Investment Lead, Kenya Feed the Future (FtF) Private Sector Activity at Chemonics International

Key Responsibilities:

• Prioritize investment opportunities, prepare and structure county-level investment projects; oversee all due diligence efforts.
• Develop and oversee implementation of a blended finance strategy to support business growth and increase access to finance in the agriculture sector.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with public and private sector actors including Kenya-based and international firms, funds, associations, and non-governmental organizations in the agriculture sector to facilitate linkages that accelerate growth and increase market inclusivity.
• Support financial institutions and investors to develop new financing solutions and products for agricultural firms and build capacity of lenders to structure financial products and transactions for agriculture SMEs.
• Strengthen the capacity of local business advisory service (BAS) providers to assist agricultural SMEs to negotiate and complete financing transactions.
• Enable agricultural firms to access finance and investment to expand their operations, develop new products, and reach new customers.
• Work closely with the monitoring and evaluation team to ensure adequate monitoring and recording of investment deals.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Economics, Business Management or other relevant degree required. Advanced degree preferred.
• At least 8-10 years of experience in investment facilitation, strategy consulting, private equity, venture capital, SME banking, credit guarantees, fintech, SME development or investment banking, ideally in Kenya or the East African region.
• Demonstrated financial literacy and investment-readiness knowledge, including knowledge of blended finance, financial services providers, and investors in Kenya.
• Proven experience increasing access to finance and improving financial services for SMEs.
• Previous experience working in a management capacity in the private sector, large NGO, or development consulting firm. Experience working in Kenya or the region strongly preferred.
• Strong relationships with Kenya-based and international lenders, agribusinesses, BAS and other investment organizations, firms, and funds.
• Experience in policy reform process facilitation, policy advocacy, and public-private dialogue.
• Knowledge of the counties - current development status, opportunities, as well as key drivers and institutions involved in facilitating investment.
• Previous USAID experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership, versatility, and integrity.
• Fluency in English with excellent oral and written communication skills required; proficiency in Kiswahili preferred.
• This role is expected to be based in Nairobi, Kenya and it is anticipated that there will be significant in-country travel.