SNV Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV) is inviting applications for the position of Sector Lead – Agri-Food Systems, based in Nairobi, Kenya. This role presents an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and results-driven professional to contribute to SNV’s mission of transforming agri-food systems across Kenya and Burundi.
SNV is a globally recognized development partner with more than 60 years of experience in strengthening institutions, fostering effective governance, and driving inclusive development in over 20 countries across Africa and Asia. With a strong foundation built on equity, inclusivity, and sustainability, SNV is committed to addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time: food security, climate change, gender equity, and social inclusion.
Working with over 1,600 staff worldwide, SNV helps shape resilient food, water, and energy systems that ensure dignity and equitable opportunities for people everywhere. In Kenya, where SNV has been active since 1967, the organization has made notable strides in sustainable agriculture, food systems development, regenerative farming, and inclusive business models. With an increasing focus on climate-smart approaches, SNV continues to push the boundaries of impact and innovation.
The new Sector Lead – Agri-Food Systems will play a crucial role in steering SNV’s agriculture agenda in Kenya and Burundi. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership, develop innovative partnerships, drive resource mobilization, and ensure effective program delivery across a diverse portfolio of agriculture-related projects.
This is a senior leadership role, offering the chance to influence national, regional, and global food system agendas while working at the intersection of sustainability, inclusivity, and impact.
About SNV and the Agri-Food Sector
SNV’s work in the Agri-Food sector is anchored around three priority areas:
- Sustainable Production – advancing climate-smart and regenerative agriculture practices that safeguard food security and nutrition for current and future generations.
- Inclusive Markets and Impact Investment – strengthening value chains, building inclusive business models, and improving access to finance for smallholders and agri-enterprises.
- Healthy Diets and Sustainable Consumption – promoting food systems that support adequate nutrition, equitable access, and sustainable consumption.
SNV Kenya’s project portfolio covers climate-smart agriculture, water and irrigation solutions, women’s economic empowerment, inclusive agribusiness, food and nutrition security, and regenerative farming. With strong cross-sectoral links to water and energy, SNV’s integrated approach allows it to address systemic challenges holistically.
The Agri-Food portfolio is expanding rapidly, particularly in the areas of climate finance, sustainable investment, and private sector engagement. This is where the incoming Sector Lead will make a significant impact by driving innovation, unlocking new opportunities, and ensuring that SNV remains at the forefront of food systems transformation.
Job Description
Position Overview
The Sector Lead – Agri-Food Systems (SL) will be responsible for providing overall leadership and direction for SNV’s agri-food strategy and program implementation in Kenya and Burundi. Based in Nairobi, the SL will report directly to the Country Director and work in close collaboration with the Country Management Team (CMT), as well as SNV’s global technical experts and sector leads.
The role requires frequent travel within Kenya and Burundi, engagement with high-level stakeholders, and participation in regional and international forums. Approximately 50% of the role will focus on business development and resource mobilization, making it ideal for a professional who thrives on building partnerships and securing funding opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
The Sector Lead – Agri-Food Systems will be entrusted with the following responsibilities:
1. Strategic Leadership
- Provide overall strategic direction for the Agri-Food sector in Kenya and Burundi.
- Align programming with SNV’s global strategy while adapting to local contexts.
- Integrate cross-cutting themes such as Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI), Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, and Governance into all agri-food initiatives.
- Position SNV as a leading voice in national, regional, and global food systems discussions.
2. Business Development & Resource Mobilization
- Identify and pursue opportunities for financial resource mobilization.
- Lead proposal development for both traditional donors (grants) and emerging opportunities, including private sector partnerships, climate finance, and impact investments.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, governments, NGOs, and private sector actors.
- Strengthen SNV’s presence and credibility through high-level representation and strategic networking.
3. Programme Management
- Directly manage select projects while providing oversight for all projects within the sector.
- Ensure high-quality planning, monitoring, financial management, and donor reporting.
- Drive delivery of measurable development results that align with both donor requirements and SNV’s impact framework.
- Oversee the integration of climate-smart solutions and inclusive business models into project design and execution.
4. Advisory & Technical Expertise
- Lead complex advisory assignments, providing high-level technical input on food systems, value chain development, and climate-smart agriculture.
- Set performance benchmarks for advisory services and ensure quality outputs.
- Collaborate with colleagues from the Water and Energy sectors to deliver integrated solutions.
- Position SNV as a thought leader in areas of climate adaptation, mitigation, and food system resilience.
5. People & Team Management
- Lead, mentor, and coach a multidisciplinary team of project managers, advisors, and consultants.
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance work culture.
- Build capacity within the team to strengthen technical expertise and leadership.
- Ensure strong alignment between staff development goals and organizational strategy.
6. Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning
- Establish consistent practices for planning, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
- Ensure compliance with SNV’s internal frameworks and donor requirements.
- Drive knowledge-sharing, documentation of lessons learned, and dissemination of best practices within and beyond the organization.
7. Representation & Promotion
- Actively represent SNV in external networks, events, and policy discussions.
- Build and sustain strategic partnerships with governments, donors, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders.
- Promote SNV’s brand and thought leadership in agriculture, climate change, and food systems transformation.
8. Contribution to Country Management
- Serve as a member of the Country Management Team (CMT) for Kenya and Burundi.
- Contribute to organizational decision-making, strategy development, and cross-sectoral collaboration.
- Support the overall performance and growth of SNV in the region.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong combination of technical expertise, leadership experience, and entrepreneurial spirit.
- Education: A Master’s degree in agriculture, agricultural economics, agribusiness, agroforestry, business administration, international trade, or a closely related field.
- Experience:
- At least 10 years of professional experience, including international exposure, preferably in Africa.
- Proven track record in resource mobilization, business development, and donor engagement.
- Strong experience with proposal writing, project design, and fundraising from non-traditional donors.
- Demonstrated success in working with private sector companies, particularly in agri-business and inclusive business models.
- Expertise in value chain development, climate change adaptation, gender equality, and social inclusion.
- Experience leading and managing multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong background in conducting baseline studies, investment plans, impact measurement, and risk analysis.
- Skills & Attributes:
- Excellent leadership, negotiation, and networking skills.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to innovate and take initiative.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English (French proficiency is an added advantage).
- Client-focused, team-oriented, and results-driven.
- Proficient in digital tools and project management software.
Why Work with SNV?
SNV offers a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic, international, and impact-driven environment.
- Contract Length: 2 years, with potential for extension.
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya, with travel to Burundi and other regions.
- Compensation: Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
- Work Environment: Inclusive, diverse, and supportive, with opportunities for professional growth.
- Impact: A chance to directly contribute to food system transformation, climate resilience, and equitable development in East Africa.
SNV prides itself on being an equal opportunity employer, embracing diversity and inclusion across gender, ethnicity, disability, and other backgrounds.
How to Apply
If you are passionate about transforming agri-food systems and believe you have the skills and vision to lead this exciting agenda, we encourage you to apply.
Applications should be submitted through SNV’s online recruitment platform SmartRecruiters no later than 02 October 2025. Please include your CV and a motivation letter detailing your suitability for the role.
