Country Director at Digital Green

Strategic Leadership and Program Direction:

• Provide strategic direction and collaborate with the product development team in Kenya, ensuring alignment with Digital Green's global strategy and objectives.
• Work closely with the Product Director for East Africa, offering valuable insights to contribute to product development strategies.
• Develop and implement the strategy for scaling agricultural digital solutions in Kenya, working closely with government bodies, farmer organizations, and tech partners.
• Oversee ongoing program operations, financial management, and administration to ensure program success and alignment with budgetary requirements.
• Collaborate with internal teams to track progress against program objectives and ensure strategic alignment.

Partnerships and Business Development:

• Foster and manage relationships with key stakeholders, including the Government of Kenya, private sector, and donors such as the World Bank, Gates Foundation, and USAID.
• Engage in fundraising and business development activities, building strong partnerships and securing funding to scale Digital Green’s operations in Kenya.
• Lead efforts to establish and strengthen partnerships with government institutions, private sector, and other key organizations to secure long-term program sustainability.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Build and manage a high-performing team in Kenya, ensuring strong leadership, team cohesion, and continuous development through coaching and mentoring.
• Lead the recruitment process for new team members and oversee staff performance and growth.
• Foster a positive and inclusive organizational culture aligned with Digital Green’s core values.

Financial and Operational Management:

• Develop and manage the country budget to ensure optimal resource allocation and long-term financial sustainability.
• Ensure compliance with local regulations, audits, and risk management protocols.
• Oversee HR, finance, and operations teams to maintain efficient support functions within the country.

Donor and Government Relations:

• Maintain and grow relationships with existing donors and partners, including key government stakeholders like KALRO and the Ministry of Agriculture.
• Collaborate with the US-based team to align Kenya's operations with global Digital Green practices and standards.
• Represent Digital Green at strategic meetings, advocating for our mission and securing new funding and partnership opportunities.

Qualifications and Skills

Minimum Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years managing impactful social development programs, with a strong preference for experience in agricultural development initiatives (candidates must have 15+ years of overall professional experience).
• Candidates with a background in technology, product management, or experience in a tech-driven environment will thrive in this role, leveraging their expertise to drive innovation in development projects.
• At least 5 years of experience leading cross-cultural teams in Kenya. Team leadership is critical to find success in this role.
• Demonstrated success in securing funding and partnerships with donors such as the World Bank, Gates Foundation, USAID, and private sector partners.

Academic Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Agriculture, Environmental Science, International Development, or related fields,but candidates with a diverse educational background and proven experience in social development or relevant sectors are equally encouraged to apply.
• Expertise in climate resilience and women’s empowerment initiatives is highly desirable.