Agri-Climate Business Development Officer, VisionFund Kenya

Overview

Reports to: Business Development Manager

The Agri-Climate Business Development Officer is integral to driving the successful implementation of innovative agricultural loan products. This role involves refining and overseeing tailored financial products while understanding the unique needs of smallholder farmers. As a subject matter expert and leader, the Officer will convene MFI teams, consultants (where applicable), and stakeholders, ensuring sustained growth and resilience in VisionFund Kenya’s agricultural lending initiatives. In this role, the Agri-Climate Business Development Officer will influence knowledge leadership within the agricultural landscape.

The holder of this position will focus and deliver on the following key responsibilities:

• Contribute to the development of an MFI’s agriculture master planning for the agricultural lending unit, delineating clear short-term and long-term goals.
• Oversee the effective implementation of the plan, ensuring that all activities align with VisionFund Kenya’s strategic plan and VFIs Vision 2030.
• Work closely with consultants and the project team to refine and tailor agricultural loan and other finance products based on comprehensive value chain analyses and market studies.
• Continuously assess and enhance existing products, ensuring alignment with the evolving needs of smallholder farmers.
• Foster close collaboration with the Credit Analyst, Agricultural Insurance Officer, and other pertinent stakeholders to ensure a seamless integration of agricultural products and services.
• Collaborate actively with marketing and communication teams to devise and execute strategies that effectively promote agricultural loan products.
• Develop and execute robust strategies for the strategic positioning of MFI’s agricultural products in the market.
• Lead branding initiatives aimed at enhancing the visibility and overall attractiveness of agricultural lending offerings.
• Establish clear key performance indicators (KPIs) for agricultural loan products, providing a measurable framework for success.
• Conduct regular monitoring and evaluation of product performance, delivering comprehensive reports and strategic recommendations to management.
• Support in training sales staff, ensuring they have a thorough understanding of micro Agric products and their integration with our financial services.
• Institute effective mechanisms for collecting valuable feedback from smallholder farmers and clients, ensuring a continuous feedback loop.
• Utilize client insights to drive ongoing product improvements and foster an environment of innovation within the agricultural lending unit.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

The ideal Candidate should possess an Agricultural Extension and/or Business-related course from a recognized College/University and must have at least 3 years’ experience in Agri-climate products design and small farmers engagement in a microfinance or financial institution. Demonstrates strong product knowledge, sales, negotiation, partnerships, and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work with minimum supervision are key attributes.