Development Specialist needed at UPL

Job Title: Pipeline Development & Governance Africa
Reports To: Global Head, Pipeline Development & Governance ; Dotted line to Product Development Head [Africa]. about upl:
UPL is focused on emerging as a premier global provider of total crop solutions designed to secure the worlds long-term food supply. Winning farmers hearts across the globe, while leading the way with innovative products and services that make agriculture sustainable, UPL is the fastest growing company in the industry. Our successes in the field add up to powerful financials. UPL delivers results from protecting crops that translate into attractive investor value. Based on the recognition that humankind is one community, UPLs overarching commitment is to improve areas of its presence, workplace and customer engagement . Our purpose is OpenAg. An agriculture network that feeds sustainable growth for all. No limits, no borders . Job Summary: The incumbent will be supporting the regional projects teams in terms of project phase management, system trainings, and project reporting . He or she will assure that project management principles are duly applied to all regional projects (hereunder regular project team meetings and minutes of meetings, updates in systems such as milestones, phase review & approval from ideation to commercial launch, & lessons learned), drive the roll out of the project management governance process, New Product Launch S&OP process, and system training to key regional stakeholders, the monthly tracking of key financials, performance metrics and risks of all global projects, and ensure successful transition of global projects to the region from Phase 2A and Global LCM Development (global proof of concept), to Phase 2B (regional proof of concept). JOb Responsibilities: Deploy and manage key performance task, plan & review projects monthly basis to ensure portfolio is executing to schedule and investment portfolio (SG&A, CAPEX)
Track regional projects and coordinate with project managers and team members on monthly basis, driving action plans for projects identified as off-track or at risk
Ensure timely and efficient transition of Phase II and other Global Projects to the region Level (R&D, Marketing, Supply Chain)
Responsible for the regional Ideation, Governance and NPL committees and their annual, quarterly and monthly cadence and reporting
Responsible for the launch of the new Planisware project management system in the region
Identify best practices and methodologies for R&D project planning, management and efficient practices, translating lessons learned into improved R&D project management processes across the organization
Establish regional governance group for project review and approvals in the region
Regional responsible for R&D project budget process and annual strategic budget and review cadence
Knowledge of crop protection sector and indications. REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• 4-5 years in agrochemicals or pharmaceuticals, preferably in regional roles, technical, regulatory, product development roles, with project management experience as a must

Bachelor/Master in technical/scientific field such as Agronomy, Chemistry, Biology. Supplemental Masters in finance or MBA preferred

• Project management, finance, regulatory or development skills - Project Management Systems Savvy (Planisware, Smartsheet, SAP etc.)

Multi-cultural understanding, strong work ethic, ability to challenge project leaders and teams Excellent written and verbal skills, high attention to detail KEY COMPETENCIES:
ORGANIZATION/PROJECT MANGEMENT - Plan and schedule work according to changing priorities; designs and maintains effective systems and processes for managing work. RESULTS ORIENTATION: Strong capability in focusing on tasks and results to achieving goals, solving problems, maintaining productivity, and making fast decisions by using a critical thinking approach. INFLUENCE: Success in this role will require partnership & collaboration through influence with middle and senior management within the organization to execute the strategies that foster organizational effectiveness. BEING RESILIENT Ability to manage crises and volatile situation effectively. Should be able remain objective and calm and show positive attitude & strong judgement when faced with adversity