Associate Director – Agribusiness (2 positions)

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The Role 

We are seeking 2  Associate Directors – Agribusiness to steer the organization’s strategic and programmatic work in private sector development in the agribusiness sector, bringing on board the best-in-class agribusiness development mind with the ability to identify strategic opportunities, conceptualize and design new programs, products, approaches, processes and systems that increase AECF’s reach to the rural and marginalized communities in sub-Saharan Africa. 

The role will report to the Director of Programmes and drive the implementation of the refreshed strategy for the agribusiness sector, updating it with new insights and aligning the team for execution. In addition to their thorough understanding of the Africa Agribusiness sector (and major sub-sectors), the candidates should demonstrate an understanding of market-based approaches to development. 

The role will have access to a wide range of resources and a team that will look to you for leadership, coaching, mentoring, training, and support for career development. 

The roles will be based in Nairobi for East & Southern Africa region and Abidjan or Abuja for West Africa, with occasional travel in the region and globally. 

Key Responsibilities 

Lead Agribusiness Strategy and Implementation 

  • Be the go-to person for Agribusiness expertise for the institution, provide strategic direction for AECF’s Agribusiness sector, and develop an innovative and ambitious Agribusiness sector strategy with  a clear focus on sub-sector interventions across Sub-Saharan Africa to scale up Agribusinesses and increase access to finance. 
  • Champion new opportunities across the organization, working collaboratively to identify opportunities in the agribusinesses-energy nexus, remove key barriers and enable innovation to build sustainable agribusinesses. 
  • Oversee the implementation (time, budget and deliverables) of the agribusiness strategy, putting in place tools, processes and systems to ensure the realization of the strategic objectives. 
  • Closely collaborate with and support the Director of Programmes to amplify his efforts and function as a thought partner, switching between strategic and tactical priorities. 
  • Lead the integration of AECF’s thematic areas of focus – climate, gender, youth and fragility – into the agribusiness strategy and ensure delivery of impact in the said thematic areas.  

Program Implementation and Execution 

  • Oversee all Agribusiness programs, ensuring consistent and quality delivery. 
  • Ensure exceptional management of current agribusiness programs portfolio, and lead portfolio expansion – providing guidance and direction to the portfolio team on competitions, due diligence, structuring and execution of program activities.  
  • Provide technical expertise to assure alignment of the Agribusiness portfolio with evolving sector development policies, government development objectives, other donor programs, and foreign policy priorities.  
  • Provide oversight to planning and execution of portfolio activities to ensure that: implementation is on track; performance targets are being met; progress reporting is timely and accurate; and resources are utilized in an appropriate manner. 
  • Lead and manage cross-functional initiatives in the agribusiness and agribusiness-energy nexus, ensuring outstanding results and a high level of quality in our programs and ensuring coherence between the Agribusiness portfolio and cross-cutting themes and approaches. 
  • Lead regional and country operations, overseeing the composition and strengthening of the capabilities of the team. 

Partnership Development 

  • Maximize mobilization of funds (public and private sector donors including bilateral, multilateral, and foundation donors) and bring co-financier resources to support existing and new programs/products. 
  • Lead origination, concept note and proposal development towards ensuring the diversification of the AECF programs and product portfolio. 
  • Working with the partnerships team, identify and onboard partners that may accelerate investment, innovation and market access across regions, countries, and sub-sectors. 
  • Manage relationships with main donors and partners at a global and country-level for Agribusiness programs. 

The Candidate 

Suitable candidates should have the following: 

  • 12+ years of relevant experience in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, private sector Agribusiness management, international trade or another relevant field, with at least 5 years at a senior management level. 
  • Demonstrated rigorous understanding of the sub-Sahara Africa and global agribusiness context and ability to interact with key stakeholders from both public and private sectors.  
  • Working knowledge of agriculture value chains, agribusiness finance, agribusiness-energy nexus, and Climate Smart Agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa. 
  • Experience in the social impact investment space or private sector development, working with Agri-SMEs in different Agri value chains. 
  • Excellent and visionary leader with great interpersonal skills to build a strong work ethic, impeccable integrity, and good judgment. 
  • Interest and aptitude in prospecting, cultivating, and managing new donors. 
  • Exceptional planning and analytical skills, ability to discern patterns and insights from research and internal/external data and focus on critical business issues. 
  • High degree of initiative and energy, “can-do” attitude, flexibility, teamwork, and attention to detail. 
  • Must be bi-lingual (English & French) for West Africa. 

