The International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR) is seeking a Senior Consultant for Africa Food Systems. This senior leadership role is responsible for leading the structured co-design and alignment process with institutional partners, integrating multiple workstreams such as farmer organization, SME development, and market systems into a coherent strategic model. The consultant will serve as the primary senior counterpart to development finance institutions, impact investors, and technical partners, ensuring that proposed models reflect market realities and structural constraints.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Architecture & Alignment
Lead the structured co-design and alignment process with institutional partners.
Integrate multiple workstreams (e.g., farmer organization, SME development, market systems) into a coherent strategic model.
Ensure alignment with existing sector frameworks and avoid duplication.
Translate technical feedback into clear, decision-ready revisions.
Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement
Serve as the primary senior counterpart to development finance institutions (e.g., AfDB, World Bank, IFAD), impact investors, and technical partners.
Coordinate inputs from external advisors, fund managers, and sector specialists.
Maintain disciplined, unified messaging on behalf of IIRR.
Prepare concise leadership-ready briefs and strategic notes.
Market Interface
Engage with potential financing partners to test market realism and instrument design.
Ensure proposed models reflect SME realities, structural constraints, and risk considerations.
Support sequencing from concept to pilot design.
Required Experience & Qualifications
12–18+ years of progressive leadership experience.
Deep background in African agriculture, agribusiness, food systems, and/or rural market development.
Demonstrated experience working with development finance institutions (e.g., AfDB, World Bank, IFAD, or similar).
Proven ability to navigate multi-stakeholder environments involving policy actors, private sector firms, and financing institutions.
Experience in SME development, value chain programming, or anchor firm models.
Strong systems-thinking capability; able to integrate institutional, market, and financial dimensions.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated credibility in senior-level institutional settings.
BA/BSc/HND qualification in a relevant field.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online via the IIRR application portal. Go to iirr.applytojob.com or use the following application link: Apply Here
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should visit the official application portal at iirr.applytojob.com to submit their application. Alternatively, you can access the application through the bridge link: Apply on MyJobMag
