Chief of Party, USAID Kenya Private Sector Development Initiative at Micro Enterprises Support Programme Trust (MESPT)

Project Overview:

MESPT is recruiting for a Chief of Party for the anticipated USAID Kenya and East Africa Private Sector Development Initiative Activity. The activity is focused on accelerating ag-led growth in Kenya through partnerships with larger agricultural sector firms (such as processors and off-takers) and expansion of smallholder farmer out-grower schemes. The anticipated activity will focus on creating jobs and generating large scale increases in sales/exports in the agriculture sector cost-effectively and, ideally, through a sustainable and locally led vehicle.

Role:

The COP will provide overall leadership, management, and technical direction for the program – ensuring an integrated vision among diverse components and actors – to achieve the desired results. This position will lead program strategic planning and decision making and will be responsible for overall activities of sub-recipients. The COP will work directly with USAID and will be a key liaison to implementing partners and other stakeholders. This position will ensure full compliance with all USAID, MESPT, and other fiduciary regulations and will oversee the project reporting process in line with donor requirements. The COP will supervise project staff including professional performance management and coaching.

Qualifications

• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in designing and implementing agriculture projects.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of work experience in developing countries, preferably in Kenya or another East African country.
• Minimum five (5) years of successful experience as Chief of Party, Team Leader, Project Director, or equivalent position for donor-funded projects of similar magnitude and complexity in developing countries. Experience with USAID and/or other USG funding agencies strongly preferred.
• Strong technical understanding of market systems, private sector development, agri-finance, and agricultural enabling environment approaches
• Extensive experience working in the financial sector, including a wide range of financial instruments (debt, equity, blended finance)
• Track record working with investors, financial institutions, SMEs, government, and other key project stakeholders
• Master’s degree or higher in Agricultural Development, Agricultural Economics, Business, International Development, Public Policy, or another related field.
• Demonstrated experience in progressively responsible supervisory positions, including direct supervision of professional and support staff; quality evaluation of staff performance and deliverables; and contracts/grants management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Fluency in English required.
• Local candidates are strongly encouraged to apply