The role of Business Design Strategist is crucial in driving innovation and human-centered design (HCD) across FH Kenya programs. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop creative solutions that address complex challenges in poverty alleviation, community development, and humanitarian aid. This includes innovating concepts that utilize technology, executing new business models built on new funding streams, and ultimately growing revenue for the organization. You will lead the design and execution of high-impact, technology-driven solutions that directly shape FH’s strategic growth, revenue models, and operational scalability, ensuring that innovation leads to sustainable impact and long-term organizational success. Your work will directly impact the lives of vulnerable communities in Kenya, as you apply design thinking methodologies to create sustainable and scalable interventions.
Principal Responsibilities
1. Innovation & Business Development (50%)
- Design, prototype, and scale products, services, and business models using systems thinking and HCD; lead workshops and innovation sprints.
- Develop financial models, organizational structures, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) aligned with system dynamics; conduct scenario planning.
- Identify strategic partners, co-lead investor pitches, build financing pipeline, and negotiate ecosystem partnerships.
2. Research & Market Intelligence (20%)
- Conduct field ethnography and systems analysis mapping actors, relationships, and power dynamics.
- Synthesize user feedback and market insights across individual, community, and market levels.
- Travel to field sites (30-40% time) for research, prototyping, and multi-stakeholder dialogues.
3. Capacity Building & Knowledge Management (30%)
- Mentor program staff in systems thinking frameworks (iceberg model, causal loops, leverage points) and HCD methodologies.
- Facilitate learning sessions on complexity thinking, adaptive management, and strategic problem-solving.
- Document innovation processes, systems insights, and best practices; build organizational capacity for systems intervention.
- Contribute to proposal development incorporating systems thinking and HCD approaches.
- Represent FH Kenya at conferences and networks focused on systems innovation.
Core Competencies
Design & Strategic Thinking
- Master systems thinking and human-centered design to map complex systems, identify leverage points, and translate user insights into viable solutions.
- Build financial models, revenue strategies, and business cases for social ventures; navigate impact investing and blended finance.
- Apply rapid prototyping (Lean Startup, Agile) and manage innovation portfolios addressing root causes.
Research & Communication
- Conduct ethnographic research and systems mapping; synthesize market analysis and ecosystem insights across multiple scales.
- Visualize complex ideas (causal loops, journey maps) and pitch holistic solutions persuasively to diverse stakeholders.
Leadership & Execution
- Lead cross-functional teams, facilitate multi-stakeholder collaboration, and mentor others in systems thinking and HCD.
- Manage projects from concept to implementation with adaptive, metrics-driven approach while achieving results with limited resources.
Qualifications and Requirements
Required:
- Portfolio demonstrating HCD and systems-thinking expertise with proven results in social ventures.
- Excellent communication, facilitation, and leadership skills; professional English proficiency.
- Strong leadership, facilitation, and systems-thinking skills.
- Conceptual and research skills, with ability to think strategically.
Desirable:
- Experience in impact investing and innovative finance.
Experience:
- 6+ years of experience in design strategy, solution design, or related roles, preferably in the international development sector.
- Prior experience in designing for and mobilizing resources for social ventures.
Education/Certifications:
- Bachelor's degree (BA/BSc/HND) in international development, business, or a related field.
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