Senior Manager - Business Development at MicroSave Consulting (MSC)

Business Development

• Opportunity Identification: Identify and pursue new business opportunities, including responding to RFPs and tenders.
• Conceptualization & Proposal Development: Design and develop ideas, concept notes, and programs, preparing proposals for funding from international development agencies, multilateral organizations, private philanthropies, and governments.
• Business Generation: Cultivate and secure agri-consulting opportunities across East Africa with various funding sources, including bilateral, and multilateral agencies, foundations, and the private sector.
• Stakeholder Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders such as funding partners, clients, policymakers, and government bodies.
• Thought Leadership: Co-author or contribute to thematic publications derived from field experiences.
• Marketing & Outreach: Engage actively in marketing initiatives and participate in digital media discussions.

Technical Design And Project Delivery

• Project Design and Execution: Lead the design and delivery of technical agriculture and allied sector projects aimed at promoting social, financial, and economic inclusion.
• Continuous Improvement: Ensure that MSC’s Agriculture practice consistently enhances its services and systems by leveraging global best practices.
• Client Service Excellence: Maintain robust systems and practices that meet client needs, reinforcing MSC’s reputation for excellence.

Business Execution

• Project Management: Lead project setup, debriefing meetings, and execution, ensuring the highest levels of diligence, attention to detail, and quality.
• Client Engagement: Present project outputs to senior management, policymakers, and government officials; foster strong client relationships to gather insights and feedback.
• Deliverables & Reporting: Lead the development of reports, presentations, data analysis, and review outputs from the team to ensure accuracy and quality.
• Capacity Building: Contribute to MSC’s toolkits, publications, and review training programs, curricula, and technical assistance provided to clients.

Team Management

• Team Mobilization: Lead team mobilization for each project, along with MSC teams in Africa and Asia, and external consultants as might be required for proposals and project execution.
• Team Expansion: Support MSC in expanding and growing the Agri team for MSC across East Africa.
• Process Adherence: Ensure team compliance with institutional policies, including attendance, leave approvals, and smooth transition processes during staff departures.
• Cultural Leadership: Uphold and inspire MSC’s Professional Principles and Values, fostering a vibrant organizational culture.
• Mentorship & Expertise Development: Provide guidance, helping staff specialize in their domains while promoting continuous professional growth within the team.

Professional Development

• Feedback & Assessment: Conduct post-assignment feedback assessments, aligned with MSC’s quality control guidelines.
• Staff Development: Mentor and advise staff, building internal capacities, particularly in agriculture, allied sectors, and emerging agri-technologies.
• Self-Development: Take ownership of personal growth by acquiring new skills and knowledge to further contribute to the organization.

Planning & Resource Management

• Resource Allocation: Ensure optimal allocation of resources to projects, working closely with assignment leaders to guarantee fair and transparent resourcing.
• Conflict Resolution: Set priorities and resolve resource allocation conflicts across assignments.
• Execution Monitoring: Oversee assignment planning and execution, offering support to ensure smooth delivery.

Communication

• Strategic Visioning: Ensure MSC’s vision and strategic objectives are effectively communicated to the team.
• Internal Communication: Foster robust communication processes within the Practice Group, including those in remote locations, to ensure alignment and cohesion.
• Cultural Stewardship: Act as a champion of MSC’s organizational culture, values, and professional standards.
• Regular Reporting: Provide Domain/Capability Leaders with regular updates on Practice Group development, risks, and challenges.

Requirements

• Educational Qualifications: A Master’s degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness Management, Agronomy, or related fields such as Aquaculture, Livestock, and Poultry.
• Extensive Experience: 12 to 15 years of professional experience in agriculture and allied sectors, with a focus on areas such as value chain development, seed systems, regenerative agriculture, and market systems in Africa—particularly in East Africa.
• Business Development Expertise: Demonstrated experience securing funding from, and working on projects funded by multilateral agencies, philanthropic organizations, and the private sector. These can include organizations like the World Bank, AfDB, AGRA, IFAD, IFC, USAID, FCDO, BMGF, Mastercard Foundation, Rockefeller, and CGIAR.
• Policy Engagement: Proven experience engaging with policymakers, ministries, and government agencies to strengthen and transform agricultural systems is highly desirable.
• Sectoral Expertise: A deep understanding of the key challenges and trends in agriculture and allied sectors in East or Southern Africa, particularly the role of the private sector in agri-inputs, market access for inputs and outputs, and the emerging fields of Agri-tech and digital agriculture.
• Communication Excellence: Outstanding English writing and presentation skills.
• Team Collaboration: Experience working in multi-cultural, cross-functional teams.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced skills in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are essential.