Program Manager

• Lead the implementation of the 18-month value chain development program, from mobilization and inception through technical delivery, learning, and close-out. Ensure alignment with program goals, timelines, and donor requirements.
• Develop and oversee sector-specific strategies for the essential oils and leather sectors, grounded in field insights and value chain diagnostics. These strategies will address core challenges such as input quality, limited certification, fragmented sourcing, and weak market access.
• Manage all aspects of program operations, including work planning, budgeting, compliance, recruitment, procurement, and performance management of a multidisciplinary implementation team.
• Direct technical assistance delivery to MSMEs, focusing on improving production processes, enhancing product quality, supporting certification readiness, and promoting sustainability and inclusion. Tailor interventions to the needs of both larger firms and smaller enterprises.
• Guide the co-creation of inclusive business plans with high-potential enterprises, helping to define commercially viable, inclusive models that integrate suppliers and producers.
• Facilitate robust market linkages by designing and executing buyer engagement strategies, organizing matchmaking events, enabling participation in trade forums, and supporting MSMEs to secure supply or offtake agreements with new buyers.
• Strengthen financial readiness and business planning, helping MSMEs develop fundable growth strategies, access appropriate financing solutions, and build investment confidence among lenders and partners.
• Engage with ecosystem actors and sector stakeholders to unlock systemic constraints in infrastructure, certification, policy, and market access. Support collective solutions such as shared processing facilities, cooperative models, and sector-wide training initiatives.
• Represent the program externally, sharing lessons, insights, and results in sector dialogues, donor forums, and industry events. Maintain strong communication and alignment with stakeholders to drive visibility and strategic influence.

• Master's degree in Agribusiness, Business Administration, Agricultural Economics, or a related field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience managing market systems or value chain development programs.
• Proven success working with large enterprises /lead firms in agribusiness or manufacturing value chains.
• Familiarity with certification processes (e.g. LWG, Ecocert, KEBS) and export standards.
• Experience with donor-funded programs.

• Experience in MSME development, particularly in agriculture, leather, or natural products sectors.
• Experience with business strategy / consulting, program management, private sector experience.
• Experience supporting inclusive employment models for women and youth.

• Fluency in English; Swahili proficiency is an asset.

• Willingness to travel frequently to field sites across Kenya.

• Deep understanding of value chain development and inclusive business models.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and lead high-performing teams.

• Manage a diverse technical and operational team including value chain leads, MEL, training, and administrative staff.

• Lead a high-impact initiative advancing MSME competitiveness in two of Kenya's most promising value chains.
• Collaborate with dynamic anchor firms, buyers, and value chain actors across the country.
• Contribute to building a scalable model for inclusive and sustainable enterprise growth.

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