Head of Agrifood Systems NGO Job

Reporting to the Director, Agrifood Systems, the Head of Agrifood Systems will be responsible for developing and implementing transformative programs for the Foundation’s Pan-African Programs team. This role will focus on executing the Foundation’s Agrifood Systems strategy, which aims to unlock millions of sustainable, dignified, and fulfilling work opportunities for young women and men across Africa in alignment with the Young Africa Works strategy. The position involves leading the creation of collaboration platforms and networks to scale agrifood systems and agribusiness programs, providing technical expertise to country and regional teams, and co-leading the community of practice in agrifood systems and climate to support internal and external learning agendas. The role also includes representing the Foundation as a senior spokesperson at key conferences, workshops, and media events, and building relationships with senior figures in donors, foundations, private sector, and governments to strengthen the Foundation’s brand and public profile.

Minimum twelve (12) to fifteen (15) years of experience in agricultural sciences, agribusiness, agrifood systems, nutrition, rural development, climate-smart agriculture, or a related sector; at least seven (7) years of experience leading and managing teams; PhD or Master’s degree in agricultural sciences, agricultural economics, or a related field; demonstrated expertise and established track record in agrifood systems, agribusiness, or climate-smart agriculture; experience in developing and implementing transformative programs; proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and collaborate with stakeholders across functions and countries; experience in strategic planning, partnership development, and stakeholder engagement at senior levels; strong leadership and motivational skills to develop and manage staff; ability to synthesize and integrate learnings from programs to inform future strategies.