SVCDC CEO, Marketing Manager, Finance & Admin Manager and ICT Admin Jobs at JKUAT, Main Campus, Juja, Kenya

Sorghum Value Chain Development Consortium (SVCDC)
 

Sorghum 4F
 

Vacancies in an Agribusiness Incubator

The SVCDC trading as Sorghum 4F Agribusiness Incubator is an autonomous public-private partnership formed by participating institutions including Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology (JKUAT) (as the lead institution), Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), Agritrace and Farming Support International (FASI). 

The Agribusiness incubator is funded by the Universities, Business and Research in Agricultural Innovation (UniBRAIN), an initiative of FARA with financial support from Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA). 

The mission of Sorghum 4F is to catalyze and grow sustainable agribusinesses in specific agricultural value chains while influencing Agribusiness education in our universities to develop graduates who are job creators rather than job seekers. 

The sorghum 4F clients include Agribusiness start-ups, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and commercial firms.
 

To support its growth strategies, the Agribusiness incubator is seeking to recruit dynamic, highly self driven and results oriented persons for a 3 year contract for the following positions located at JKUAT, Main campus, Juja. 

An attractive salary packages shall accompany each position.
 

1. The Chief Executive Officer
 

Job description
 

The CEO will report to the Board of Directors and shall:

• Be the secretary of the Board of Directors, maintaining records of the board’s activities and decisions
• Provide leadership in the development, execution and achievements of the incubator’s strategic objectives.
• Ensure timely preparation of annual business plans and operating budgets and ensure prudent financial management
• Liaise with local stakeholder agribusiness innovation communities to ensure that the incubator remains demand-driven and responsive to client needs
• Liaise with the Technical Advisory Committee to develop feasibility assessment for proposals and concept notes for clients, including the development of business plans, due diligence assessments, research, and diagnostic activities
• Oversee the development of innovative products and services for the incubator and her clients.
• Identify potential funders, develop and execute fundraising initiatives for the incubator
• Build effective relationships with the Board, Technical Advisory committee , the partner institutions, government agencies, investors and stakeholders
• Enforce a culture of good corporate governance and adherence to the donor’s guidelines and regulations.

Qualification and Requirements

• Minimum of a Master’s degree specializing in Agribusiness or related Agricultural fields
• An MBA will be an added advantage
• At least 7 years’ of relevant experience in Agribusiness development and management in reputable institutions
• Strategic thinker with excellent decision making skills
• Must have established a proven track record in ability to fundraise and reputation for outstanding performance
• Be of impeccable integrity and honesty, exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
• Proven leadership and team working skills with the ability to develop and motivate a high performance culture
• Experience in Agribusiness Incubation Programs will be an added advantage
• Should have a clear vision of the totality of the operations of an Agribusiness incubator and the incubated clients

2. Marketing Manager (Sales, Marketing & Business Development)
 

Job description
 

Working under the CEO, the Marketing Manager shall:

• Be responsible for devising strategies to capture innovative agribusinesses opportunities, plan for and implement these business opportunities in partnership with the Technical Advisory committee to meet the incubator’s objectives for business retention, growth and sustainability.
• Prospect for potential new clients, seek out new markets, and identify opportunities for campaigns, products and distribution channels that will lead to an increase in sales for the incubator’s clients
• Be at the forefront of brand building and business development initiatives for the incubator’s clients,
• Be responsible for planning, executing and maintaining all market research relevant to the incubator’s products and services.
• Be responsible for gathering, managing and disseminating business intelligence to the incubator’s clients.
• Identify, build, maintain and improve relations with the incubator’s business partners as a method of exploring potential sales opportunities and strengthen the market of the clients
• Ensure optimum use of the incubator’s resources to achieve the objectives of the clients and ensure that the incubator meets it annual revenue growth targets

Qualification and Requirements

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s of commerce -Marketing option or Bachelors of Administration, Marketing option or B.Sc. in Agribusiness or related field
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in medium or large scale Agribusiness enterprises where business development activities were undertaken and there was evidence of impact
• Entrepreneurial experience (starting and managing a business) will be an added advantage.
• Excellent communication skills
• Evidence of networking and relationship building ability.
• Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods

3. Finance and Administration Manager
 

Job Description
 

Working under the CEO, the Finance and Administration Manager shall:

• Manage financial and administrative sound systems including budgeting; asset management; cash flow management; payroll processing and tax filing; management reports; financial, variance and accounts analysis; in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, financial policies and procedures in compliance with different jurisdictions.
• Work closely with CEO in preparation of business models, business plans, timelines and operational budgets.
• Monitor and manage the incubator’s expenditures within the allotted budget and provide professional advice on financial matters and advising on ways to improve performance
• Manage all aspects of human resource management for all employees including but not limited to recruitment, induction, development and termination, in consultation with relevant organs of the incubator, performance management, facilitating the process of setting benefit and compensation packages, and implement Board‐approved employee policies in accordance with relevant Employment law requirements.
• Establish key financial strategies to achieve financial goals and enhance business profitability.
• Prepare proposals and negotiate contracts to bring incremental revenues to the incubator
• Coordinate internal and external audits and ensure audit recommendations are implemented

Qualification and Requirements

• A minimum of Bachelors of Commerce - accounting option and CPA(K) or Bachelors of Business Administration-Finance option
• Minimum 3 years in medium or large scale Agribusiness enterprises
• Knowledge of Agricultural Value chains will be an added advantage
• Experience in public financial and procurement requirements
• Knowledge of public- private partnerships management
• Experience in reporting of donor funds

4. ICT Administrator
 

Job Description
 

Working under the CEO, the ICT Administrator shall:

• Be responsible for compiling, editing and uploading relevant information about the incubator operations and her clients onto the incubator’s Management Information and Collaboration System (MICS) for effective and timely management of all aspects of the incubator’s activities.
• Assist the Technical Advisory committee in sketching and testing the viability of business models in the Strategyzer, a business model foundry.
• Manage, generate, compile, edit and upload high quality content for the incubator’s website
• Be responsible for managing all IT hardware and software needs, supporting the system users across the network, developing and implementing data security access and communication
• Promote audience engagement and drive web traffic by pushing the incubator and her client’s information out on social media.

Qualification and Requirements

• A B.Sc. in Information and Communications Technology or a related field of study from a recognized institution.
• Must have a minimum of 2 years’ experience in researching, generation and editing of creative content for online publication in an Agribusiness enterprise.
• Must have impeccable written and verbal English, and demonstrate love for the internet.
• Must be a team player, proactive, vibrant and responsible
• Must have the ability to multi-task

How to Apply
 

Interested candidates should email their applications enclosing the application letter, a detailed CV with daytime phone numbers, three professional referees, copies of academic certificates and testimonials and disclose their current and expected salary to info@sorghum3fs.co.ke not later than 20th of September 2013.

SVCDC is an equal opportunity employer