Kenya Country Manager at African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership (AFAP)

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

• AFAP is seeking an experienced, entrepreneurial, and results-oriented Country Manager to lead and grow its operations in Kenya. The Country Manager will provide strategic leadership, drive business development and resource mobilisation, oversee programme implementation, strengthen partnerships, and ensure operational excellence across AFAP Kenya's portfolio.
• This position requires a dynamic leader with a proven track record in fundraising, programme management, stakeholder engagement, and agribusiness development. The successful candidate will be expected to grow AFAP's footprint in Kenya by securing new partnerships, expanding project opportunities, and positioning AFAP as a trusted partner within the agriculture and agribusiness ecosystem.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership and Country Representation

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for AFAP Kenya.
• Develop and implement country strategies aligned with AFAP's continental objectives.
• Identify emerging opportunities, risks, and market trends to inform country programming and growth.
• Represent AFAP at national, regional, and international forums, conferences, and stakeholder engagements.
• Strengthen AFAP's visibility, influence, and reputation within Kenya's agricultural sector.

Business Development and Resource Mobilisation

A primary responsibility of this role is to drive growth and secure new business opportunities for AFAP Kenya. The Country Manager will:

• Lead resource mobilisation efforts and develop a sustainable pipeline of funding opportunities.
• Build and maintain relationships with bilateral and multilateral donors, foundations, government institutions, and private sector partners.
• Identify and pursue new project opportunities across agriculture, agribusiness, food systems, climate resilience, and rural development.
• Lead proposal development processes, including concept notes, technical proposals, budgets, and partnership negotiations.
• Develop strategic partnerships that create sustainable business and programme opportunities.
• Position AFAP as a preferred implementing and technical partner within Kenya and the wider East African region.

Programme Leadership and Delivery

• Provide overall oversight of country office finances, administration, and operations.
• Develop and manage annual budgets, forecasts, and financial performance targets.
• Ensure compliance with AFAP financial policies, donor regulations, and statutory requirements.
• Strengthen internal controls and support audit processes.
• Ensure efficient and effective utilisation of organisational resources.

Partnership Development and Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships with government ministries, county governments, development partners, farmer organisations, agribusinesses, financial institutions, and private sector stakeholders.
• Facilitate strategic partnerships that advance AFAP's mission and expand programme impact.
• Support policy dialogue and advocacy initiatives that strengthen agricultural markets and agribusiness development.

Team Leadership and Organisational Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing country team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.
• Ensure appropriate staffing, succession planning, and capacity development.
• Promote organisational values and maintain a positive work environment.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education

• Master's Degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Economics, Business Administration, International Development, Rural Development, or a related field.
• A Bachelor's Degree with significant relevant experience will be considered.

Experience

• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in programme management, agribusiness development, agricultural market systems, or international development.
• At least five (5) years in a senior leadership or management role.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, business development, and resource mobilisation.
• Proven experience managing donor-funded programmes and complex stakeholder relationships.
• Strong understanding of Kenya's agricultural sector, agribusiness landscape, and development environment.
• Experience working with government institutions, donors, financial institutions, and private sector partners.

Competencies

• Strategic leadership and vision.
• Strong business development and negotiation skills.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and partnership-building abilities.
• Financial and operational management expertise.
• Strong communication, presentation, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to lead teams and deliver results in dynamic environments.
• High levels of professionalism, integrity, and accountability.