Program Manager Agriculture

---

Job Description

The Vital Group is currently the largest supplier of energy lifeline products and services in the Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru and Guam. Our areas of business include Agriculture, Energy, Project Management and Maritime Logistics. Vital is a progressive state-owned enterprise that values diversity and inclusiveness and is committed to harnessing the local talent of Micronesians in the region.

The Program Manager Agriculture (PMAg) is responsible for managing and coordinating all activities under the FSM Coconut National Export Strategy (CocoNES) and the Resource Assurance Management Program (RAMP). This ensures the achievement of agricultural risk oversight, disciplined program scoping, prudent decision-making, and record management, while promptly addressing risks and issues. The role reports directly to the CEO.

Outcomes

Organisational Stakeholders
1. Effective Management of Vital’s Agricultural Programs
Program outcomes for the 3-year Program Charter are developed and agreed with the Sponsor. Outcomes are defined and aligned with business objectives. Deliverables have clear success criteria supporting program outcomes. Risks are identified, assessed, and mitigated through remedial action plans. Projects are managed through the organization's Performance Management System, complying with the Vital Project Management Office (PMO) processes. Projects are implemented fully, within budget, to A1 specification, and on schedule. Work plans are prepared and managed on an annual, monthly, and weekly basis. Program workforce resources are productive, efficient, motivated, and supported. Internal policies and procedures are maintained, with annual budget preparation, monitoring, and management in place.
2. Management of the Coconut National Export Strategy (CocoNES)
The supply of quality coconuts to processing facilities is stabilized. Harvesting services (e.g., coconut climbers and pickers) are established and piloted for interested farmers at the State level. Collection centers and warehouses with de-husking equipment are designated in major coconut-producing areas. Waste is repurposed for gardening intermediates, charcoal, and construction materials. The Chuuk integrated coconut processing facility is developed based on a product-market assessment, applying 'zero waste' principles. Sector output processing for domestic consumption is adjusted, including the development of paring oil and local cosmetic products. Technology-driven improvements, efficiency, and effectiveness are achieved. Annual budgets are prepared, monitored, and managed, with succession planning to develop workforce competence. Team morale, trust, and work ethics are promoted, supporting a collaborative and safe work environment. Training and development programs for team members are implemented.
3. Operational Risk Management
Risk management programs are implemented and maintained. Timely reporting is ensured. Disaster recovery and business continuity plans are in place. Escalation and incident reporting procedures are followed consistently. Risks are identified, assessed, and addressed through remedial action plans. Projects are managed through the organization’s Performance Management System. Program workforce resources are effectively managed to ensure productivity, motivation, and efficiency.
4. Governance and Compliance
Internal policies and procedures are maintained A workforce aware of Behavioral Governance is ensured. Annual budget preparation, monitoring, and management are executed inline with internal policies. Initiatives and training programs are developed to ensure workforce and contractor adherence to business conduct expectations.
5. Program and Project Management
3-year Program Charter outcomes are developed and agreed with the Sponsor. Business-appropriate outcomes with clear success criteria are ensured. Projects are designed and implemented to achieve deliverables, adhering to Vital PMO processes. Projects are completed fully, on budget, and to A1 specifications as scheduled. Work plans are prepared and managed at various intervals (annual, monthly, weekly). Contracts are managed in compliance with Vital Energy’s Procurement Guidelines and best practices. Vendors are licensed, insured, and adhere to site access, security controls, and standards, delivering services on time and within budget. Service agreements are developed, monitored, and assessed to ensure best value for money.
6. Service provider relationships and contracts effectively managed
With the relevant managers, contract procurement processes are in compliance with Vital Energy’s Procurement Guidelines as well as best practice Vendors are licensed, insured, inducted and adhere to the assigned site’s access and security controls delivering scope of services on time, within budget, safely and to applicable Standards Service agreements and contracts administered Service level agreements developed to meet the needs of the organization Monitor and manage contract's Expiry of contracts are well-monitored and re-procurement is initiated if needed Contracts are regularly assessed to deliver best value for money
Product's Stakeholders
1. Promotion of Vital’s Image and Values
Collaboration with internal teams for organizational benefit is encouraged. Team members are monitored and guided to uphold Vital’s image and value standards. The organization's ethics, governance, and business principles are upheld and demonstrated.
2. Statutory and Operational Compliance
Compliance with operational inspection schedules is maintained. Zero harm to staff, contractors, and visitors is actively managed, with strict adherence to safety protocols. All breaches, near misses, and serious incidents are reported in a complete and timely manner. Work activities are conducted in compliance with statutory and organizational requirements, prioritizing health, safety, and a zero-tolerance approach to unsafe acts.

