Palladium is a global leader in the design, development, and delivery of Positive Impact - the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value. We work with foundations, investors, governments, corporations, communities, and civil society to formulate strategies and implement solutions that generate lasting social, environmental, and financial benefits.
For the past 50 years, we have been making Positive Impact possible. With a team of more than 2,500 employees operating in 90 plus countries and a global network of more than 35,000 technical experts, Palladium has improved - and is committed to continuing to improve - economies, societies and most importantly, people's lives.
Palladium is a child-safe organization, and screens applicants for suitability to work with children. We also provide equal employment to all participants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran, or marital status.
Position Description
Palladium is seeking a Director, Blended Finance for an anticipated USAID-funded economic growth program which is anticipated to begin in July 2023. The USAID/Kenya and East Africa Feed the Future (FtF) Private Sector Activity (PSA) will be a 5-year program focused on accelerating agriculture-led growth in Kenya through partnerships with large agricultural sector firms (such as processors and off-takers) and expansion of smallholder farmer out-grower schemes. The anticipated activity will focus on creating jobs and generating large scale increases in sales/exports in the agriculture sector cost-effectively and, ideally, 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. For more information on the potential project, please consult the RFI: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=338564 .
- Define PSA’s blended finance workplan and strategy to integrate blended finance across a range of technical activities.
- Design a blended finance facility that combines grant funding with a diverse mix of capital to catalyze business growth.
- Provide technical leadership on strategy to increase access to blended finance amongst new and existing businesses.
- Present PSA’ blended finance services activities in meetings with public and private sector actors including GoK, non-governmental organizations, business associations, among others.
- Supervise implementing partners, sub-contractors, and grantees as they undertake tasks relating to blended finance services..
- Develop a comprehensive inventory of sources and mechanisms for blended finance and capital investment that best align with programmatic foci in Kenya.
Travel to various regions of Kenya as needed
Any and all other project-related tasks as required by the Chief of Party and Palladium HQ
- Advanced knowledge of blended finance, financial services providers, and investors in Kenya
- Robust networks within the Kenyan financial sector and development finance space.
- Proven track record improving businesses’ access to finance, connecting businesses with potential investors, and improving business finance services
- Experience designing and managing blended finance facilities targeted at the agricultural sector
- Experience working on USAID or other donor-funded programs of a similar size
- Excellent communications, organizational, and interpersonal skills
- Knowledge of USAID policies, procedures, and reporting requirements preferred
- Experience working for large donor organizations such as USAID preferred
- Local Kenyan candidates are preferred
- Written and oral proficiency in English required
