Project Manager

Position: Project Manager

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Role type: Full-Time

Reporting to: Director of Innovation

About SunCulture

Founded in 2012, SunCulture's vision is to build a world where people take control of their environment in rewarding and sustainable ways. SunCulture achieves this by developing and commercializing life-changing technology that solves the biggest daily challenges for the world's 570 million smallholder farming households. The company is the largest distributor of solar water pumps/solar irrigation for smallholder farmers in Africa and was recognized by Fast Company as one of the World's Most Innovative Companies in 2021. SunCulture has grown significantly over the last five years, now employing over 400 people globally

About Maarifa

Maarifa is a SunCulture initiative that focuses on a commercially viable, scalable data platform for outgrowers with integrated credit scoring and Peer-2-Peer engagement. The platform aims to solve the problem of a lack of reliable, fair, and accessible market connections for smallholder farmers. Maarifa promotes Sustainable Agriculture (SDG 2) by providing farmers with market access and reducing post-harvest losses, and Social Entrepreneurship (SDG 8) by enabling smallholder farmers to improve their economic stability and become agricultural entrepreneurs.

About the Role

The Project Manager for Maarifa will play a leading role in the planning and execution of the Maarifa initiative. Reporting to the Director of Innovation, this position is crucial for the successful development, launch, and scaling of SunCulture's data platform. This role requires a dynamic leader with strong interpersonal and business building skills, project management skills, a technical understanding, and a passion for social impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Go-to-Market Strategy and Execution: Design and execute go-to-market plans, including pricing models, distribution channel mapping, and competitor benchmarking to enable the successful rollout of the platform. Manage partnership development associates and the field team to drive growth and market integration.

• Partnership Selection with Agribusinesses: Identify, assess, and select strategic partners, such as agribusinesses, global commodity traders, and government bodies, to secure pilot programs and align with Maarifa's goals.

• Field Activities and Quality Standards: Oversee all field operations, including user onboarding, training, and support, ensuring strict adherence to quality standards and operational efficiency.

• Operate as the product owner and guide product development: Provide comprehensive oversight and roadmapping for the rollout of the Maarifa platform from its initial phase to full-scale deployment. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Agricultural business,  Business Information Technology, or a closely related technical or business field.

• Proven experience (typically 7+ years) in project management, with strong experience specifically in go-to-market strategy and market expansion in agribusinesses.

• Strong experience in vendor selection and technical partnership management within the agriculture sectors

• Demonstrated experience in the technical assessment, design, and implementation of digital platforms, including an understanding of user experience, infrastructure, and data integration.

• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced environment.

• Experience working in rural contexts is highly desirable.

• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., Jira) and relevant engineering design tools is a strong plus.

Interested?

Please apply online via this job portal. We respond to all candidates; however, only shortlisted candidates will be interviewed.

Please Note:

SunCulture is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.