TechnoServe, a globally respected non-profit organization, is pleased to announce an exciting leadership opportunity for a highly qualified and motivated individual to join our team as Chief of Party (CoP) for the upcoming USDA Kenya Feed Activity. This anticipated five-year project will be implemented in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the Food for Progress (FFPr) initiative.
At TechnoServe, we believe that economic empowerment is a key tool in fighting global poverty. Our approach is grounded in business principles, informed by rigorous data, and adapted to local realities. We empower smallholder farmers, entrepreneurs, and communities by helping them access the tools, networks, and knowledge they need to build better livelihoods for themselves and their families.
With a presence in over 30 countries across Africa, Latin America, and Asia, and a dedicated team composed of 95% local staff, TechnoServe has built a solid reputation for delivering measurable and sustainable results. Our projects are known for combining private-sector partnerships with evidence-based strategies that improve food security, market access, and incomes. Now, we invite experienced development professionals to take part in a transformative initiative that aims to strengthen Kenya’s feed sector and livestock value chains.
About the USDA Kenya Feed Activity
The USDA Kenya Feed Activity aims to address the critical challenges faced by Kenya’s feed sector, including inefficiencies in production, supply chain gaps, inconsistent quality standards, and limited access to finance and business development services. The program will likely focus on livestock-related value chains such as dairy, poultry, aquaculture, and other agribusinesses that depend on reliable, affordable, and high-quality feed.
The Chief of Party will play a central role in leading the overall implementation of the program, managing a multidisciplinary team, and engaging a wide range of stakeholders across government, private sector, and civil society. This is a full-time, Nairobi-based position contingent on funding and donor approval.
Position Overview: Chief of Party, USDA Kenya Feed Activity
As the Chief of Party, you will serve as the strategic and technical leader of the program, guiding it from inception through to successful completion. Your responsibilities will span from high-level engagement and representation to hands-on operational oversight and performance management. This is a leadership role that demands a unique blend of development experience, business acumen, technical understanding of the agricultural feed sector, and excellent stakeholder management skills.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership and Vision
- Provide overall vision, strategic direction, and technical leadership for the USDA Kenya Feed Activity.
- Lead the development and implementation of a robust strategy to achieve program goals and impact targets.
- Guide the adaptive management of the program, ensuring responsiveness to emerging trends and challenges within Kenya’s feed and livestock sectors.
- Program Implementation and Management
- Oversee day-to-day implementation of all program components, ensuring they align with the work plan, donor expectations, and TechnoServe’s quality standards.
- Ensure timely and accurate delivery of project activities, outcomes, and reports in compliance with USDA regulations and TechnoServe protocols.
- Drive innovation and operational efficiencies, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and problem-solving.
- Team Management and Capacity Building
- Recruit, supervise, and support a diverse team of long-term staff, short-term technical experts, and consortium partners.
- Promote a collaborative and inclusive team environment with a strong performance orientation.
- Provide mentorship, training, and performance evaluations for direct reports and ensure appropriate delegation of responsibilities.
- Stakeholder Engagement and Representation
- Serve as the primary point of contact with USDA, Government of Kenya entities, implementing partners, private sector actors, and other stakeholders.
- Represent the project in public forums, donor meetings, technical workshops, and media engagements as necessary.
- Build and maintain productive relationships with key stakeholders to enhance project ownership, coordination, and sustainability.
- Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning
- Oversee the development and implementation of a comprehensive Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) framework.
- Use data and insights to guide decision-making, inform program adjustments, and document impact and lessons learned.
- Ensure all reporting requirements are met and that results are communicated effectively to both internal and external stakeholders.
- Financial Oversight and Compliance
- Work closely with the finance and operations teams to manage the project budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and compliance with donor rules.
- Review and approve financial reports, expenditure plans, and procurement activities in alignment with TechnoServe policies.
- Monitor risk and compliance across the project portfolio, taking proactive steps to mitigate any potential issues.
Qualifications and Experience
To be considered for this role, applicants must demonstrate strong leadership, technical expertise, and a proven ability to deliver complex, multi-stakeholder programs. Specific qualifications include:
- A master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as business, international development, economics, public policy, agricultural economics, or a related discipline. A bachelor’s degree with at least 12 years of relevant experience may also be considered.
- At least eight years of progressive professional experience in international development, preferably within the feed or broader agricultural livestock value chains such as dairy, poultry, or aquaculture.
- Demonstrated success in working with agribusinesses, including knowledge of business models, supply chain logistics, and financial and technical support mechanisms.
- Prior experience leading and managing multidisciplinary teams in complex program environments, particularly as a Chief of Party, Team Leader, or Program Director.
- A track record of successful project implementation under bilateral donors such as USDA or USAID is highly desirable.
- Strong working relationships with the private sector and familiarity with market-based approaches to development.
- Evidence of collaborative work with public institutions, civil society organizations, and regional stakeholders.
- Experience in implementing gender-integrated strategies is considered a plus.
- Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with an ability to motivate, influence, and manage partnerships and staff across cultures and disciplines.
Why Join TechnoServe?
This role offers a rare opportunity to lead a transformative project that combines agricultural development with private sector engagement in one of Africa’s most dynamic economies. At TechnoServe, we value integrity, respect, and excellence. We are proud to foster an inclusive workplace where staff are encouraged to grow, innovate, and create lasting impact.
We are also committed to safeguarding and upholding the rights and well-being of our beneficiaries, staff, and partners. All final candidates will undergo rigorous background and reference checks, and TechnoServe maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward abuse, exploitation, and harassment in all forms.
We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We do not discriminate based on gender, race, color, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, HIV/AIDS status, protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status. We actively seek diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
Accessibility Note
If you have a disability that makes it difficult to apply using our online system, please contact TechnoServe Human Resources at [email protected] or call +1 202 785 4515 for assistance.
Application Process
Interested candidates who meet the qualifications and share our mission of transforming lives through market-driven solutions are encouraged to apply. This position is contingent upon award by USDA and final donor approval.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
Contact for Application:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 202 785 4515
For more information about TechnoServe and our work, please visit: www.technoserve.org
This is a compelling opportunity to lead a flagship development initiative and contribute to meaningful change in Kenya’s agricultural landscape. If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for impact and a commitment to excellence, we look forward to your application.
