AGRA (Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa) is an African-led institution dedicated to driving agricultural transformation across the continent. Our mission is to support smallholder farmers—the backbone of Africa’s food systems—to transition from subsistence farming to thriving, profitable enterprises.
Africa’s 33 million smallholder farming households face numerous challenges in their pursuit of food security and sustainable livelihoods. At AGRA, we deliver uniquely African solutions that empower farmers to increase yields, reduce hunger, build resilience, and secure improved incomes.
By working hand in hand with governments, private sector partners, and development actors, AGRA builds enabling systems and networks that provide farmers with access to high-quality seeds, knowledge on sustainable farming practices, and reliable market linkages.
Our strategy is anchored on five priority areas:
- Policy and State Capability – Supporting governments to create favorable policies for private sector participation and agricultural growth.
- Seed Systems – Ensuring farmers access improved, high-yielding seeds for food security and prosperity.
- Sustainable Farming – Promoting resilient farming systems through mechanization, irrigation, and climate-smart approaches.
- Inclusive Markets and Trade – Strengthening farmer linkages to markets for long-term commercialization and reinvestment.
- Youth, Gender, and Inclusiveness – Creating opportunities for women and youth to benefit from and contribute to agriculture.
With a workforce drawn from over 25 nationalities and deep roots in African farming communities, AGRA is more than an organization—it is a movement for transformation. Our guiding principles are embodied in our I-RISE Values: Integrity, Respect, Innovation, Stewardship, and Equity.
Why Work with AGRA?
People are at the heart of everything we do. AGRA offers a workplace defined by collaboration, innovation, and excellence. We foster a culture that encourages entrepreneurial thinking, constructive engagement, and results-driven performance.
Joining AGRA means joining a diverse team united by purpose. It means being part of a transformative journey where your expertise contributes directly to reshaping food systems and improving millions of lives across Africa.
If you are passionate about sustainable development, believe in African-led solutions, and are eager to influence change at scale, then AGRA is where your career can make a profound impact.
About the Role
AGRA is seeking to recruit a Chief of Partnerships and Business Development (CPBD) to lead and shape its institutional partnership and fundraising agenda. This pivotal role will focus on building, aligning, and sustaining diverse forms of capital and collaboration in support of AGRA’s mission.
The CPBD will serve as a member of AGRA’s Executive Committee and report directly to the President. This is an opportunity for an experienced leader with credibility across development, investment, and philanthropy networks to contribute meaningfully to the future of African agriculture and food systems.
Key Responsibilities
The CPBD will be responsible for:
1. Partnership Strategy and Stewardship
- Develop and execute AGRA’s multi-year partnership and resource mobilization strategy.
- Serve as the senior-most relationship manager for bilateral and multilateral donors, philanthropic foundations, DFIs, sovereign wealth funds, and private sector stakeholders.
- Craft a compelling value proposition for partners aligned with AGRA’s evolving strategy and Africa’s priorities.
2. Resource Mobilization and Investment Partnerships
- Expand AGRA’s funding base beyond traditional aid, leveraging philanthropic capital, climate finance, diaspora contributions, and private investment.
- Lead pipeline development, proposal generation, donor reporting, and compliance systems.
- Design catalytic finance vehicles, including blended finance structures, challenge funds, and joint ventures.
3. Team Leadership and Organizational Influence
- Build, mentor, and lead high-performing teams across Development Cooperation, Private Sector Engagement, and Institutional Partnerships.
- Embed a culture of co-creation and ownership of partnerships across AGRA’s country offices and technical teams.
- Facilitate effective coordination between central and decentralized functions.
4. Strategic Initiatives and Positioning
- Shape initiatives that reinforce AGRA’s relevance and global influence.
- Elevate AGRA’s presence at international forums such as COP, SDG Summits, and the World Economic Forum.
- Develop thematic initiatives in youth employment, climate-smart agriculture, nutrition, and regenerative farming.
5. PIATA Leadership and Evolution
- Serve as the institutional lead for PIATA (Partnership for Inclusive Agricultural Transformation in Africa).
- Reimagine PIATA’s role as a platform for greater alignment and co-investment among diverse funders.
The Ideal Candidate
AGRA seeks a leader who is as visionary as they are practical—an individual who blends influence with humility and brings credibility across global partnerships. The successful candidate will be motivated by African-led transformation and committed to building alignment across complex systems.
Key Attributes:
- Influential and Collaborative: Skilled at building trust and alignment across a range of institutions and individuals.
- Strategic and Entrepreneurial: Experienced in designing novel partnership structures and pursuing innovative opportunities.
- Adaptive and Grounded: Able to navigate high-level strategy as well as operational realities.
- Values-led: Deeply aligned with AGRA’s mission and values.
Experience and Requirements:
- Proven experience in partnerships, resource mobilization, or related senior leadership roles.
- Demonstrated success in fundraising with institutional donors and/or mobilizing philanthropic or private capital.
- Experience leading multi-country and multi-partner initiatives, ideally in Africa.
- Knowledge of agricultural development, climate finance, or adjacent sectors.
- Strong track record of engaging high-level stakeholders, including heads of state, global investors, and multilateral agencies.
- Ability to lead and inspire high-performing teams.
- Advanced degree in international development, economics, business, agriculture, or a related field.
Why This Role Matters
This is not just a leadership position—it is an opportunity to influence how African-led institutions engage with partners, fundraise, and co-create solutions for the continent. As AGRA evolves to meet the challenges of today’s food systems, the CPBD will be at the forefront of shaping strategies, mobilizing resources, and driving transformation at scale.
The CPBD’s leadership will help unlock catalytic partnerships that deliver tangible benefits to millions of farmers, position AGRA globally, and set a new standard for collaboration in development.
How to Apply
AGRA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and ensure that all expressions of interest are treated with confidentiality.
Interested candidates should send a cover letter and updated resume/CV via email to:
Application Deadline: 19th September 2025
If you know exceptional leaders suited for this role, please recommend them by sharing their profiles and contact details to the same email address.
