TechnoServe is a leader in harnessing the power of the private sector to help people lift themselves out of poverty. A nonprofit organization operating in 29 countries, we work with enterprising men and women in the developing world to build competitive farms, businesses and industries. By linking people to information, capital and markets, we have helped millions to create lasting prosperity for their families and communities.
Founded over 50 years ago, TechnoServe has been named the #1 nonprofit for fighting poverty by the ImpactMatters charity ratings agency.
Job Summary:
TechnoServe seeks a dynamic and motivated Technical Director for an upcoming food systems program in Kenya. The Technical Director will have the exciting opportunity to help transform the food system in 17 counties in Kenya.
Program Overview:
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) anticipates funding the five-year Feed the Future Local Food Systems activity in Kenya. The activity will promote inclusive agriculture-led growth with a focus on climate-smart approaches, strengthen the resilience of people and systems by expanding economic opportunities, improve nutrition of women and children, as well as integrate cross-cutting themes. This activity is anticipated to cover a combination of staple and high value crops.
The activity will implement solutions including:
- Improving resilience of vulnerable populations
- Building the capacity of food system enterprises
- Catalyzing investment into local agricultural market systems
- Establishing strong and transparent relationships between food system actors
- Improving the availability and affordability of nutritious food products, especially for women and children
- Expanding employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, especially for youth and women
- 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.
