Technical Director, USAID Scaling Inclusive Food Systems at TechnoServe Kenya

Primary Functions & Responsibilities:

• Provide technical support to the Chief of Party
• Responsible for leading the technical implementation of Scaling Inclusive Food System’s activities
• Supervise 3-5 project staff members to drive market systems development
• Monitor and follow up on critical management and planning issues to ensure effective and timely project execution.
• Manage review and finalization of internal and external project documents, including donor deliverables, presentation decks, studies and technical reports.
• In collaboration with the COP and Finance and Administrative Manager, support budget tracking, contract modifications, deliverable tracking against budget, and administrative follow-up.
• Support recruitment and contracting of long- and short-term staff and consultants as needed.
• Plan, organize and participate in project meetings, workshops, seminars and stakeholder events.
• In collaboration with the COP, ensure that programming execution meets TechnoServe quality standards.
• Assist COP with other strategic and operational tasks as required by the project.

 Basic Qualifications

• A master’s degree in agricultural development, agricultural economics/marketing, agribusiness or a related field.
• At least 8 years of experience as the technical manager for donor-funded value chain, M4P, and/or Market Systems Development projects integrating inclusion issues.
• Demonstrated success using facilitation in at least one of the following: the USAID value chain approach, M4P, or Market Systems Development approach, which led to greater competitiveness and inclusiveness in markets
• Strong project management skills including the ability to anticipate demand and manage multiple tasks and projects while meeting tight deadlines.
• Prior work experience in countries in East Africa. Experience working in Kenya strongly preferred.
• Excellent oral and written presentation skills as well as collaboration and interpersonal skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience with conducting market systems and value chain analysis and developing work plans.
• Results-oriented, with demonstrated experience achieving project targets.
• Previous experience working with USAID.
• Proficiency in Kiswahili

Required Languages

• Fluency in English with excellent oral and written communication skills required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

• Detail orientation, including strong organizational, analytical and quantitative skills.
• Proven team player with strong interpersonal and cross-cultural skills.
• Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other administrative applications.
• Strong private sector market orientation, entrepreneurial and innovative thinker.

Supervisory Responsibilities 

• An estimated 3-5 mid- and senior-level staff. Experience working with multi-disciplinary teams desired.