Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Juhudi Kilimo

• We are looking for a leader with the courage to challenge convention and the insight to redefine industry norms. One who is disciplined in execution, a strategist who sees beyond the current status quo and charts new paths for sustainable growth and competitive advantage. One with a strong capacity for innovation, a willingness to take calculated risks and the strength to navigate complex change and be at the fore front of transformation in the industry.
• Juhudi Kilimo is a Kenyan credit only microfinance institution focused on supporting smallholder farmers and micro-enterprises. Their mission centers on improving the livelihoods and resilience of rural small holder farmers and micro entrepreneurs by providing wealth creating financial solutions while enhancing shareholder value.

JOB PURPOSE

• The role is responsible for positioning Juhudi Kilimo as a market leader in the microfinance industry by delivering sustainable business growth through innovation and transformative culture while ensuring all stakeholders’ needs are met.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership, Turnaround Expertise and Governance

• Lead business transformation and turnaround, translating strategy into execution for profitability, risk management and growth.
• Reignite and drive the growth strategy by deepening customer engagement, product innovation and partnerships across the agricultural value chain.
• Balance the social impact pillar with financial sustainability through growth. 
• Enhance good governance through adoption of best practices while ensuring transparent and compliant reporting to the board.  

Cultural Leadership

• Build and inspire a high performing, value driven leadership team that fosters collaboration, ownership and accountability.
• Drive talent management through coaching, development and succession planning.
• Instill robust process discipline throughout the organization and reinforce a performance-based culture.
• Provide oversight and coordinate all core functions, including finance, compliance, risk, credit, HR, and operations.

Technology, Innovation, and Growth Orientation

• Leverage technology and data analytics to scale operations, enhance customer experience, and improve efficiency.
• Implement data-driven credit models and automation to strengthen risk management and customer experience.
• Lead development of new business lines and digital products, transitioning from traditional lending models to platform based financial services while expanding markets and partnerships.

Financial and Capital Management Acumen

• Ensure rigorous liquidity, FX, and balance-sheet management to safeguard financial stability and regulatory compliance.
• Guide capital allocation and investment decisions in alignment with institutional resilience.
• Oversee capital structuring and investor engagement across local and international markets, including debt and equity relationships.

Stakeholder and Partnership Management

• Build strong, trust-based relationships with impact investors, regulators, DFIs, local lenders, strategic partners, and the broader ecosystem.
• Promote the organizational mission, ethical leadership, transparency, and responsible business practices.
• Strengthen the organisation’s corporate image and brand positioning through proactive stakeholders’ engagement locally and internationally.

EDUCATION QUALIFICATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Strategy, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Management, or related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Economics, Finance, Accounting or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in an executive/senior role in business management in East Africa with direct exposure to microfinance or comparable markets (Banking, Saccos, Fintech, digital lending & others).
• Strong leadership and strategic planning capabilities.
• Proven record of business transformation, turnaround and operations stabilization.
• Experience in driving organizational effectiveness and supporting teams through periods of change.
• Demonstrated ability to build high-performing teams that deliver strong results.
• Ability to implement data-driven credit models.
• Expertise in credit risk management (reducing PAR and NPLs).
• Practical experience in automation and digitalization of microfinance systems and customer channels.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budget oversight and financial decision-making.
• Experience with capital structuring, investor relations, and engaging local and international debt and equity providers.
• Familiarity with group lending models, individual lending models, and microfinance regulations.
• Experience managing stakeholders incl. boards, regulators, investors, lenders, customers, and community partners.
• Strong networks across microfinance, banking, DFIs, government, and the agricultural sector.
• Ability to work under pressure and navigate ambiguous environments.
• High integrity, professionalism, and commitment to ethical standards.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to engage rural farming communities for social and economic impact.