Head of Innovative Financing - Africa

About the role

The Head of Innovative Financing will lead the design, testing and scaling of financing models that enable smallholder farmers across Sub‑Saharan Africa to access irrigation technologies. Reporting to the President & COO, you will work closely with MFIs, banks, cooperatives and on‑the‑ground extension agents to build a pipeline of pilots and a continent‑wide financing strategy.

Key responsibilities

• Develop a financing innovation roadmap for different farmer segments and value chains.
• Design and structure diverse financial products such as revolving funds, micro‑finance loans, lease‑to‑own and blended‑finance mechanisms.
• Model customer economics, repayment scenarios and partner incentives to ensure commercial viability and farmer affordability.
• Lead end‑to‑end financing pilots across priority countries, including concept, budgeting, risk frameworks and learning agendas.
• Collaborate with Country Directors, Sales, Product and Impact teams to embed financing into overall strategies.
• Build and nurture partnerships with financial service providers, cooperatives and market actors, co‑creating programs and negotiating terms.

Required profile

• Proven experience in financial product design and testing, preferably in agricultural or micro‑finance contexts.
• Deep understanding of smallholder farmer economics and the challenges of irrigation financing.
• Creative, experimental mindset with ability to develop solutions beyond conventional micro‑finance.
• Strong analytical skills to model economics and assess commercial viability.
• Excellent stakeholder management and ability to work across diverse African markets.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% across priority countries.

Required skills

What we offer

• 12‑month fixed‑term contract with potential conversion pathway.
• Opportunity to shape financing strategies that impact millions of smallholder farmers.
• Collaborative environment within a mission‑driven nonprofit social enterprise.