Director, Financial Institutions (FIs) Full Time

Position Overview and Role:

The Kenya Feed the Future Private Sector Activity (KPSA) is a $48 million, USAID-funded, Palladium implemented project that will accelerate inclusive economic growth in Kenya through partnerships with large agricultural firms, health firms and other sectors. Using a systems approach, KPSA will provide a suite of customized, high-impact services that increase the productivity of firms such as SMEs, smallholders, Business Advisory Service Providers (BASPs) and Financial Institutions (FIs), increase market linkages, and mobilize finance to support targeted sectors. From 2024 – 2029, KPSA will use its Inclusive Growth Platform to mobilize $400 million in finance, create new jobs, increase exports and sales, and increase access to healthcare services.

The Director, Financial Institutions will lead project activities regarding Kenyan FIs and ensure that targeted support to FIs facilitate inclusive growth, especially related to Inclusive Growth Partners and their supply chains.

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

 Roles and Responsibilities:

• Define Kenya’s KPSA strategy to deliver innovative, alternative financial products/services, and expand growth of financial institutions related to Kenya’s agricultural sector
• Provide technical leadership to increase access to tailored financial products and stimulate the local market for private equity and blended finance instruments. This may include overseeing the provision of technical assistance to financial services providers (banks and non-bank intermediaries) to enhance their products and services, and private equity funds to help them mobilize capital from local and international financial institutions and investors
• Represent KPSA’s FI activities in meetings with public and private sector actors including GoK, non-governmental organizations, business associations, among others
• Supervise implementing partners, sub-contractors, and grantees as they undertake tasks relating to expanding and supporting FIs
• Travel to various regions of Kenya as needed
• Any and all other project-related tasks as required by the Chief of Party and Palladium HQ

Position Requirements:

• Advanced knowledge of the financial sector and financial institution interventions in Kenya, including key stakeholders and existing products and services
• Robust networks within the Kenyan financial sector
• Proven track record working with financial institutions and private equity funds to enhance their products and services, and to increase enterprises’ private equity funds’ access to capital from local and international institutions and investors
• Experience working on USAID or other donor-funded programs of a similar size
• Excellent communications, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of USAID policies, procedures, and reporting requirements preferred
• Experience working for large donor organizations such as USAID preferred
• Written and oral proficiency in English required