About SNV

SNV is a mission-driven global development partner, rooted in the contexts and societies where we work. Inspired by the transformational principles and objectives set out by the SDGs, we are committed to building resilient agri-food systems that deliver food security and adequate nutrition; to increasing the reliability and availability of water and sanitation at an acceptable quantity and quality; and to improving access to affordable and sustainable energy for all. In doing so, we aim to strengthen institutions, markets and effective governance within and across the agri-food, energy, and water sectors, reducing gender inequalities and barriers to social inclusion, and enabling adaptation and mitigation to the climate and biodiversity crises.

We are one team of over 1,600 people, the vast majority of whom come from the contexts where we work, in more than 20 countries in Africa and Asia. Together, we are committed to effective and efficient stewardship of resources and maximising positive, lasting impacts.

Our ability to deliver results rests on our robust foundation of experience, knowledge, evidence and learning; our commitment to strengthening capacities and catalysing partnerships; and the relationships and trust of those we work alongside.

Our core values of people-centeredness and respect, equity and equality, and diversity and inclusion, are fundamental to who we are, and what we do. This is reflected in our vision and mission, and strategy, which sets out our aspirations and commitments as our compass towards 2030.

For more information on our operations in Kenya and SNV generally visit our website: www.snv.org

About CRAFT

The Climate Resilient Agribusiness for Tomorrow (CRAFT) Programme is a 6.5-year project being implemented in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, which started in June 2018. The project uses an inclusive Business Development approach to support the international and Dutch efforts on climate change and sustainable production in arable farming. The programme works with and through the private sector and support public sector partners in creating an institutional environment for the wide-scale adoption of CSA practices. It is driven by 3 pillars: i) adoption of CSA practices & technologies in arable crop production farming systems; ii) acceleration of investments and business growth in selected value chains; iii) improved enabling environment for scaling out of CSA. Interventions are centred on business cases which are derived from a thorough climate risk assessment and financial analysis of value chains in pulses, oilseeds, potatoes and grains. A climate-smart business case innovation and investment facility aims to further improve access to finance and facilitate scaling. The programme is implemented by a consortium consisting of SNV, Wageningen University & Research (WUR), the CGIAR research programme on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), Agriterra and Rabo Partnership, and is financed by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (DGIS).

This position is part of an SNV Country Organisation and works within Kenya on the Climate Resilient Agribusiness for Tomorrow (CRAFT) project.

The Advisor specializes in agriculture/agribusiness, and business development services providing technical insights and advisory services on products and interventions to the CRAFT project. The Advisor gives input to the country Project Manager and project partners to meet the agreed objectives and realize successful interventions. The Advisor identifies opportunities and areas for improvement, to ensure quality delivery. The ultimate objective for this position is to contribute to ensuring sustainability and long-term impact as SMEs and farmers transition to adopting CSA practices and more cooperatives, service providers, investors, and other stakeholders adopt CRAFT approaches and products.

The Agribusiness Services Advisor reports directly to the overall Programme Manager for CRAFT East Africa and the Kenya Country Director and collaborates closely with the agriculture global sector team.

Key Areas of Responsibilities

• The Agri-Food & BDS Advisor will be responsible for guiding the adoption of climate-smart technologies by farmers and SMEs. The BDS Advisor will be responsible for guiding the adoption of climate-smart technologies by farmers and SMEs.
• S/he will advise on specific climate-smart interventions and extension systems in the business cases for scaling.
• Provide support to SMEs and farmer groups/cooperatives on the most appropriate climate integration strategies, which enhances the income of producers/agribusiness.
• S/he has the responsibility of the development and implementation of business cases sustainability strategies whereby climate-smart agriculture interventions are integrated into the value chain from an agronomic, financial, and inclusion perspective.

Specific tasks:

• Support, coordinate, and provide technical assistance to businesses on specific areas of need identified.
• Support the scaling of profitable climate-smart innovations with smallholder farmers in collaboration with the research partners.
• Support SMEs in developing strategies for the promotion, market uptake, and scaling of evidence-based climate-smart technologies.
• Contribute to improved service delivery to farmers by cooperatives in collaboration with consortium partners.
• Support scaling with linkages between farmers, cooperatives, public and private service providers, SME’s and other relevant stakeholders.
• Set up coaching programs on agribusiness management for female entrepreneurs and youth.
• Support agribusiness platforms to promote, advise and jointly agree on climate-proofing value chains, policy recommendations and climate-smart investments.
• Incentivize and coach strategic service providers to scale selected CSA practices and technologies together with agribusinesses.
• Contribute to country MEL activities.

• University degree in a relevant field; Agribusiness, Agricultural Economy. A Master's degree is an added advantage,
• Minimum of 6 years’ experience working with or in Agribusiness, preferably in the prioritized commodities (pulses, oilseed, potatoes, and grains).
• Knowledge of the prioritized commodities in Kenya, preferably also at the global level.
• Experience in Climate Change financing, agribusiness development, and climate-smart agriculture.
• Ability and demonstrated experience in designing and implementing of private sector-oriented interventions.
• Experience in female and youth entrepreneurship programs.
• Strong agribusiness relationship management experience and focus with the ability to stimulate trust and confidence with clients and investors including managing various stakeholders.
• Understanding of climate change risk management and inclusion of smallholder producers into the supply chain.
• Excellent communication (written and oral), reporting and presentation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and teamwork.
• Flexible approach to take on additional responsibilities as assigned/delegated by the Country Project Manager.
• Willingness to travel to all project locations.

This is a full-time national employment position. This position is for an initial one-year period with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding.

How to apply:

If you believe that your credentials meet the outlined profile, we invite you to apply by clicking on the “I AM INTERESTED” tab on this page and submitting your CV and cover letter in English before  Friday, 22nd December 2023. 

We do not appreciate third-party mediation based on this advertisement.