Business Development Lead / Manager – NGO & Institutional Partnerships

About the role

Career Directions Limited is recruiting, on behalf of its client, an experienced Business Development Lead / Manager based in Nairobi, Kenya. The role drives strategic partnerships across NGOs, county governments, development organizations, financial institutions and donor-funded programs within Kenya's agricultural sector. Reporting to the Managing Director, the person will identify new business opportunities, build financing partnerships with Kenyan banks and work with farmers, cooperatives and development partners, contributing to food security, climate resilience and agricultural development.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute institutional business development strategies.
• Build partnerships with NGOs, county governments, banks, SACCOs and development agencies.
• Identify and secure donor-funded projects and high-value commercial opportunities.
• Structure agricultural financing solutions with financial institutions.
• Lead commercial negotiations, proposals and key stakeholder engagements.
• Represent the company at industry forums and strengthen strategic relationships.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Agriculture, Agribusiness, Finance or a related field; MBA is an added advantage.
• 8-10 years of experience in business development, institutional partnerships or commercial leadership.
• Proven experience working with NGOs, donor organizations, county governments or development agencies.
• Strong understanding of Kenya's agricultural sector and institutional procurement landscape.
• Experience engaging banks or agricultural finance institutions.
• Experience in agribusiness, agricultural technology, irrigation, greenhouse farming, crop protection, seeds, fertilizers or related industries.

Required skills

• Strategic business development and partnership and stakeholder management.
• Proposal and tender development.
• Commercial negotiation and financial modelling.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.