Agricultural Jobs. TechnoServe Jobs

Strategic Planning and Technical Leadership

• Lead the development of comprehensive strategies specific to the leather value chain, addressing challenges such as raw material quality, tanning and finishing efficiency, compliance with environmental standards, and access to regional and international markets
• Conduct market systems analysis to identify critical leverage points, intervention opportunities, and sustainable transformation mechanisms that create lasting sector-wide impact
• Work closely with the Program Manager to ensure interventions align with overall program objectives while remaining responsive to the needs of leather MSMEs and findings from sector assessments
• Support the design and implementation of sector diagnostics, with a focus on strengthening supply chains, improving product competitiveness, and enhancing the financial readiness of enterprises
• Coordinate with other value chain specialists to identify synergies and cross-sector opportunities
• Support program workplans development and performance-based budgets for leather-specific interventions in collaboration with program management
• Support proposal development and resource mobilization efforts for sector-specific initiatives

Implementation and Coordination

• Coordinate technical assistance to tanneries, artisans, cooperatives, and MSMEs to improve hides and skins handling, certification, and upgrading of production processes
• Support the development of innovative, inclusive sourcing and aggregation models that link livestock farmers, collectors, and processors to a consistent and quality supply
• Facilitate participation of MSMEs in trade fairs, buyer engagement forums, and regional export promotion platforms (e.g., AfCFTA, AGOA, COMESA) for international market penetration
• Promote environmentally sustainable production practices, including effluent treatment, waste-to-value initiatives, and circular economy models
• Support enterprise financial readiness through investment preparation, bankability assessments, and linkages to financial institutions and impact investors
• Coordinate strategic partnerships with government agencies, development partners, and private sector players to maximize synergies and scale impact
• Execute comprehensive sector assessments and market intelligence gathering on trends, prices, demand patterns, and competitive dynamics to inform strategic interventions

Capacity Building and Stakeholder Engagement

• Design and deliver tailored training programs on quality assurance, tanning and finishing technologies, product design, business management, and investment readiness
• Mentor MSMEs on adopting modern production and marketing techniques, branding, and customer-focused innovations while building sustainable competitive advantages
• Strengthen partnerships with industry associations, universities, research centers, and training institutions to support skills transfer and sector-wide upgrading
• Integrate women, youth, and marginalized groups into value chain opportunities, promoting inclusive job creation and entrepreneurship through targeted development programs
• Support product development and innovation, including design thinking, value addition, and market-responsive product lines
• Facilitate technology transfer by connecting MSMEs with appropriate technologies and equipment suppliers while ensuring sustainable adoption
• Organize stakeholder forums to foster industry dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collective action on sector challenges and opportunities

Monitoring, Learning, and Reporting

• Collaborate with the M&E team to define leather-specific performance indicators and track results against program goals using advanced analytics and measurement frameworks
• Document and disseminate success stories, case studies, and lessons learned to influence sector knowledge and donor reporting while generating compelling impact narratives
• Use field insights and data to continuously refine strategies and ensure interventions remain relevant and impactful through adaptive management approaches
• Conduct regular market intelligence gathering and maintain comprehensive stakeholder databases and mapping of key industry players and influencers
• Produce technical reports and policy briefs that inform sector development, influence government strategies, and advance sector knowledge
• Support research initiatives in partnership with academic institutions to advance sector knowledge, support innovation, and contribute to global best practices

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure all activities comply with donor requirements, TechnoServe policies, and sectoral environmental and ethical standards, with proper documentation of performance and partnerships
• Monitor sector-specific risks—such as market volatility, climate impacts on livestock, and regulatory shifts—and propose comprehensive mitigation strategies with the Program Manager
• Support quality certification processes for leather products meeting international standards (ISO, REACH, OEKO-TEX) and maintain competitive market positioning
• Monitor and ensure adherence to environmental regulations, labor standards, and ethical sourcing practices across all intervention areas
• Develop contingency plans for supply chain disruptions, market shocks, and other operational risks while maintaining program continuity
• Conduct thorough due diligence on potential partners, suppliers, and implementing organizations to ensure program integrity and sustainable impact

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Business Administration, Leather Technology, Rural Development, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in value chain development, market systems, or MSME support, preferably within the leather sector or related industries (textiles, hides/skins, light manufacturing).
• Experience providing technical assistance and capacity building to MSMEs, including training in production, quality assurance, and business management.
• Demonstrated success in facilitating market linkages, B2B matchmaking, and strengthening buyer–supplier relationships.
• Strong understanding of inclusive business models, with proven experience integrating marginalized groups, including women and youth, into value chains.
• Proficiency in project management, stakeholder coordination, and reporting.
• Fluency in English required; Swahili proficiency is an added advantage.