Sector Leader - Agri-food Systems at SNV Netherlands Development Organisation

Job Description

SNV Kenya is seeking a highly qualified, entrepreneurial, result oriented professional to fill the post of Sector Leader - Agri-food Systems for SNV Kenya and Burundi.

The Sector Leader - Agri-food Systems (SL) is responsible for steering SNV Kenya sector development and quality of practice at country level, in line with SNV’s global strategy, and in consultation with the Managing Director for Sectors, Global Sector Coordinators for agriculture, and Country Management Team (CMT).

The SL will be based in Nairobi, with frequent travel to project sites, to attend regional forums and events, and to engage with donors and partners. The SL will also engage with sector colleagues in learning events. S/he will lead a team of Project Managers, national and international consultants, will directly manage certain projects in the portfolio and engage extensively with stakeholders, private sector actors and donors. New Business Development (Resource Mobilisation) will constitute up to 50% of the role.

The position reports to the Country Director and works in close collaboration with other sector leaders, Human Resource Manager and Finance Managers.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: provide strategic direction to the Sector in terms of content and leadership to optimise development results and resource mobilization.
• Business Development: identify opportunities to mobilise financial resources for the Sector in Kenya and Burundi, develop proposals and secure funding for agriculture projects. This includes both traditional grant funding, as well as emerging opportunities in private sector, climate finance and impact investment financing.
• Programme Management: manage a proportion of projects directly, oversee the delivery of effective development results, planning and monitoring, financial management, and donor reporting of all projects in the Sector.
• Advisory Services: lead complex assignments, set benchmarks for results, and monitor the quality of advisory services of the Agriculture portfolio.
• People Management: lead, manage, and coach the team of SNV project managers, advisors, and local and international consultants.
• Monitoring & Evaluation: ensure uniform understanding and practices in planning, reporting, monitoring, and evaluation of agriculture projects in line with SNV’s internal frameworks and donor/customer requirements.
• Representation & Promotion: develop and maintain relationships with national and international stakeholders (donors, government of Kenya and Burundi, NGOs, and private sector) to improve SNV’s market position and actively participate in external and internal networks.
• Facilitate learning, documentation and evidence-based knowledge development and sharing in collaboration with SNV’s global team and partners.
• Contribute to SNV Kenya’s management as a member of the Country Management Team.

Qualifications

Education: Master’s Degree in agriculture, agricultural economics, agribusiness, agroforestry, business administration, international trade or another relevant field.

Experience and Skills:

• Minimum 10 years of professional work experience, including international experience as consultant/advisor for private and/or development organisation on business development, preferably in Africa.
• Proven track record in resource mobilisation and business development.
• Strong emphasis with advocacy and proven experience in working with civil society organisations.
• Experienced networker and relationship manager, especially with donors and partners.
• Experience in proposal writing and preparation of project documents.
• Proven track record working with medium and large private sector companies, preferably in agri-business, in the development of Inclusive Business/Shared Value Models.
• Experience in analysing/implementing value chain approaches in the Agriculture Sector.
• Experience in leading, managing and coaching a team of project managers or advisers.
• Experience in organising /executing baseline studies, business and investment plans, risk analyses, and impact measurement frameworks.
• Proven project management experience.
• Proven capacity in linking local productive initiatives with international best practices.

Other Requirements:

• Strong negotiation skills, leadership, team spirit and results orientation.
• Entrepreneurial skills and attitude, initiative taking, networking.
• Client - and team-oriented attitude.
• Creative, communicative, and proactive personality.
• Excellent communication skills and writing skills in English.
• Strong computer skills.

Additional Information

Desired start date: as soon as possible.

Duration of contract: 3 years initial contract term.