Kenya Markets Trust Job Vacancy : Chief Operating Officer

Job description

Kenya Markets Trust (KMT) uses innovative mechanisms to catalyse and influence change in market systems through partnerships in the private and public sector, working at business level influencing commercial practices and at government level influencing policy and regulation, to create better performing market systems that are inclusive and create wealth for all along the value chain, particularly those at the base of the pyramid.

KMT is currently working in five sectors – seed, agricultural inputs, dairy, livestock and water – and implements some work in these sectors internally and some through local partners. It’s working funds/ revenue comes from donors and foundations (for more information on KMT see www.kenyamarkets.com).

KMT is seeking to recruit a Chief Operating Officer who will report to the Chief Executive Officer and be part of the Executive Team. The COO will oversee the day-to-day operations and strategy execution of KMT, particularly the portfolio teams implementing KMT’s direct activities and managing implementing partners. The COO will be responsible for providing direction and leadership to the Portfolio Department and close liaison with KMT ‘service departments’ including inter alia:

Ensuring that systems and process are in place that facilitate the work of the Portfolio Teams on the ground.
Liaising with KMT internal ‘service departments’ (Knowledge, Research and Policy and Finance and Admin) to facilitate productive relationships and the smooth flow of service provision to the Portfolio Teams;
Ensuring a high level of oversight of partner firms/organization particularly those implementing sectoral work on behalf of KMT (currently Technoserve, SNV, AgriExperience and Mercy Corp);
Ability to set Terms of Reference for, evaluate and manage external teams for specific assignments;
Good understanding of the requirements of funders and ensuring that relevant reports etc. are prepared to a high standard for them;
Well versed in ‘Change Management’ and how change can effectively be implemented within the organization
Develop the human talent of the Teams under your management & leadership

Experience & Skills:

The right person for this position will have at least 10-15 years’ experience, with at least 6 years gained at a leadership level.

Ideally, experience would have been gained in a business that transacts commercially with the ‘base of the pyramid’, one that values a highly developed sense of client service and partnerships management, and that experiments with new initiatives & ideas to reach current and future clients.

Alternatively, experience gained in client service, marketing/brand building, communications and/or knowledge management providing services into the seed, agricultural inputs, dairy, livestock and water of the economy would be highly beneficial.



The right candidate will be curious, flexible, adaptable and lateral thinking, and able to think strategically. Specific experience in supply chain/value chain management; use of ICT to make markets work more effectively and a broad understanding of the workings of knowledge management, the value and essence of communications would be valued.



In addition, the right candidate would require:

• Education to Masters level or equivalent in a relevant discipline such as Business Management, Agribusiness, Marketing, Strategy, Economics.
• Experience of working with multiple and diverse partners in the private, public and donor/funding sectors
• Proven track record of success facilitating progressive organizational change and development within a growing organization
• Ability to operate as an effective tactical as well as strategic thinker
• Superior management and co-ordination skills; ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reports and peers
• Action oriented, entrepreneurial, energetic, collaborative proactive; a team leader who can positively and productively impact on strategic initiatives
• Proven ability to work in a complex work environment where there are cross cutting demands
• Strong relationship management skills,
• Strong people skills, problem solver, results oriented
• A change driver; with inquisitiveness, imagination, anticipation, courage and client focus,
• Demonstrated strong analytical skills and experience
• Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal and presentation skills with the ability to effectively interface with executive management, the Board and staff.
• Excellent skills in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

It would be an advantage to be aware of the issues surrounding agribusiness and the water, inputs, seed or dairy sectors and to have some exposure to value chain analysis or making markets work for the poor (M4P) approach to market transformation.

How to Apply

If you are interested in the above position and meet the above criteria, please send in your application via electronic mail to KMTCOO@tgagroupea.com attaching a full résumé / curriculum vitæ and details of your current salary package in Microsoft Word Document (.doc /.docx) format.

Your application should reach us on or before Friday 24th July 2015. An attractive and competitive package will be offered to the appointed candidates.