Ol Pejeta Conservancy, one of Africa’s most prominent wildlife conservation organizations, invites applications for the position of Head of Agribusiness. This role presents a rare opportunity for an experienced and visionary professional to lead a critical component of Ol Pejeta’s sustainable development and conservation mission.
Located in Nanyuki, Kenya, Ol Pejeta Conservancy (OPC) is home to some of the most significant wildlife conservation initiatives in the world. It shelters the last two northern white rhinos, a vital population of the Critically Endangered eastern black rhino, and a thriving community of chimpanzees rescued from illegal trade. The conservancy is not only a haven for wildlife but also a hub for community engagement, working closely with surrounding communities to ensure that conservation drives local development.
Ol Pejeta integrates wildlife protection with responsible land management, including a robust livestock and agriculture program. Its innovative model ensures that conservation and sustainable agribusiness coexist harmoniously. To sustain this balance, Ol Pejeta seeks a highly skilled and motivated professional to head its agribusiness division.
The Head of Agribusiness will be responsible for shaping and implementing strategic livestock and agricultural programs that support OPC’s dual goals of biodiversity conservation and economic sustainability.
Position Overview
Position Title: Head of Agribusiness
Reports to: Chief Commercial Officer
Department: Livestock and Agriculture
Location: Nanyuki, Kenya
Closing Date: October 31, 2025
The Head of Agribusiness is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing all aspects of Ol Pejeta Conservancy’s livestock and agricultural enterprises. The role integrates commercial operations with conservation priorities, ensuring that livestock management contributes to environmental stewardship, financial growth, and community development.
This position plays a crucial role in balancing the conservancy’s ecological integrity with its income-generating activities. It demands a strong leader with extensive experience in livestock operations, sustainable agriculture, and strategic business planning. The successful candidate will also demonstrate a passion for conservation, innovation, and community impact.
Detailed Job Description
Strategic Leadership and Planning
The Head of Agribusiness will lead the development and implementation of long-term strategic plans for livestock and agricultural operations. This includes designing frameworks that align with OPC’s conservation objectives while maximizing operational efficiency and revenue generation.
The role involves establishing performance benchmarks across livestock health, breeding, and commercial activities, ensuring that all processes reflect sustainability and profitability principles. Regular assessment and adaptation of strategies will be key to maintaining the balance between livestock productivity and ecosystem health.
Oversight of Livestock Operations
A core responsibility of the position is to oversee daily livestock operations. This includes supervising herding, feeding, and movement of livestock to optimize resource utilization and prevent overgrazing.
The Head of Agribusiness will ensure that livestock movement patterns support soil health and biodiversity, promoting practices that reduce habitat degradation. Efficient coordination between field teams will be essential to uphold operational excellence and ecological responsibility.
Breeding and Herd Management
The role requires leadership in developing and managing livestock breeding programs. This includes overseeing maternity care, reproductive health, and genetic improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing herd performance and sustainability.
The Head of Agribusiness will ensure that breeding activities comply with both animal welfare standards and commercial objectives. A data-driven approach will be applied to monitor performance indicators, reproductive rates, and overall herd health.
Commercial Livestock Management
Managing the commercial side of livestock production is a significant component of this role. The position involves supervising slaughtering, product quality assurance, and delivery processes to ensure the highest standards of efficiency, hygiene, and client satisfaction.
The Head of Agribusiness will cultivate partnerships with commercial buyers and distributors, ensuring market competitiveness and adherence to all regulatory standards. Additionally, the position will require regular market analysis to identify trends, pricing opportunities, and new areas for product diversification.
Livestock Health and Veterinary Coordination
The Head of Agribusiness will work closely with the Head of Veterinary Services to design and implement comprehensive health monitoring systems. These include vaccination schedules, disease prevention strategies, and routine health assessments.
Ensuring the well-being of animals across all operations is paramount. This involves enforcing strict animal welfare protocols and addressing emerging health concerns promptly. The position also contributes to policy formulation on disease control and livestock welfare within the conservancy.