How to Apply 

The AECF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The AECF considers all applicants based on merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.  

If you believe you can clearly demonstrate your abilities to meet the relevant criteria for the role, please submit your application and CV quoting in the subject line of the Job Title “Associate Director – Agribusiness East & Southern Africa” or “Associate Director – Agribusiness West Africa” to recruitment@aecfafrica.org.  

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

 

Climate Finance Specialist

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The role 

The Climate Finance Specialist will be responsible for identifying, developing, and managing climate finance activities that contribute significantly to the achievement of AECF’s mission of building resilience, low-carbon economies, and sustainable incomes for rural and marginalised communities in Africa. In particular, s/he will support the design and development of climate-responsive projects and programmes that offer resilience, low-carbon development pathways, and growth opportunities for enterprises and low-income households.  Further, he/she will principally be responsible for mainstreaming climate change adaptation and mitigation measures into AECF’s interventions. 

The Climate Finance Specialist will guide an interdisciplinary team of sector experts and work alongside the AECF Partnership team to integrate climate change measures into AECF’s work and undertake the programme design, which includes preparing project documents in line with different climate funds, feasibility studies, stakeholder consultations, environmental and social studies, climate screening and risk analysis, adaptation and vulnerability assessments, and gender analyses among others. 

Key Responsibilities 

The Climate Finance Specialist will lead, coordinate, and deliver the following project activities in a timely manner: 

  • Integration of climate change mitigation and adaptation into AECF’s current programs. 
  • Research and analyse information of climate funds available (Donor mapping understanding their requirements) and accessible by AECF. 
  • Support AECF Climate Finance Resource Mobilisation Strategy and Cooperation with partners. 
  • Develop quality and bankable projects and funding proposals. 
  • Design and implement capacity-building training for AECF staff on climate change and climate finance. 
  • Prepare guidelines and tools for climate-related assessments and for identification and formulation of proposals for funding. 
  • Structure relevant financing instruments and tools and develop innovative financing and investment mechanisms for climate change projects and programmes. 
  • Recommend the type of engagements for climate financing including organisational risk appetite on climate financing. 
  • Design and implement a monitoring and evaluation framework for the climate finance projects. 
  • Support Information creation and evidence generation and build knowledge products on climate change. 
  • Facilitate effective communication and provide policy-academia-practitioner engagement platforms on climate change and financing. 
  • Support development of AECF climate finance work programs, green project pipeline and deal flow, budgets, action plans and ensure compliance with all reporting requirements internally and to all external partners. 

The Candidate 

Suitable candidates should have the following: 

  • A Master’s in climate change, environment and natural resource management,  green finance,   energy policy,   international development, economics, or any closely related field. 
  • A minimum of ten (10) years of experience managing climate change projects and programmes preferably in sub-Sahara Africa in a combination of related fields such as national and international climate policies and measures, including climate and green growth; energy and project management; climate finance; and climate-smart agriculture. 
  • Demonstrated experience in developing quality and bankable projects for financing from various climate funds such as the GCF, LDCF, SCCF, GEF, AF, bilateral climate finance, regional funds, climate innovative funds, and non-governmental climate finance among others. 
  • Experience working with climate finance instruments, renewable energy technologies and private sector development. 
  • Knowledge on the interlinkages between climate change and other sustainable development goals. 
  • Understanding of environmental and social safeguards and gender issues. 
  • Solid knowledge of climate governance frameworks and global climate finance architecture relating to Africa. 
  • Experience in mainstreaming climate change adaptation and mitigation measures into development interventions in Africa. 
  • Experience in researching and drafting the technical content of proposals for climate funds or similar multilateral funds. 
  • Strong oral and written English proficiency; a good French command is an added advantage. 
  • Exceptional communication, analytical and writing skills. 
  • The ability to think strategically, troubleshoot decisions based on expert judgment and to provide credible leadership. 
  • Intellectual leadership and ability to integrate green finance with a broader strategic overview and corporate vision. 
  • The ability to develop and maintain strategic partnerships. 
  • Ability to strongly promote and build knowledge products.

