SRI Executive Search has been contracted by AGRA to assist with the search for an exceptional candidate to fill the position of Chief Operating Officer.

About AGRA

AGRA is an African-led institution that works to transform agri-food systems across the continent. For twenty years, AGRA has been working in partnership with people across the continent to build a more prosperous future for smallholders. Grounded in country priorities, AGRA partners with governments, the private sector, research institutions and development actors to identify and unlock systemic constraints that limit smallholder farmer productivity, market access and resilience. Through catalytic investment, technical insight and convening power, AGRA supports inclusive, sustainable transformation that strengthens food security and long-term economic growth.

Our AGRA@20 activities this year are not just a celebration of what has been achieved together. This is our moment to call for consolidation and acceleration. Our moment to commit to connecting the dots that now exist to ensure that in the next 20 years, Africa’s agri-food systems are investable, scalable and full of opportunity for the people that matter most.

Role Purpose

To provide strategic leadership and operational integration across AGRA’s corporate-services portfolio—including Finance, People & Culture, Procurement, Administration, Information Technology, Grants Management, Facilities and Enterprise Risk Management—to enable efficient, effective and sustainable delivery of AGRA’s mission and strategic objectives.

The role ensures that corporate-service strategies, systems, processes, resources, and performance priorities are integrated and aligned with the approved operating model, while preserving the functional accountability, professional independence, and delegated authorities of the respective functional leaders.

Key Measures of Performance

The performance of this role holder will be assessed based on the achievements made on:

• Operational Excellence & Service Delivery: Ensure effective delivery of corporate services by achieving agreed service-level standards, improving operational efficiency, and implementing process optimization initiatives that enhance organizational performance.
• Governance, Risk & Compliance: Maintain robust governance, enterprise risk management, and compliance frameworks across corporate functions, ensuring strict adherence to organizational policies, donor requirements, regulatory obligations, and the swift, systematic resolution of internal and external audit and control findings while respecting Board assurance independence.
• Financial Stewardship & Budget Discipline: Drive organizational cost optimization, strict budget adherence, and value-for-money outcomes in close operational matrix partnership with Finance, enforcing proactive cost-control mechanisms and operational efficiency across all corporate service units.
• Technology, AI & Business Transformation: Lead operational and digital transformation initiatives, leveraging AI-enabled tools, data, and modern business systems alongside appropriate risk and governance frameworks to strengthen organizational capabilities, efficiency, and business continuity.
• Grant Prudence & Effectiveness: Ensure effective stewardship of grant resources through strong grant management, compliance, monitoring, and reporting practices, maximizing the impact, efficiency, and accountability of donor-funded investments.
• People & Culture Leadership: Foster a high-performing, inclusive, and value-driven culture by overseeing operational HR execution, talent development, workforce planning, and employee engagement, while supporting executive and FHRC governance priorities.
• Leadership & Stakeholder Effectiveness: Build and sustain high-performing teams, foster a culture of accountability and collaboration, and maintain strong stakeholder satisfaction through responsive, reliable, and effective operational support services.

Profile

Education

• Master’s degree in business administration (MBA), Operations Management, Public Administration, Finance, Supply Chain Management, Organizational Leadership, International Development, or a related field.

Relevant Experience

• Minimum 20 years of progressive leadership experience in operations, corporate services, business management, or organizational effectiveness.
• At least 15 years in a senior leadership role managing multiple operational functions.
• Demonstrated experience leading large and geographically dispersed teams in a multi-national development organization, international NGO, foundation, multilateral institution, or private-sector organization of comparable complexity.
• Proven experience overseeing one or more of the following functions: finance, procurement, administration, technology, facilities, grants management, risk management, and business continuity.
• Experience driving organizational transformation, operational excellence, business process improvement, and digital transformation initiatives.
• Strong track record in governance, risk management, compliance, and operational performance management.
• Experience managing organizational budgets, resource planning, and performance reporting.
• Proven track record in enforcing organizational budget discipline, cost optimization, and successfully resolving complex audit and control findings in international or development environments.
• Experience operating within the non profit sector, scaling development initiatives through government systems, or managing the operational complexities of climate/agri-food funding structures.
• Demonstrated ability to influence executive leadership, Boards, donors, and other senior stakeholders.
• Experience operating in Africa and working across multiple countries and cultures.

Terms of Appointment

2-year contract, renewable based on funding availability.

Role Location

Based in Nairobi, Kenya

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please ensure you click Apply and complete the Application Form by 29 September 2026 (23:59 hrs, GMT +3). It is essential that you submit your CV in English, specifically in Microsoft Word format (.doc/.docx), not exceeding 10MB.

Applications in other languages or formats will not be considered.

Rest assured, all information will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.