The East & West Africa Regional Director (RD) oversees the design, development, and implementation of TechnoServe's programs in the East & West Africa Region. The RD is responsible for ensuring a steady pipeline of new business opportunities through proactive relationship building with key donors, and the quality and compliance of all project operations. Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer, the RD serves as a member of TechnoServe’s global senior management team.
The successful candidate will have significant management and international experience, a passion for economic development, and relevant language skills. They must be capable of leading program teams across multiple countries and embody TechnoServe’s values of Lasting Impact, Collaboration, Entrepreneurial spirit, and Accountability.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy and Leadership
- Oversee the design, development, and implementation of programs across the East & West Africa Region.
- Drive the strategy for the region as a whole and manage an annual regional operating budget of $24 million.
- Support country and regional program directors in developing strategies, platforms, and budgets.
- Ensure country programs meet quality standards and integrate project monitoring, learning, and evaluation.
- Provide sound financial management and ensure contractual and donor compliance reporting.
New Business Development
- Generate regional new business by leveraging existing relationships and expanding opportunities.
- Support corporate new business efforts for current and new programs in the region and maintain donor relations.
- Develop winning proposal strategies: organizing resources, authoring proposals, and negotiating agreements.
Talent Management
- Recruit, retain, supervise, and coach country directors and regional team members.
- Enable cross-cutting learning, partnership, and collaboration between teams.
- Support knowledge sharing and professional development among staff.
- Manage regional human resource matters in partnership with the global HR team.
Representation
- Represent TechnoServe to major public and private donors globally.
- Support country directors in managing relationships with local governments, donors, and NGOs.
- Represent the region internally to the Senior Management Team, Program Office, and Board of Directors.
Qualifications and Experience
- A minimum of ten years of leadership experience, preferably in strategy consulting, private sector agribusiness, or international development.
- A minimum of three years of work experience in one or more developing countries.
- A bachelor’s degree (BA/BSc/HND) is required; a post-graduate degree such as an MBA, MPP, or MIA is highly preferred.
- Fluency in written and spoken English is required. French language skills are highly preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to lead multicultural and geographically dispersed teams in complex environments.
- Proven track record in successful business development and overseeing winning proposals.
- Strong knowledge in economic growth, value chains, the private sector, agriculture, and/or entrepreneurship/SMEs.
- Experience in Francophone West Africa is preferred.
- Ability to travel up to 50% regionally and internationally.
Skills and Abilities
- Effective and inspiring communicator and negotiator with strong oral and written skills.
- Demonstrated passion for TechnoServe’s mission and ability to work in a dynamic environment.
- Proven ability to motivate, retain, and develop staff.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online via the TechnoServe recruitment portal at TechnoServe Kenya on recruiting.ultipro.com.