How to Apply 

The AECF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The AECF considers all applicants based on merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. 

If you believe you can clearly demonstrate your abilities to meet the relevant criteria for the role, please submit your application and CV quoting in the subject line of the Job Title “Climate Finance Specialist” to recruitment@aecfafrica.org

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

Senior Internal Auditor

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The Role

The role holder is responsible for assisting the audit department in providing independent, objective assurance and advisory service to the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee on the effectiveness of the AECF’s policies, procedures, internal controls, and governance processes to ensure the achievement of the AECF’s mandate.

Reports to the

Key Responsibilities

  1. Internal Audit
  • Support the Head of Internal Audit in developing and implementing internal audit strategy and budgets aligned to the AECF’s strategic plan.
  • Evaluate existing areas of risks and controls within the fund, assess them in order of priority, and suggest ways of mitigation.
  • Design audit programs and plans and ensure their implementation.
  • Conduct risk-based and system compliance audits at the fund and its intermediaries and recommend improvements.
  • Regular reviews to monitor the implementation of action plans to address internal control deficiencies.
  • Update the Head of Internal Audit on the implementation of findings raised through external audits.
  • Reviewing and advising on compliance levels through regular appraisal of the actual operations versus the policies and procedures so as to maintain reasonable and applicable levels of compliance.
  • Undertake special investigations, follow-up, and specific analysis as requested by the Head of Internal Audit.
  • Determine the adequacy of internal controls by conducting internal protective and constructive audits of the controls, financial records, administrative procedures, and operations of core business activities as well as management support services.
  • Examine and inspect activity records, accounting systems, and procedures relating to equipment and physical facilities, including intellectual property, to determine their efficiency, protective value, and resource utilization.
  • Analyze data for evidence of deficiencies in control, duplication of effort, extravagance, fraud, or lack of compliance with approved policies; may be required to interact with suppliers to verify records.
  • Provide advice, challenge, and support to multidisciplinary teams in developing, implementing, and evaluating strategic management plans in order to improve organizational effectiveness.

2. Board Papers and reporting

  • Assist in the preparation of board papers, periodic progress reports, and annual reports showing achievements of the internal audit function.
  • Evaluate progress and status of steps taken to address any audit comments received from external audit reports to enhance organizational effectiveness.
  • Make recommendations for the improvement of the AECF operations to the Head of Internal Audit.

3. Stakeholder Engagement

  • Proactively develop a trusted advisor relationship with management that enables internal audit to effectively influence positive changes within the AECF.
  • Develop strategies for strengthening collaborative partnerships and networks with stakeholders, particularly relevant agencies, to ensure statutory compliance.
  • Liaising with the Human Resources and Administration Manager to familiarize the fund’s employees/clients with audit procedures and requirements through consultative meetings and seminars.

4. People and Leadership

  • Assess training needs to build staff capacity in internal audit control, ethical business conduct, integrity, and accountability of funds.

The Candidate

Suitable candidates should have the following:

  • Hold an undergraduate degree in business management, finance, or equivalent field of study.
  • Hold a professional qualification in CPA, CIA, or CISA.
  • Have a minimum of 5 years experience in audit of private companies.
  • Experience working with donor-funded organizations is desirable.
  • Demonstrate proven ability to document findings and provide possible solutions.
  • Possess the ability to interact and maintain professional standards with stakeholders.
  • Demonstrate proven communication, presentation, and writing skills with the ability to effectively communicate within the organization and externally.
  • Possess excellent written and spoken English. Working knowledge in French or Portuguese is an added

How to Apply

The AECF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered based on merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

AECF does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, processing, training, or any other fees).

