Job summary
The Head of Program - Agribusiness and Fragile contexts will be responsible for developing and executing the agribusiness strategy, recruiting and managing a team, developing and managing a diverse set of partnerships, continuously adapting and refining the AECFs’ Agribusiness offering and sustainability model, work to scale Agribusiness investments while ensuring effective strategies for delivery in fragile contexts / conflict areas. The incumbent will be responsible for the day-to-day management and coordination of all Agribusiness and Fragility related programme activities from planning, implementation, M&E, communication, reporting and related budget expenditures, as well as staff management.
AECF currently has Agribusiness and fragility program operations in Kakuma (Kenya), Somalia, South Sudan, and Tanzania, whilst looking to venture into other fragile areas.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Reporting to Director, Investments Portfolio, the role holder will have oversight of:
1. Strategic Agribusiness sector leadership
· Provide thought leadership for AECF on Agribusiness and lead on AECF’s agribusiness strategy assuring its planning, monitoring and review of implementation progress against set objectives.
· Develop and coordinate the AECF Agribusiness strategic tactics and implementation approaches to achieve results for the Agribusiness portfolio.
· Support agribusiness/multi-stakeholder platforms to promote, advise and jointly agree on policy recommendations and climate smart investments.
2. Relationship Management & Business Development
· Establish and maintain productive working relationships and linkages with donors, and other development partner organizations, international organizations, government departments, private sector partners, sector leaders etc.
· Leverage expertise and networks to support fundraising and business development efforts of AECF. This includes contributing to proposal development and pitches to donors.
3. Portfolio Management
· Provide technical leadership on the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of investment portfolio management activities from program design, competition, selection and contracting of investees, portfolio management, learning and knowledge development activities.
· Lead on efforts to ensure every competition surfaces good quality enterprises – working with the communications team.
· Provide technical expertise to assure alignment of the Agribusiness portfolio with evolving sector development policies, government development objectives, other donor programs, and foreign policy priorities.
· In liaison with the Advocacy function support AECF’s agenda for the creation of an enabling environment to grow private sector.
· Provide oversight to planning and execution of portfolio activities on a periodic basis to ensure that: implementation is on track; performance targets are being met; progress reporting is timely and accurate; and resources are utilized in an appropriate manner.
4. Impact Learning and Evaluation
· Lead /coordinate the portfolio learning agenda in a manner that contributes to the wider learning agenda, to further the reputation and capability positioning of AECF, have a wider systemic impact on the relevant market systems in Africa, and promote relevant advocacy efforts.
· Working with the Impact team, ensure uniform understanding and practice in planning, reporting, monitoring, and evaluation of Agribusiness programmes in line with AECFs internal frameworks.
Required qualifications, experience, and attributes.
· A Master’s degree in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Business Administration, international trade or another relevant field.
· A minimum of seven (7) years management experience in one or more of the following areas: finance, agriculture, agribusiness, SME finance, rural financial services and adaptation to climate change.
· Proven track record working with small & medium enterprises in the agri-business sector through different growth stages.
· A good understanding and working experience in conflict affected environments/fragile contexts.
· Experience in value chain development, climate smart agriculture, and agribusiness finance.
· Excellent analytical and communication skills with the ability to prepare proposals, reports and concept papers to a high level of proficiency.
· High degree of initiative and energy, “can-do” attitude, flexibility, teamwork, and attention to detail.
· Excellent interpersonal skills including strong work ethic, impeccable integrity, and judgment.
· A working knowledge of French will be an added advantage.
The AECF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The AECF considers all applicants based on merit without regard to race, sex, colour, national origin, religion, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
If you believe, you can clearly demonstrate your abilities to meet the relevant criteria for the role, please submit your application quoting in the subject line the Job Title “Head of Programmes-Agribusiness and Fragile Contexts – Nairobi, Kenya– AECF/HP-AF/2021” and attach a detailed CV with correct e-mail address and telephone contacts via https://recruitment.aecfafrica.org
Applications should be received by or before 28th February 2021.
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted”.
For more information, please visit https://www.aecfafrica.org
The AECF (Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund) is a nonprofit institution supporting early and growth stage businesses to innovate, create jobs, leverage investments and markets in an effort to create resilience and sustainable incomes for rural poor and marginalized communities in Africa.
AECF’s strategy is focused on agribusiness/agriculture and renewable energy sectors with increased support to climate technologies, deepened focus on gender, youth, and employment, aimed at attaining the institution’s vision of ‘A Prosperous and Enterprising Rural Africa’.
Since 2008, AECF has invested in 292 businesses across sub-Sahara Africa focusing on Agribusiness, Renewable Energy and Climate Technologies. As at 2019, we have impacted more than 27.7 million lives and created over 26,000 jobs and leveraged over US$ 750 million in matching funds from the private sector.
AECF has implemented programs across Africa delivering tangible impact for communities most in need. We want to tell the AECF story and are looking for an experienced Communications Manager to support and amplify AECF’s program work.
AECF is headquartered in Kenya with offices in Cote d’ Ivoire and Tanzania.
