Sector Lead-Agrifood Systems

Company Description

SNV is a global development partner, deeply rooted in the countries where we operate. Driven by a vision of a better world where all people live with dignity and have equitable opportunities to thrive sustainably, SNV strengthens capacities and catalyses partnerships that transform agri-food, energy, and water systems. We help strengthen institutions and effective governance, reduce gender inequalities and barriers to social inclusion and enable adaptation and mitigation to the climate and biodiversity crises.

With 60 years of experience and a team of approximately 1,600 people, we support our partners in more than 20 countries in Africa and Asia, tailoring our approaches to different contexts to achieve large-scale impact and create more equitable lives for all.

Our core values of people-centeredness and respect, equity and equality, and diversity and inclusion, are fundamental to who we are, and what we do. This is reflected in our vision and mission, and strategy, which sets out our aspirations and commitments as our compass towards 2030.

For more information on SNV, please refer to our website: www.snv.org

The Sector

SNV has been working in Kenya since 1967. Within the Agri Food Sector, SNV works in three priority fields of Sustainable Production, Inclusive Market and Impact Investment and Healthy Diets and Sustainable Consumption to deliver food security and adequate nutrition for people in all their diversity in such a way that economic, social and environmental bases are safeguarded for future generations.

SNV Kenya’s agriculture project portfolio in the country includes projects focusing on Smart Water and Climate Solutions in agriculture, regenerative agriculture, inclusive business, women economic empowerment, food and nutrition security and climate smart landscapes. The project portfolio also has strong linkages to the other sectors through productive use of energy (solar and biogas) and water resources and irrigation. SNV supports sector development by working with key stakeholders to improve access to markets, providing knowledge and skills training, and by promoting gender, youth and social inclusion. Opportunities to grow the portfolio exist and need to be pursued continuously, urgently, and pro-actively particularly in the growing areas of sustainable finances and in direct engagement with the business sector.

The Position

SNV Kenya is seeking a highly qualified, innovative, entrepreneurial, results oriented professional to fill the post of Sector Lead Agri-Food Systems for SNV Kenya and Burundi. The Sector Lead Agri-Food (SL) provides strategic leadership and direction for SNV’s work in Agri-Food in Kenya and Burundi with oversight on the quality programming, in line with SNV’s global strategy, and in consultation with the Global Director of Technical Expertise, Global Sector Head of Agri-Food, Global Theme Leads for Climate Adaptation and Mitigation, Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI), and Governance and Institutions, and the Kenya & Burundi Country Management Team (CMT).

The SL will be based in Nairobi, with frequent travel to project sites, including to Burundi, 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, Advisors and national and international consultants, and may directly manage certain projects. S/he will engage extensively with stakeholders, private sector actors and donors. New Business Development (Resource Mobilisation) will constitute up to 50% of the role and will involve high level representation and the proactive engagement of strategic partnerships, private sector actors, government and local and international NGOs

Reporting to the Country Director, the SL works in close collaboration with other sector leads (Energy and Water), People, Culture and Talent Manager and Finance Manager.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: provide strategic direction to the Sector in terms of content and leadership to optimise development results and resource mobilization. As Agri-Food Sector Lead, it is expected that s/he is versatile in topics of GESI, Governance and Institutions, and Climate Change.
• 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 Agri-Food portfolio, while also working collaboratively with counterparts across the Water and Energy Sectors. It is expected that his/her expert advice can contribute to building a strong positioning of SNV’s climate adaptation and mitigation work.
• 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 and Burundi’s management as a member of the Country Management Team (CMT).

Candidate Profile

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 project management and business development, preferably in Africa.
• Proven track record in resource mobilisation and business development. Experience with non-traditional donors is an advantage.
• Experienced networker and relationship manager, especially with donors and partners.
• Experience in proposal writing and project design 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 understanding  value chain approaches in the Agri Food 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.
• Proven experience in Food Systems, Climate Change, Gender, Youth, and Institutionality.
• Commitment to GESI centered programming and management approaches.

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. French language skills is an advantage.
• Strong computer skills.

Location: Nairobi

Contract Length: 2 years 

Working at SNV

SNV offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. We offer a challenging work environment, opportunities to lead and innovate, and a commitment to growing your skills in a fulfilling and diverse working environment. Our staff benefit from, and contribute to, an internal global network of experts.

SNV strives to be an inclusive employer, thriving on the diversity of its people and does not discriminate on the basis of disability status, religion, ethnic origin, gender and sexual orientation, etc.

How to apply

If you meet the requirements and are excited about this opportunity, we would love to hear from you. Apply today by uploading your CV and motivation letter by 02 October 2025 at the latest, through Smart Recruiters