Head of Strategic Innovations & Business Development

Introduction: Century Deposit Taking Microfinance Limited (“Century”) is a licensed deposit taking microfinance institution that specializes in provision of financial services to Micro, Small and Medium Businesses sector at large but specifically targeting to serve the agricultural sector that is largely under served by financial institutions. 

Century DTM seeks an ambitious, hard-working, strategic thinking individual to join the team as the Head of Strategic Innovations and Business Development.

Description:

Reporting to the CEOthis role involves extensive interaction with stakeholders in the Agricultural Sector, Renewable Energy, Development Agencies and Development Financiers to establish, develop and maintain sector, sub-sector and stake-holder contacts so as to position Century DTM as the best in provision of Agribusiness financial services. 

He/she will be expected to have a passion and strong commitment about uplifting the livelihoods of Kenyans engaged in agribusiness ventures along different value-chains through available resources for technical linkages, deposits and account mobilization.

Tasks:  

This function will handle but not limited to the following tasks:

• Take lead in developing agribusiness strategy, planning, implementing and overseeing agribusiness product innovation.
• Developing and overseeing implementation of customer awareness strategy and marketing collaterals, and agribusiness advertising themes to promote Century DTM products.
• Liaison with agribusiness stakeholders and partners –private companies’, processors, NGOs, government ministries and participation in farmers’ events and field schools and keep track of competitor products.
• Supervise the marketing officers in executing business development strategies geared towards business acquisition and deposit mobilization.
• Coordinate participation at Agricultural shows, exhibitions, and other forums where there is demonstrable public relations and business to be gained by Century DTM.
• Lobbying for credit guarantee schemes, funds or lines of credit to facilitate affordable accessibility to agribusiness lending

Minimum Qualifications:

• A degree in Agriculture, Commerce, Finance, Marketing, Social Sciences or experience in Agribusiness Financing. A Master’s degree will be an added advantage.
• 4-8 years work experience in agribusiness development, financing or practical experience in working with farmers/ groups or awareness programs and providing financial advisory.
• Microsoft Office proficiency, general computer literacy and familiarity with basic accounting principles and bank software systems.
• Good understanding and experience in agribusiness marketing, research and product development,various agricultural value chains, stakeholder net-works and opportunities.
• Experience or exposure working with agricultural, or other livelihood improvement programs
• Experience with piloting or developing agribusiness, and general small/micro enterprise product and financial service packages
• Experience in marketing financial products and services

Skills:

• Good interpersonal written and verbal communication skills with ability to work for long hours with frequent travel and minimal supervision
• Ability to creatively innovate new products to address the needs of the customers
• Ability to represent Century DTM at stakeholder forums, make presentations to management, prospective partners and clients, as well as to the Century DTM Board of Directors.
• Ability to manage, coordinate and provide mentor-ship to a large support team

If you meet the above mentioned requirements and are up to the challenge of working in an expanding and dynamic organization, please send a recent photo, cover letter and detailed CV as ONE document in Word or PDF format clearly indicating  your full name and the position applied for in the subject of the email to jobs@century.co.ke
 

All applications should be received before 4.00 pm on the 5th April, 2013. 

Only successful applicants shall be contacted.