Business Development Operations Manager

About us

East African Smart Villages and Rural Mobility Limited (EASVRM) is a Kenya-based social enterprise with operations in Kisii, Nyamira, Bomet and Narok Counties. Through its Kisii Smart Community (KSC) initiative and the "Songa" e-mobility platform, EASVRM collaborates with local and international partners to drive sustainable development.

Our work focuses on implementing sustainability solutions, leveraging clean energy technologies, designing innovative digital tools, and applying forward-thinking business models to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Role

The Business Development & Operations Manager will lead the rollout, commercialization, and growth of the Kilikawi platform within the Kisii Smart Community. They will drive business partnerships, strengthen last-mile service offerings (e.g. FMCG sales, transport-as-a-service, trading), and oversee effective project implementation with hub managers and technicians. The role requires a mix of business acumen, operational leadership, project management and community engagement to ensure sustainability and scale of Kilikawi as a business model and support diversification into avocado and horticultural trading.

Responsibilities

Business Development & Partnerships

• Identify and secure strategic partners, off-takers, and collaborators to scale Kilikawi and other community services.
• Develop proposals and manage relationships with stakeholders (private sector, NGOs, cooperatives, etc.).
• Position Kilikawi as a replicable business for other platforms and communities.

Operations & Implementation

• Oversee day-to-day implementation of Kilikawi services through our hub managers and technicians.
• Ensure smooth delivery of last-mile services including FMCG distribution, transport solutions, and agri-trading.
• Develop operational plans, budgets, and reporting frameworks.

Sales & Commercialization

• Design and execute sales strategies for farmer uptake of Kilikawi services.
• Monitor revenue performance and adjust models to improve farmer adoption and business viability.

Agribusiness Development

• Support the launch and growth of avocado and horticultural trading within the community.
• Build market linkages and strengthen value chain efficiencies.

Data, Monitoring & Reporting

• Ensure robust data collection and analysis on Kilikawi usage, farmer adoption, and business performance.
• Generate insights to inform scaling and adoption strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Agribusiness, Development Studies, or related field (Master's an added advantage).
• At least 5 years' experience in business development, operations management, or agribusiness projects.
• Proven track record in building partnerships, sales, and managing field operations.
• Strong project management and financial planning skills.
• Familiarity with rural communities, agriculture, and last-mile distribution models.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and team leadership abilities.

Technical Skills

• Business development:

market scoping, partnership development, project management, reporting, CRM management, contract management.
- Operations management:

budgeting, work planning, logistics coordination.
- Sales & CRM:

familiarity with CRM methodologies, leveraging email and g-suite.
- Data analytics:

Excel (advanced), Google Sheets,
- Digital literacy:

mobile data collection tools (e.g., Google Forms, ODK)
- Agribusiness knowledge:

value chain analysis, market systems development, agro forestry.
- Financial literacy:

P&L management, cost-benefit analysis, pricing models.

To apply send your applications (Motivation letter and CV) to by 12th September 2025