2026

Working at SNV

SNV offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. We offer a challenging work environment, opportunities to lead and innovate, and a commitment to growing your skills in a fulfilling and diverse working environment. Our staff benefit from, and contribute to, an internal global network of experts. 

SNV strives to be an inclusive employer, thriving on the diversity of its people and does not discriminate on the basis of disability status, religion, ethnic origin, gender and sexual orientation, etc.

How to apply

If you believe that your credentials meet the outlined profile, we invite you to apply by uploading your CV and a letter of motivation before/ on the 6 April 2026. 

Please submit your application only via SmartRecruiters. All information will be in the strictest confidence. We will revert to you as soon as possible when we have reviewed your application.

If we see that your experience and skills match the requirements of the position, we will contact you to advise you of the next steps in the recruitment process.

Reference check and vetting

We will require that you provide us with the full details of three people who are willing to act as a reference.  We will not contact these references without your explicit permission.

SNV carries out rigorous background and reference checks concerning possible safeguarding incidents for all candidates applying for International determined positions. As SNV participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, all reference checks include a request to past employers to fill in a questionnaire regarding Misconduct (sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment), the “Statement of Conduct". This Statement of Conduct adopts the definitions used in the Scheme. 

We do not appreciate third-party mediation based on this advertisement.