Program Manager – Inclusive Retail Market Access at TechnoServe Kenya

This position is responsible for supporting the design and analysis, and leading the pilot implementation of inclusive retail sourcing strategies within the "Inclusive Retail Market Access" program. Working closely with the project’s Consumer Markets Expert and Strategy Director, the Program Manager will oversee collaboration with supermarkets and emerging suppliers to co-create, pilot, and scale inclusive sourcing models that increase formal market access for smallholder-linked suppliers. This role requires a combination of strategic thinking, stakeholder facilitation, and hands-on program execution to address supply chain barriers and unlock systemic value.

 Key Roles and Responsibilities

Program Management:

• Participate in and support initial phases around design, strategy, and cocreation.
• Lead subsequent phases of implementation of program activities in Kenya, including pilot execution and scale up / transition, ensuring targets are met through high-quality, timely, and cost-effective delivery.
• Monitor pilot execution, support supplier onboarding, and ensure delivery of program outputs in alignment with donor expectations.
• Contribute to program reporting, knowledge sharing, and scale-up strategy design.
• Apply adaptive management principles to refine program strategies based on stakeholder feedback and MEL insights.
• Manage day-to-day coordination with internal teams, consultants, and retail/supplier partners.
• Ensure compliance with donor guidelines, budget constraints, and procurement procedures.

Smallholder Farmer/Agribusiness  and  Retailers Engagement:

• Collaborate with retailers and suppliers to co-create inclusive sourcing models, action plans, and institutional solutions.
• Coordinate technical assistance and capacity-building efforts for suppliers to meet retailer standards.
• Organize forums that bring the suppliers and retailers together for dialogues that addresses challenges that both the suppliers and retailers face in this collaboration.

     Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum 10 years of experience in international development, agribusiness, supply chain management, or market systems programs, with a Master’s degree in Business Administration, Agribusiness, Development Studies, or a related field.
• Experience implementing and monitoring inclusive sourcing or retail supply chain projects in the agriculture or food systems sector.
• Required Languages: Fluency in English and Kiswahili.
• Travel: Travel up to 20%.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in Kenya or East Africa.
• Familiarity with AGRA and/or similar donor-funded market systems initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong analytical, facilitation, and program management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to engage private sector actors and coordinate multi-stakeholder partnerships.
• Clear and effective communication skills across written, verbal, and presentation formats.
• Ability to design and deliver capacity-building interventions for SMEs and producer groups.
• Self-driven and resourceful, with a track record of delivering results in complex environments.