Market Access & Value Chain Analyst

About the role

Synnefa is looking for a Market Access & Value Chain Analyst to turn technical innovations—Smart Solar Dryers, FarmShield™ sensors and FarmCloud™ software—into reliable income streams for smallholder farmers. Based in Nairobi with frequent field travel, you will bridge the gap between dried produce and paying buyers.

Key responsibilities

• Identify, profile and qualify potential buyers (processors, traders, institutional and export‑adjacent firms).
• Maintain a structured buyer‑intelligence database capturing crop types, quality specs, price bands, volumes, payment terms and other requirements.
• Prioritise buyers using a clear framework to focus on those able to scale volume and pay on time.
• Coordinate sample preparation, packaging and delivery for trials, using standard feedback forms to record outcomes.
• Analyse trial results, test unit economics of value‑chain models and translate findings into operational rules, quality checks and simple commercial contracts.
• Collaborate with the Grants & Partnerships Lead, field teams, product and data teams, and external partners to ensure smooth market access.

Required profile

• Practical field experience in agriculture or agribusiness, preferably with exposure to smallholder value chains.
• Strong analytical mindset with ability to document buyer requirements accurately.
• Bias for action, comfortable working independently and travelling to remote sites.

Required skills

• Experience with buyer research and market discovery processes.
• Ability to use structured templates and data capture tools.
• Familiarity with agricultural product quality standards and traceability requirements.