General Manager (Kilifi)

Wanted: Mid-career (5+ years experience) business, development, agricultural or environmental professional with operational experience to help aggressively grow KOMAZA operations

Industry: Non-profit/International Development/Start-up

Employer: KOMAZA

Position: General Manager (Kilifi)

Commitment: 2 year minimum, longer preferred

Location: Kilifi, Kenya

Comp/Benefits: Modest, provides for a comfortable standard of living in Kilifi, Kenya

Application Deadline: Open until filled

Start Date: As soon as available

Overview

KOMAZA is an award-winning non-profit social enterprise working to end rural poverty by developing economic opportunities for smallholder farmers living in Africa’s infertile and drought-prone regions.

Founded in 2006 and based in Kenya, the organization's innovative grassroots model dramatically boosts household income and wealth for rural families by equipping them with resources, knowledge and market linkages to produce high-value trees on their previous degraded land. Working through a village-based extension network, KOMAZA reduces start-up costs and barriers to market entry by providing poor farmers with crop inputs and tools on credit, ongoing training and support, as well as complete vertically integrated value chain services and market access opportunities. Learn more at www.komaza.org.

The Role

Collaborating closely with KOMAZA leadership, the General Manager will be responsible for cross-functional management within our Kilifi office, working closely with the Field Director to support field operations and acting as the primary contact with U.S.-based senior management.

This position will have wide-ranging responsibilities and requires the ability and inclination to work across the organization in a variety of functions, from tree planting operations to finance and accounting. This position will have significant latitude for business decision making. Areas and projects for which the General Manager may be responsible for include:

Ongoing Support of Field Operations: Assisting with the planning and logistics of planting, maintenance, and harvest activities; assisting with the planning and logistics of field expansion plans
Operational Improvements: Initiate and manage projects to evaluate and improve current processes
Operational Strategy: Managing research into short-term crop production and native reforestation programs; developing tree growth models to inform strategic operational decisions
Administrative Support: Serve as point-person for high-level questions/decision-making from administrative teams, including HR, finance and administration, e.g. staff policies, property management, organizational issues
Liaise with US office
Lead regular communications with US management team (CEO, COO) to provide updates on operations and raise significant issues or questions
Coordinate with accounting team and other managers to prepare regular financial reports for management
Aid in preparing donor-facing reports and updates

Field Component: This role, while based in the Kilifi town office, may have a hands-on field component that can be challenging. The work may involve: long, dirty and uncomfortable bus/motorcycle rides, basic rustic facilities, work in areas far from any infrastructure (stores, electricity, paved roads), hours spent outside in the equatorial sun and heat.

Qualifications

Education and Relevant Work Experience:
5+ years work experience in NGO, international business, agroforestry, or similarly related fields; at least 2+ years in a management capacity with evidence of strong people and project management abilities
Knowledge and understanding of development context, as well as of operational systems and/or agroforestry field
Top performing academic background with a bachelor of science in forestry, agriculture, or similar; or solid non-profit/business management background

Effective Management Skills: Demonstrated ability to manage a diverse team, including giving guidance and direction, helping to set priorities and manage workloads, mentoring and motivating team
Decisiveness: Excellent problem-solving skills and business judgment; aptitude for involving others internal to the organization and outside information to arrive at well thought-out conclusions and decisions
Excellent Project Management Skills: Demonstrated ability to plan and execute projects independently; deadline- and results-oriented
Execution with Strong Attention to Detail and Flexibility: Executing projects/tasks and implementing recommendations with strong attention to detail; ability to create backup plans and be flexible in sometimes logistically challenging environments
Cultural Sensitivity: High emotional intelligence and ability to adapt to local cultural norms and communication styles
Excellent Communicator: Personable yet persistent; ability to manage expectations; build consensus and influence decision-making process; excellent oral and written communication skills

Patience and a Sense of Humor: Please see the FAQs on the KOMAZA recruiting website for a more detailed description of important “fit” criteria

Preferred:
Kiswahili language skills
Significant work/volunteer experience in a developing country
Serious desire to commit to living and working in Kenya long term


How To Apply: Please apply online at http://www.komaza.org/recruiting/