JOB PURPOSE:Self Help Africa are looking for a dynamic, proactive and results-oriented Challenge Fund Team Leader to be the strategic head of the AgriFI-Value Chain Implementation Team. The TL will be responsible for ensuring successful implementation of the remaining two years of this 5.5-year, European Union-funded programme through providing strategic leadership, technical oversight and direct management of the programme – in particular the EUR 18M challenge fund. A key function of this role will be managing effective partnerships with the Lead Firms/implementing organisations and broadening the impact of the fund to attract additional investment into the AgriFI firms and other agribusinesses.KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCEEssential• In depth knowledge of agricultural finance, banking and investment/project appraisalAt least 10 years’ experience in the implementation of agri-business development projects, 5 of which working with Lead Firms/MSMEs within value chains or related projects, at a similar level• Strong project management skills and understanding of project cycle management approaches and tools – including planning, project appraisal, monitoring and evaluation and partners’ capacity building• Experience of working with donors in development programmes Experience of multi-year donor-funded Challenge fund programmes• A thorough understanding of Value Chain Development and designing strategies and approaches for enhancing Value Chain Integration• Excellent communication, interpersonal and team building skills• Experience in networking among development partners and government departments• Ability to apply functional marketing, business planning, enterprise finance and investment, business growth advisory service or related areas.Desirable• Familiarity and experience with EU regulations preferred• Access to networks with funds to invest in social impactQUALIFICATIONS/OTHER REQUIREMENTS:The ideal candidate will possess the following qualities:MBA or Master’s degree in Agribusiness, Management, Finance, Economics or related field requiredStrong computer skills especially with MS Word and Excel and other related packagesValid Driving LicenceProgramme ManagementProvide strategic, technical and managerial oversight and leadership for the challenge fund including financial analysis, business plan generation and revision, market analysis, building market and distribution channels. Specific tasks include:Day to day management of the challenge fund: Lead and manage all aspects of the programme: planning, implementation, quality and accountability, monitoring and evaluationLead and manage the relationship with the co-implementer of the programme – Imani DevelopmentIn liaison with the Country Team and Head Office Technical Advisors, ensure effective integration of core technical areas – Nutrition, Gender & Social Inclusion, Agriculture and Natural Resource ManagementRepresent SHA at government, donor, NGO and other relevant events and ensure that the AgriFI Value Chain Programme collaborates and networks with key stakeholdersSupport contracting of external consultants where required to address grantee capacity needsWork in close liaison and ensure effective communication with the Lead firms and other stakeholders including EIB partner banks and the donor to coordinate coherent and consistent delivery of the programme objectivesLead activities that build capacity of SMEs/Lead Firms to address relevant technical and management constraintsReview of business plans and supporting documentation to ensure completeness, consistency and adherence to the grant terms and focusProvide technical input for the implementation of the programme including in the preparation of work plans, strategies, training materials, guides and manuals and value chain integration.Raise additional capital for the Challenge FundIdentify key financial partners, particularly Kenyan banks working with the European Investment Bank, to enable agribusinesses and other value chain actors to access agricultural finance. Broaden the impact of the programme by supporting agribusinesses that were unsuccessful in securing Challenge Fund funding or who aren’t suitable for grant funding, to access commercial lending. Specific tasks include:Lead the team in marketing the AgriFi Kenya brand and building relevant networks with institutional donors, investment funds and philanthropistsUndertake feasibility or viability studies on targeted programmes and targeted granteesLead in preparation of proposals and budgets to potential partners for follow on funding of the AgriFi Kenya ProgrammeEnsure data on SROI on extra-financial value is developed and reported.Review of AgriFi learningsConsolidate key learnings and apply these learnings to the AgriFi programme and future Self Help Africa agribusiness work. Specific tasks include:Appraise the level of impact the AgriFi programme has achieved to date and methodology that can be utilised through to programme endAnalysis of AgriFi outcomes, conducted in collaboration with AgriFi staff and recipient companies, focused on evaluating what learnings from the programme can be applied to future challenge funds / blended finance facilitiesAssess key successes, risks and challenges of AgriFi programme to dateDraw out key learnings from the programme that can be shared across the sector and with national and international stakeholders on how best to stimulate value chain development through private sector engagement and financing small businessesSeek out opportunities for the Group to promote its learnings and successes e.g. conferences, media, trade publications, donor engagement etc.Operational and Financial ManagementEnsure that the programme in implemented using value for money principles for effective and efficient delivery.Specific tasks include:Supervise the Grants team, other staff and consultants and facilitate effective team work and coordination;Manage the programme budget in collaboration with the Head of Programmes and Head of Finance;Compile periodic programme reports as required by the donor and SHA;Ensure compliance by SHA and partners with contract requirements in planning, financial management, procurement, branding, monitoring and reporting, and facilitate further training where necessary;Act as a focal point within the SHA country office to ensure all programming, financial and administrative matters related to the programme comply with donor and SHA policies and procedures and are transparently, expediently and effectively managed in line with established processes, rules and regulations;Monitor external context and carry out adjustments to project plans, where necessary;Conduct periodic reviews of staff performance in keeping with SHA’s performance management system and mentor staff to ensure high levels of motivation, commitment, capacity and teamworkEnsure all SHA safety and security guidelines are followed and that all safety or security incidents (fires, accidents, theft, etc.) are recorded and reported;Ensure efficient use and management of project resources;Monitoring, Reporting and ResultsMonitor and report on the progress of the fund technically and financially on a quarterly and half-yearly basis to reduce and manage risks. Specific tasks include:• In conjunction with the M&E Manager, facilitate monitoring and documentation of learning by ensuring that effective mechanisms are in place to monitor activities and outputs and assessments for programme quality and impact and ensure programme implementation is on time, target and budget;• Ensure a monitoring plan is in place and undertake project monitoring visits from time to time• Ensure that the Portfolio Managers and Risk and Compliance Manager have processes to check grantee reports and ensure that they are compliant with set policies and operational procedures• Work with the M&E officers to ensure the measures necessary are in place to reduce and manage risk in the portfolio• Review, analyse and assess grantee performance against KPIsOther:Any other tasks as assigned by SHA’s Head of Region or Country Director.
