Sector Leader Agri-food

We are currently looking for an Sector Leader Agrifood
Location: Kigali Rwanda

The Sector Leader will provide strategic and operational leadership for SNV Rwandas AgriFood sector including the Seas of Change (SoC) Rwanda programme which works at the nexus of Regenerative Agriculture and Productive Use of Renewable Energy. As a key member of the Country Management Team the Sector Leader steers the strategic direction quality and performance of SNVs agrifood sector portfolio supports national positioning resource mobilisation and programme innovation and ensures internal coherence across the country portfolio.

This role includes line management of Project Managers within the agrifood sector and advisory contributions to strategic projects. The Sector Leader strengthens SNVs visibility and influence in national agrifood systems transformation and works collaboratively across sectors to support inclusive sustainable development.

Qualifications :

Your key responsibilities:

    Strategic Sector Leadership and Positioning:

• Translate SNVs global agrifood strategies to the national context.
• Lead the design and implementation of a countrylevel agrifood sector strategy aligned with SNV Rwandas multiannual strategic plan.
• Align sector strategy with SNVs crosscutting themes: gender equality and social inclusion climate adaptation and youth employment.
• Champion the agrifood sector in the Country Management Team and represent it in national and regional fora.
• Identify emerging trends policy developments and funding opportunities in the agrifood sector.
   

Business Development and Resource Mobilisation:

• Lead and coordinate the agrifood sector pipeline and business development strategy including for Seas of Change Rwanda.
• Develop and maintain donor and partner relationships that support longterm programme sustainability.
• Lead the design of strategic highquality and impactful funding proposals in collaboration with project teams and SNVs global business development team.
• Contribute to business development for other sectors (e.g. Energy and Water) as needed.

Programme Leadership:

• Provide strategic leadership for the Seas of Change Rwanda programme including management of implementation partnerships.
• Oversee investment brokering and ecosystem development activities with a strong private sector orientation.
• Strengthen capacities of agrifood actors including SMEs producer organisations and investors to support inclusive climatesmart and nutritionsensitive food systems.
• Foster strong collaboration with the SNV Global SoC programme team to share lessons and align strategies.
• Contribute thought leadership in inclusive business agrifinance and market systems transformation.

Team and Portfolio Management:

• Manage and coach Project Managers and Advisors in the agrifood sector ensuring alignment with sector strategy and SNV values.
• Lead performance management team development and succession planning.
• Monitor implementation of sector programmes to ensure quality timeliness compliance and impact.
• Support internal learning and reflection across the agrifood portfolio.

Representation and Advocacy:

• Represent SNV and the agriculture sector at highlevel national platforms with government stakeholders at donor roundtables and technical working groups.
• Position SNV as a thought leader in food systems transformation and agrifood innovation.
• Cultivate partnerships with key stakeholders including government institutions private sector actors development partners and civil society.

Knowledge Management and Learning:

• Develop and implement a national knowledge and learning agenda for the agrifood sector.
• Lead crossproject learning and innovation efforts in collaboration with the global sector team.
• Promote dissemination and uptake of SNVs evidence tools and success stories at national and global levels.

Your background

To be considered for this role you must have:

• Masters degree in agriculture agribusiness agricultural economics rural development or a related field.
• Minimum 810 years of experience in senior leadership roles in agriculture/food systems including programme and people management.
• Demonstrated experience in investment facilitation market systems development or ecosystem building for inclusive agrifood sectors.
• Proven success in business development and donor engagement.
• Preference for a candidate with a strong background in regenerative or conservation agriculture.
• Strong track record of managing complex multistakeholder partnerships.

Additionally we are looking for:

• Entrepreneurship Strong ability to identify opportunities and mobilise resources.
• Strategic Thinking Able to link global strategies with local realities.
• Leadership Motivates develops and steers highperforming teams.
• Networking and Influence Builds strategic relationships and represents SNV effectively.
• Results Orientation Drives quality and accountability across programmes.
• Communication Strong written and verbal communication skills in English (French and/or Kinyarwanda an advantage).

Additional Information :

• Initial contract duration: 2 years
• Duty station: Kigali Rwanda
• Expected start date: July 2025

Working at SNV
We are home to 57 nationalities working in /22 countries. Our global working language is English all our country offices using a mixture of languages on a daytoday basis. We promote (international) career development with a reinforced commitment to diversity and inclusion in the fullest senses. Our team is comprised of a mix of both people with longstanding tenure willing to share their institutional knowledge and people with other backgrounds and experience. All with an inquisitive view and united in ONE SNV working towards our purpose. SNV is an equal opportunities employer.

How to apply
If you meet the requirements and are excited about this opportunity we would love to hear from you. Apply today by uploading your CV and motivation letter by 1st May 2025 at the latest.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Fulltime