Responsibilities - Critical Competencies

Competence	Description
Business
Strategic Development	Establish the strategic direction and steer the organisation towards its goals
Business Performance	Manage the performance of the organisation.
Planning	Deliver results by developing, reviewing or following a work plan, action plan or operational plan.
Resource Management	Deliver results through the efficient and effective allocation and use of supplies , equipment and people.
Systems and Procedures	Develop and/or apply procedures to assist the organisation achieve its goals.
Communication	Exchange information through verbal communication
Customer
Customer Commitment	Demonstrate a commitment to customer service - both internal and external customers.
Commercial Focus	Optimize the commercial viability of the organisation.
Quality Focus	Deliver quality.
People
Leadership	Utilise a leadership position to influence people and events and to increase performance.
Facilitation	Assist the progress of work ensuring its timely and effective completion.
Negotiation	Reach agreement through discussion and compromise.
Professional
Technical Strength	Demonstrate knowledge of a specialist discipline.
Compliance	Comply with relevant laws and the policies and procedures of the organisation.
Financial Application	Apply financial principles and practices.
Technology Application	Apply technology.
Operational
Health and Safety	Establish and maintain a safe and healthy work environment.
Environment	Establish and maintain an environmentally friendly organisation
Stock Control	Acquire and monitor stock to meet business needs

Qualifications

Qualification	Discipline	Notes
Preferred
Bachelor's Degree	Business or progam/project management	An advanced degree is preferred as this confimrs that analytical thinking has been achieved. this is heavily required of this role

Work Knowledge and Experience

1. Experience or demonstrated capability to work in a multi-cultural multi-lingual Pacific environment. A proven ability to manage and motivate teams across multiple facilities in remote locations.
2. Strong budget management and financial analysis skills. Past experience managing a operational budget exceeding US$0.5mil per annum, and a capital budget program up to US$1.0mil per annum is essential.
3. Excellent planning and organizational skills to prioritize work and meet tight deadlines. Experience with a project management discipline such as PMI or the PRINCE2 would be advantageous.
4. A solid understanding of health, safety, security and environment. Experience with the requirements and use of a Permit to Work System is essential.
5. Advanced MS Office Skills, particularly Excel.

Requirements

Language Proficiency
Excellent command of written and spoken English
Regulatory Compliance Requirements
Driver’s License
Police Clearance
Relevant certifications, registrations, and licenses may be required.
Health Clearance - Fit to work
Passport and Visas for International Travel

Interactions

Interaction	Comments
Internal
Asset Maintenance and Management Office Team	Provide Leadership, Stewardship and decision-making guidance to the team on a daily basis.
Management Team	Monthly status Reports on CocoNes, PAC3, RAMP resources and budget performance.
Chief Executive Officer	Program Sponsor and Immediate Supervisor. Weekly F2F update on status and availability of mission critical assets and remedial action plans. Monthly and Annual Program Updates.
External
Contractors	Provide, unambiguous, written instructions through Work Orders (WO) or Contractor instructions (CI). Verification of Work Order performance. Annual performance assessment of Service Contracts
Suppliers	Provision of Specifications Verification of Work Order performance. Annual performance assessment of Supplier performance to business Objectives.
Vendors	Manages relationship with external vendors working to support project requirements. Assesses performance against the project's milestone/schedule, metrics, scope, and quality as defined by contract specifications.
Relevant government officials	Issue of Regulatory Reports as required.

Attributes

Attribute	Definition
Behavioural Styles
Integrity	Adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.
Reliable	Is able to be trusted to do what is expected or has been promised, puts in a great amount of effort believing in the value of work.
Resilient	Cope positively with stress and catastrophe. Bounces back from setbacks, mistakes or misfortunes.
Interpersonal Styles
Character-full	Being disciplined, thorough, and doing what’s right
Collaborative	Capturing the efforts, focus, and attention of others. "There is a pride in leadership, it evokes images of direction. There is humility in stewardship, it evokes images of service. " John Taft.
Thinking Styles
Analytic	Able to separate things into their constituent elements in order to study or examine them, draw conclusions, or solve problems.
Decisive	Reaches conclusions, promptly and firmly.
Numerate	Shows abilities in quantitative thought and expression.
Flexible/Adaptable	Readily accommodates changing circumstances, modifying own behaviour and/or views. Able to adjust easily to new conditions.
Stewardship
Aligned	Being situationally aware and sensitive to objectives
Authentic	Being genuine, honest, and free from pretense