Chief of Party Job Apply Now!

Organization

• Chemonics

  Posted7 Aug 2023  Closing date20 Aug 2023

Chemonics seeks a Chief of Party for the anticipated USAID- funded Feed the Future (FtF) Private Sector Activity in Kenya. This activity supports the commitments of the USAID-funded Kenya Investment Mechanism (KIM), and the Kenya Crops and Dairy Market Systems (KCDMS). The $25-50 million project will aim to accelerate agriculture-led growth in Kenya through partnerships with larger agricultural sector firms and job creation across the FtF footprint to increase sales and exports through a sustainable and locally led vehicle. The activity would combine tools used in USAID’s traditional private-sector development activities with tools used to mobilize finance and investment into one mechanism-supporting a range of agricultural firms to expand investments and operations via a blended finance approach.

The Chief of Party is responsible for leading all aspects of contract performance, guiding technical strategies and activities, integrating across components, driving results, and representing Chemonics’ activities to external audiences. We anticipate that the Chief of Party will be based in Nairobi, Kenya. Candidates should possess considerable successful experience in mobilizing finance and investment into programming with experience in expanding investments and operations in the agriculture sector. We are looking for individuals who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around the world.

Key Responsibilities:

• Directs implementation of the project’s strategic long-term vision, provides overall leadership, management, and technical direction for the USAID-funded private sector development activity.
• Provides expertise in developing and executing locally led, sustainable business models for increasing sales and exports, in the agricultural sector.
• Apply understanding of development assistance in agricultural services, market systems strengthening, to effectively lead and inform the activity’s technical implementation.
• Build, manage, and maintain effective working relations with public and private stakeholders, local organizations, international organizations, private sector partners, civil society, and U.S. Government agencies.
• Ensure compliance with all USAID rules and regulations, contract requirements, and Chemonics policies and systems.
• Facilitates close collaboration and teamwork, including mentorship and development of staff, with attention paid to professional development opportunities.
• Serves as the primary liaison between USAID, host-country government, stakeholders, implementing partners, and home office on all program related matters.

Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree (or international equivalent) MSc, MBA, MPA, or equivalent.
• A minimum of 8-10 years of senior-level experience in managing donor funded programs (USAID preferred).
• Significant experience working with diverse stakeholders in agriculture finance, strategy consulting, private equity, venture capital, SME development, investment banking, or related sector, ideally in Africa.
• Experience mobilizing agriculture investments using inclusive market-based approaches to agricultural development including experience leading negotiations and brokering deals.
• Experience in the financial sector required including experience structuring financial instruments (blended finance, debt, equity) to improve access to finance, preferably in the agriculture sector.
• Relevant experience in East Africa required, experience in Kenya strongly preferred.
• Significant management experience demonstrated through team management, supervisory responsibilities, and general leadership experience.
• Broad general and technical knowledge of the agriculture investment sector in Kenya.
• Demonstrated leadership, versatility, and integrity.
• Fluency in English with excellent oral and written communication skills required; proficiency in Kiswahili preferred.
• This role is expected to be based in Nairobi, Kenya and it is anticipated that there will be significant in-country travel.

How to apply

Please apply by using this link. Applications must be submitted by August 20, 2023. Early applications encouraged. Kenya and EAC national applications encouraged. No telephone inquiries, please.

EEO Statement

Chemonics is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.