Synnefa, a leading ag-tech startup based in Nairobi, Kenya, is inviting applications for a full-time 6-month internship in Business Development, running from September 2025 to February 2026. This is a unique opportunity for recent graduates who are passionate about agricultural innovation and technology to contribute to a fast-paced, impact-driven team working to transform farming across Kenya and beyond.
With a strong commitment to climate-resilient solutions and smallholder farmer empowerment, Synnefa combines smart greenhouses, IoT devices, and data-driven farm management software to increase agricultural productivity and sustainability. The selected interns will join the Growth Team and play a crucial role in scaling partnerships, driving enterprise outreach, and shaping strategic business opportunities. If you are self-motivated, proactive, and eager to kickstart a career at the intersection of agriculture, technology, and business, then this internship offers a dynamic entry point.
The position is based in Nairobi and operates on a hybrid model, incorporating in-office, remote, and work-from-home flexibility. Interns will receive a monthly stipend of KES 20,000. Applications must be submitted via Synnefa’s official job site by 11th August 2025.
Position: Business Development Intern
Department: Business Development (Growth Team)
Reporting to: CEO
Location: Nairobi, Kenya (Hybrid – Remote, Office and WFH)
Duration: 6 Months (September 2025 – February 2026)
Compensation: KES 20,000 per month stipend
Role Overview
As a Business Development Intern at Synnefa, your main responsibility will be to support the company’s growth strategy through active B2B outreach, development of strategic partnerships, and facilitation of the sales process. This role is tailored for recent graduates in business, agriculture, agribusiness, or marketing who aspire to make a meaningful contribution to agritech.
Under the direct supervision of the CEO and in collaboration with the broader Growth Team, the interns will identify and engage with potential partners, generate and qualify leads, assist in onboarding new clients, and offer logistical and administrative support for ongoing partnerships. The role emphasizes relationship management, market research, and operational coordination—all critical areas for a robust foundation in agribusiness development.
This internship is designed not just as a learning experience, but also as a stepping stone into potential long-term roles within Synnefa or the broader agritech ecosystem. Interns will receive structured mentorship, real-world assignments, and exposure to the company’s innovation-driven mission.
Detailed Job Description
1. Partner Scouting and Outreach
The intern will be actively involved in identifying and approaching prospective partners, including but not limited to agribusiness companies, agro-dealers, microfinance institutions, export-oriented farms, NGOs with agricultural programs, and co-operatives. Activities will include:
- Conducting online and offline research to map relevant players in Kenya and the East African region.
- Attending sectoral networking events or webinars to build awareness of Synnefa’s brand.
- Initiating first contact with potential partners via email, telephone calls, or social media platforms such as LinkedIn.
- Creating compelling introductory messages and pitch materials for outreach.
- Documenting outreach activity and initial responses in a centralized CRM system.
2. Lead Generation and Qualification
To support Synnefa’s expansion goals, interns will:
- Identify prospective B2B leads by researching industry directories, associations, or agricultural databases.
- Initiate contact with leads using various methods including cold calling, email, and LinkedIn.
- Qualify leads by evaluating their interest and alignment with Synnefa’s products, especially FarmCloud.
- Log and categorize leads based on priority and potential for conversion.
- Ensure all qualified leads are accurately updated in the CRM for tracking and engagement.
3. Relationship Management Support
Interns will play a key role in strengthening Synnefa’s connection with external stakeholders through:
- Scheduling meetings and demo sessions between prospective partners and senior management.
- Preparing briefing notes ahead of meetings and ensuring relevant materials are ready.
- Attending and taking detailed notes during meetings or calls with partners.
- Monitoring communication flow and conducting timely follow-ups to nurture each lead.
4. Partnership Onboarding Assistance
Once a partner is confirmed for collaboration, the intern will support onboarding by:
- Assisting in the drafting or customization of partnership documents such as proposals, MoUs, and pitch decks.
- Coordinating the necessary internal arrangements to fulfill partnership terms (e.g., organizing a pilot, product training, or onboarding sessions).
- Providing administrative assistance to ensure seamless onboarding experiences, including document circulation and calendar coordination.
- Liaising with technical teams for demo setup and implementation support as needed.
5. Market Research and Strategic Input
The intern will contribute to Synnefa’s strategic growth through research and insights, including:
- Mapping new potential market segments such as flower exporters, county-based farmer groups, or diaspora-led agri-investment firms.
- Analyzing competitor initiatives and regional agritech trends.
- Compiling findings into reports or presentations that inform business development strategy.
- Recommending targeted approaches or channels to reach newly identified groups.
6. Sales and Demo Support
Interns will offer hands-on assistance to the sales and agronomy teams by:
- Coordinating logistics for product demonstrations (e.g., preparing demo units, sending invites).
- Managing communications with prospective clients to confirm demo appointments.
- Attending virtual or physical product demos and capturing client feedback.
- Assisting with the creation of tailored materials for prospective clients to understand the value of Synnefa’s technology.
7. Reporting and Administrative Tasks
To ensure data-driven decision-making and process discipline, interns will:
- Compile weekly activity reports detailing leads contacted, meetings held, and outcomes achieved.
- Monitor lead status updates and ensure proper record-keeping in the CRM.
- Flag any emerging trends or challenges in the outreach process.
- Support the preparation of PowerPoint presentations, sales documents, and customized partner kits.
- Coordinate with marketing for partner-focused content such as brochures or success stories.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
To measure performance and effectiveness, interns will be evaluated against the following metrics:
- New Leads Contacted: Minimum number of new B2B or partner organizations reached monthly.
- Qualified Partnerships/MoUs: Number of meaningful engagements converted into formal partnership agreements.
- Meetings and Demos Arranged: Total meetings or demo sessions scheduled based on intern efforts.
- Pipeline Progress and Conversion: Percentage of leads moving through the sales pipeline to negotiation or closure stages.
- CRM and Reporting Compliance: Timeliness and completeness of CRM updates and weekly activity reports.
Required Qualifications and Attributes
- Academic Background: Recent graduate (within one year) with a Bachelor’s degree or Higher Diploma in Business, Marketing, Agribusiness, Agriculture, or a related field.
- Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal skills, with the ability to articulate ideas professionally.
- Research and Analytical Skills: Competency in online research and analysis, using tools like Google Sheets or Docs.
- Organizational Ability: Self-starter with excellent task management and follow-up capabilities.
- CRM Familiarity: Willingness to learn and adopt CRM tools for lead tracking and reporting.
- Passion for Agritech: Keen interest in solving agricultural challenges through innovation.
- Team Collaboration: Willingness to work with marketing, technical, and sales teams in a startup environment.
- Professional Integrity: High level of ethics and professionalism, representing Synnefa in all external interactions.
Working Environment and Culture
Synnefa offers an inclusive and collaborative workplace where young professionals can grow through mentorship, meaningful assignments, and real-world impact. Interns will be exposed to the dynamics of a startup where creativity, adaptability, and initiative are highly valued. The hybrid work environment offers a balance of flexibility and team engagement, ideal for motivated graduates eager to learn.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Synnefa is an equal opportunity employer that celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified candidates, regardless of background, identity, or beliefs, are encouraged to apply. We particularly encourage applications from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in the tech and agricultural sectors.
Important Application Notice
All applications must be submitted exclusively through Synnefa’s official recruitment platform: https://synnefa.breezy.hr. Any attempt to contact Synnefa staff or management through direct channels such as WhatsApp, email, or social media will lead to disqualification. This policy ensures fairness and transparency in the selection process.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting applications is 11th August 2025. Early applications are encouraged as shortlisting will be conducted on a rolling basis.
