Equity Group Foundation (EGF) is a corporate foundation of Equity Group Holdings Plc. It was created in 2008 to undertake the social investment work of the bank. EGF aims to transform the lives and livelihoods of the people of Africa socially and economically by equipping them, capacity building and linking them to modern, inclusive financial services that maximize their opportunities. It focuses on seven pillars under the critical thematic areas of a) Food & Agriculture, b) Education & Leadership Development, c) Energy, Environment & Climate Change, d) Enterprise Development & Financial Inclusion, e) Health, f) Innovation and g) Social Protection. EGF operates in all the countries where Equity Group has a presence i.e., Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and DRC.

The Role: Senior Program Manager – Food & Agriculture

Reporting to the General Manager, Food and Agriculture Pillar (F&A), The senior program manager shall ensure that pillar programs and initiatives align with the organization’s strategic objectives, are coordinated and executed efficiently, and deliver value to stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of programs within the Food & Agriculture pillar that align with the strategic objectives of the organization.
• Support in the design and implementation of programs that aims to commercialize agribusinesses, create jobs and contribute to food security.
• Lead stakeholder management to provide linkages and partnerships that strengthen agri-food systems enterprises.
• Enhance the pillar image by managing relationships with implementation partners, government bodies, donors, development partners, value chain actors and learning institutions.
• Develop and coordinate staff that deliver pillar interventions such as capacity building, financial and market linkages.
•  Review program reports on quarterly basis and as may be required from time to time.
•  Responsible for the review and timely delivery of donor reports.
•  Identify and document success stories of Food & Agriculture pillar program beneficiaries /participants.
• Provide regular pillar performance management and reporting
• Prepare, review, and submit quarterly reports for the EGF board.
• Work with the Communications Department to generate reports, stories, and materials to communicate the impact of the programs.
• Other duties/responsibilities as agreed upon with the EGF Pillar Lead.

Key Deliverables for the Position

• Program design and fundraising
• In collaboration with M&E pillar, oversee pillar monitoring and evaluation workstreams.
• Stakeholder management & liaison; Partnerships and relationship management – Branches, Ecosystem anchors, trainers, funding partners, program implementation partners, counties, national government.
• Pillar team performance management and mentorship
• Programs planning, coordination and reporting.
• Oversee programs delivery to ensure quality and impact.
•  Manage work plans and budget utilization.
•  Partner mapping and relationship management.
• Active stakeholder engagement – donors, implementation partners, government, and value chain actors.
• Risk mitigation and alignment to EGF 8 principles
• Drive business growth in liaison with bank staff

Requirements

Critical Experience

Demonstrated Strong leadership skills, strategic planning expertise, and excellent communication abilities, Program management and as well as experience designing, coordinating, executing, and supporting the evaluation of Food & Agriculture pillar initiatives.

Essential Knowledge

• Demonstrated high level experience with project design and fundraising.
• Strong Project Management Skills
• Knowledge and existing partnerships with key stakeholders in Food and Agriculture sector

Key Critical Competencies

• Excellent relationship building and networking skills (both internal & external)
• Conflict resolution, strong negotiation, and persuasion
• Communication for effective writing, presentations, and facilitation
• Interpersonal sensitivity to interact with others in a sensitive and effective way. Respects and works well with others.
• Building capability – facilitate an environment where staff can learn, develop, and share knowledge.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• Working knowledge on data management systems

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in; Agriculture/Economics/Business Management/ Project management / Entrepreneurship, Development studies & related fields
• PhD in relevant field presents an added advantage.
• Over 7 years’ experience designing, leading, executing, and supporting the evaluation of entrepreneurship and financial inclusion.
• Project Management Certification/ Training highly desirable.
• Commitment to results, business savvy, leader.
• A consistent track record of superior performance
• Strong understanding of the Food & Agriculture sector in Kenya. East and Central Africa region experience is an added advantage.
• Familiarity with the digitization, climate change adaptation and risk credit risk mitigating mechanisms.
• Demonstrated ability to identify innovative solutions and opportunities in Food & Agriculture
• Ability to balance between social and economic transformational initiatives