Record-Keeping and Administration
Maintaining accurate and up-to-date livestock and agricultural records is a critical part of the role. The Head of Agribusiness will oversee data collection and management related to livestock inventory, movement, health, and productivity.
These records will support data-driven decision-making, financial forecasting, and regulatory compliance. The candidate must be adept at using management systems and digital tools to streamline reporting and operational oversight.
Livestock Security
Given the value and significance of livestock assets, security is a top priority. The Head of Agribusiness will design and implement security protocols aimed at preventing theft, poaching, and other risks.
The position involves direct supervision of the Livestock Security Manager, ensuring effective monitoring and incident response systems are in place. Coordination with local law enforcement and community leaders will also be critical in maintaining a secure operational environment.
Agricultural Planning and Productivity
Beyond livestock, the role encompasses responsibility for agricultural operations. The Head of Agribusiness will collaborate with agricultural partners to plan crop rotations, schedule planting and harvesting, and ensure the availability of sufficient fodder for livestock.
This involves managing soil fertility, optimizing land use, and integrating sustainable agricultural practices that align with OPC’s conservation values. The role also includes oversight of yield verification and productivity assessments.
Revenue Generation and Market Development
The position carries responsibility for driving revenue growth within the livestock and agricultural sectors. The Head of Agribusiness will identify new business opportunities, develop value-added products, and explore innovative market strategies to enhance profitability.
Regular evaluation of market dynamics will guide pricing decisions and inform production planning. The candidate will ensure that business development efforts align with OPC’s financial objectives while maintaining ecological integrity.
Sustainability and Community Engagement
Sustainability is at the heart of Ol Pejeta’s operations. The Head of Agribusiness will promote sustainable agriculture and livestock management practices, integrating environmental stewardship into every level of production.
The position also requires strong collaboration with community stakeholders. By sharing knowledge and supporting local capacity building, the Head of Agribusiness will ensure that surrounding communities benefit from sustainable agricultural practices and economic empowerment initiatives.
Financial Management
Effective financial management is central to the success of the role. The Head of Agribusiness will prepare and oversee budgets for all livestock and agriculture activities, ensuring prudent use of resources and adherence to financial targets.
This includes monitoring revenue streams, managing expenditures, and producing regular performance reports. The individual will also lead cost-benefit analyses to identify areas for efficiency improvement and resource optimization.
Team Leadership and Development
As a senior leader within the organization, the Head of Agribusiness will be responsible for building and managing a skilled, motivated, and cohesive team. The role involves recruitment, training, and mentorship of staff to promote professional growth and operational excellence.
A collaborative and accountable work culture will be emphasized. The position requires a leader who inspires confidence, fosters innovation, and upholds the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Relations
The Head of Agribusiness will maintain close working relationships with internal teams, including conservation, tourism, finance, and community development units. Externally, the position will engage with government agencies, research institutions, and commercial partners to support Ol Pejeta’s strategic objectives.
This collaboration will ensure that the livestock and agricultural operations contribute effectively to the broader mission of conservation, community welfare, and sustainable land use.
Additional Responsibilities
The position may include other duties assigned from time to time, consistent with the operational needs of the conservancy.
Required Experience and Competencies
- Minimum of 10 years’ experience in livestock management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
- Proven expertise in commercial livestock operations, breeding programs, and sustainability initiatives.
- Experience in conservation-oriented or community-based agricultural projects is desirable.
- Strong leadership and strategic planning capabilities.
- Advanced understanding of livestock health, breeding, and commercial operations.
- Proficiency in financial management and budget control.
- Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Strong commitment to the mission and values of Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
Application Process
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their CV and application letter to [email protected] with the subject line “HEAD OF AGRIBUSINESS” by October 31, 2025.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisting will be conducted on a rolling basis.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals who share its dedication to wildlife conservation and community development.
Job Category: Head of Agribusiness