If you believe you can clearly demonstrate your abilities to meet the relevant criteria for the role, register and apply at: https://recruitment.aecfafrica.org. To be considered, your application must be received by:  September 28, 2023

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Head of Impact

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The Role

The Head of Impact will oversee the assessment, measurement and management of the development impact AECF seeks to achieve through its activities. The role holder will provide strategic direction on AECF’s Impact strategy by understanding current and future institutional needs and delivering powerful, game-changing, relevant insights that drive better organizational and portfolio companies’ decisions towards reaching impact targets.

The Head of Impact will work closely with programme teams, partners, and external evaluators to measure our work’s effectiveness, outcomes, and impact.

Key Responsibilities

  • Continue to develop and implement the Managing for Impact strategy and accompanying systems and tools to identify and maximize the depth and breadth of impact on the lives of people with low incomes from investments made by AECF.
  • Craft measurement frameworks for impact evaluations of our programmes specifically for quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis (experience using web analytics software and survey tools is a plus).
  • Manage, coordinate, and execute the collection of impact data (past and present) from AECF’s programme teams, partner organizations, and stakeholders, providing
    support for timely, accurate, and consistent reporting.
  • Analyse, synthesize and produce critical insights that can easily inform multiple audiences across the institution (from management to the AECF Board Members) via storytelling media and platforms, strengthen evidence to inspire storytelling efforts and cultivate relationships with key partners.
  • Engage with programme teams to help them envision and embed creative methods for impact measurement into the solutions they’re delivering for our partners at the concept note, design, competition, and implementation phases. Build capabilities in AECF teams regarding storytelling, impact depth and breadth, and different impact measurement approaches.
  • Influence the field’s understanding of integrating measurement and evaluation into a design-led approach through storytelling and building practical tools that others can use in their work.
  • Serve as the main point of contact to shape external evaluations and ensure alignment on impact metrics and methods for gathering data.
  • Drive experimentation around data collection and analysis through new methodologies and tools.
  • Quality control over all impact-related activities of AECF’s portfolio.
  • Manage a team of Impact officers and experts operating from various offices across the continent in different programmes.

The Candidate

Suitable candidates should have the following:

  • At least ten years of full-time work experience in research, impact measurement, and evaluation, preferably in a private sector development context and applying DCED standards.
  • A master’s degree in international development, Economics, Mathematics, Communications or a related field.
  • Experience working in international development and a deep understanding of the sector with a bias toward agribusiness, renewable energy and climate adaptation in Africa.
  • Possess strong analytical, evaluation design, and methodological skills and utilizes “right-fit” methods for a broad range of quantitative and qualitative approaches to communicate a rigorous yet compelling story about AECF’s impact.
  •  Experience in survey methodology and monitoring social or environmental outcomes in a development context for private sector development.
  • Experience working with or reporting to large bilateral funders or private foundations and is comfortable speaking their language.
  • Ability to facilitate the process of turning impact data into meaningful stories.
  • Excellent communication and writing skills, with a keen ability to synthesize and present complex data in a simple, compelling, meaningful way (the ability to produce beautiful and top-notch data visualization is a plus).
  • Demonstrates a zeal for design thinking and utilizes multiple practices and mindsets of human-centred design, such as prototyping solutions and embracing ambiguity.
  • Brings a positive mindset and attitude that continuously pushes the organization to accomplish its
    mission.
  • Demonstrates a collaborative approach to decision-making and problem-solving, challenging and supporting colleagues to influence and inspire others to act.
  • Ability to work with and lead cross-cultural teams.
  • Fluency in English is a requirement. Language skills in French will be an added advantage.

How to Apply

The AECF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The AECF considers all applicants based on merit without regard to race, sex, colour, national origin, religion, age, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

If you believe you can demonstrate your abilities to meet the relevant criteria for the role, please submit your application and CV quoting in the subject line of the Job Title “Head of Impact” to recruitment@aecfafrica.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

AECF does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, processing, training, or other fees).