The African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership (AFAP) is an independent non-profit organization founded in 2012 by a partnership of African development organizations. It was built on the work of the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Program (CAADP), a framework for achieving ambitious agriculture development goals set in place by African nations and leaders.
Job Reference: C2022-2457
The African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership (AFAP) is looking to recruit a Chief Executive Officer who will take over from founding executive, President and CEO, Jason Scarpone.
The in-coming CEO will answer to the AFAP Board of Directors and will operate for the Headquarters office in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The core purpose of the CEO role is to provide leadership and direction for AFAP. The CEO will work closely with the Board of Directors to develop strategies to grow fundraising and implement high quality Programmes in Africa.
The CEO will be responsible for establishing and communicating the vision for our organization and for implementing new approaches to grow AFAP’s reach.
The CEO will ensure effective implementation of the strategy, drive implementation and report on results. The CEO will give direction and supervise managers as well the Heads of AFAP’s Technical Units: Agribusiness Development, Financial Services, Policy and Market Intelligence Systems.
The CEO should be an innovative, experienced Agricultural Development Specialist to advance AFAP’s programming in Africa.
The CEO reports to the AFAP Board of Directors and is responsible for the organization’s consistent achievement of its mission, strategic direction, and financial objectives. In general, the CEO shall perform all duties incident to the office and such other duties as are assigned by the Board of Directors from time to time.
The following duties are intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification.
Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, positionspecific duties.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:
Key Responsibilities in program development and administration will include:
Leadership:
Provide leadership in developing programs, organizational and financial plans with the Board of Directors and staff and carry out plans and policies authorized by the board.
Strong Corporate governance skills.
Provide a clear vision, purpose for the organisation.
Operate as a positive role model for the culture of the organization, principled and acts with integrity.
Understand and navigate organization dynamics; builds strong informal and formal networks.
Develop a high performing collaborative team; is inspirational and present.
Provide the Board of Directors with trusted feedback and advice.
Resourceful and willing to take measured risks.
Strategy:
Ensure AFAP has a long-range strategy which achieves its mission, and toward which it makes consistent and timely progress.
Understands context and has a clear long-term view.
Navigate ambiguity and is relentlessly solutions driven.
Use strong analytical and innovative thinking to develop a clear business strategy to achieve goals.
Ensure alignment with AFAP’s strategic direction.
Staff Relations:
Be responsible for the recruitment, employment, and release of all personnel, both full-time staff and consultants.
Ensure job descriptions are developed, that regular performance evaluations are held, and that sound human resource practices are in place.
See that an effective management team, with appropriate provision for succession, is in place.
Encourage staff and volunteer development and education and assist program staff in relating their specialized work to the total program of the organization.
Maintain a climate which attracts, keeps, and motivates a diverse staff of top-quality employees.
Communications:
See that the board is kept fully informed on the condition of the organization and all-important factors influencing it.
Publicize the activities of AFAP, its programs and goals.
Represent the programs and point of view of the organization to donor agencies, partner organizations, private sector clients and the public.
Ensure there is a clear communication strategy which maximizes opportunities for advocacy, fundraising and builds AFAP’s reputation.
Financial Management:
Work with the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer to develop and maintain sound financial practices.
Work with the staff and the Board in preparing a budget; see that the organization operates within budget guidelines.
Ensure that adequate funds are available to permit the organization to carry out its work.
Conduct official correspondence of the organization and ensure proper execution of legal documents.
Resource Mobilization:
Maintain networks with AFAP current and potential funders to pursue opportunities for funding.
Develop high performing fundraising strategies which are cost effectively implemented by the Country Managers and their teams.
Pursue strategic partnerships and that advance AFAP’s access to funding.
Prepare concept notes and proposals in response to funding opportunities.
QUALIFICATIONS/JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Educational qualifications:
Master’s Degree in Agriculture or MBA in any field. An advanced degree in Agriculture, Business or non-profit management is strongly preferred.
Work experience:
10+ years of executive management experience leading agriculture based non-profit organizations in Africa.
Experience with fundraising and partnership development is a must.
Well-rounded experience in agribusiness development, finance, marketing, and client outreach.
Experience working with international donors and non-profit industry associations.
Willingness to travel up to 25% time.
Personal Skills:
Strong strategic capability with a passion for leading and mentoring staff.
Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Commitment to continuing development of self and team members.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Strong analytical skills.
Business acumen and financial literacy.
Maintain official records and documents and ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in the field.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Qualified applicants are required to send a CV and a cover letter to support their application along with salary requirements to [email protected].
The subject line for this post should read: Chief Executive Officer C2022-2457.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
For more about The African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership (AFAP), refer to https://www.afap-partnership.org/about-us-2/