aBi Development - CEO

About aBi Development

The Agricultural Business Initiative (aBi) is a multidonor entity devoted to private sector agribusiness development with a commitment to economic, social and environmental sustainability.

aBi follows a long-term commitment by being both a catalyst in support of the Ugandan agricultural sector and a conduit through which development partners and investors can build the capacity of the agricultural sector.

With the strategic objective of, “A competitive, profitable and sustainable agriculture and agribusiness sector in support of equitable wealth creation in Uganda”,

aBi Development strategy supports market-driven enterprises using a Value Chain Development (VCD) approach for specific commodity groups (sub sectors) where six value chains are being supported. These include: maize, pulses, coffee, oilseeds, horticulture and dairy. Both

technical and financial support is extended to actors for improved efficiency, effectiveness and competitiveness; enabling them to access financial services and markets for business opportunities. VCD support to implementing partners is through professional service providers, cost-share grants, and linkages to market and financial institutions.

The Role Job Summary

Role title: Chief Executive Officer

Location: Kampala, Uganda

Salary: Competitive

Following our recent corporate re-structure, a new position of Chief Executive Officer, aBi Development has been created. The successful candidate will assume overall responsibility for driving the growth, profitability and positive social impact of the organisation. The new jobholder will have scope to innovate, reviewing current strategies against the organisation’s over-arching strategic target to increase the long-term profitability and income of, and employment creation by, Ugandan farmers and agribusinesses.

The CEO leads the development of aBi Development’s vision, mission, and strategy, working in collaboration with the Board and key stakeholders. He or she takes ultimate responsibility for the organisation’s long-term success and sustainability and for ensuring fulfilment of investors’ objectives in the form of both financial return and social impact.

The CEO oversees the organisation’s operations, ensuring that appropriate fiduciary oversight is maintained, and that the organisation is fully accountable to the Board, Investors, and key stakeholders. The CEO is responsible for ensuring the implementation of Board resolutions and ensuring that policies, procedures, and internal controls are established to minimize risk, maximize accountability, and ensure achievement of organizational success.

The CEO is responsible for ensuring that aBi Development (aBiD) is structured, organised, managed, and controlled in such a way as to enable achievement of its vision and delivery against set targets. The CEO liaises and harmonises with national policymakers and implementers and other key development players, provides support in project design, review, and analysis, and provides direction and advice to the aBiD team and key partners.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Provide strategic leadership to the aBiD team and stakeholders, supporting the development of innovative strategies for enhancing the contribution of the Agribusiness sector towards equitable wealth creation in Uganda.

Leadership & Empowerment of the Team

Take the lead in developing and building an aBiD team that is fully engaged and committed to delivering the overall objectives of aBiD; drive the development and execution of the overall people strategy and systems.

Strategic Relationship Management

Build relationships with key actors; ensure the development and implementation of influencing strategies and interventions that drive mindset change, uptake of aBi Development’s products, and achievement of market facilitation goals.

Financial Viability, Risk and Resource Management

Ensure the financial viability and sustainability of aBiD through effective resource mobilization and management; ensuring that risks are identified and adequately managed.

Supporting Effective Governance

Work with the aBiD Board to develop and implement effective governance; carry out duties in accordance with the authorities delegated under aBiD’s constitutional documents and lead the development of appropriate policies, procedure, structures & systems.

Ensuring Impactful Operations

Lead the team to achieve operational goals and effectively manage learning; ensuring that quality of performance meets the standards and expectations of the strategic plan and key stakeholders (Board and Investors).

Candidate profile

Educational Qualifications

• Masters in an appropriate subject will be strongly preferred (e.g., Business Administration, Economic Policy; Development Economics, Agribusiness Management)

• Professional qualifications on Accountancy, Coaching, Project Management will be an added advantage

Job related experience and knowledge

• 10 years’ post-graduate experience in senior management with at least 5 years leading an organisation

• Senior Agribusiness Sector leader with track record of significant accomplishments in private sector development

• Demonstrable leadership skills in leading and directing an organisation

• Recognised proven track record of managing complex programs to ensure impact

• Experience in facilitating change at policy level or at the systemic level

• Demonstrated experience of working with the board and international development partners

• Experience of managing the relationship between a ‘unitary’ board and the management team

• Experience implementing effective and inclusive agribusiness and development finance programs will be an added advantage

Demonstrable Competencies

• Integrity & Commitment

• Learning, Adaptability & Capacity Building

• Thinking and Problem Analysis

• Proactivity & Innovation

• Getting Work Done

• Relationship Building

• Communication and Information Handling

• Resource and Business Management

How to Apply

All correspondence, at this stage, should be via Oxford HR. To apply for this post, click on the “Apply” button on the job advert page, complete our online application form, and submit your CV and cover letter as two separate documents.

The cover letter should be no more than two pages long, explaining why you are interested in this post and how your skills and experience make you a good fit. The document should be saved in MS Word in the following format: Your First Name-Your LastName-Document Name-Date (mmyyyy) eg, Pat-Jones-CV-022023-aBI or Pat-Jones-CoverLetter022023-aBi.

Timeline

Closing Date: Applications are considered on a rolling basis

Equality Statement

Equality and diversity are at the core of aBi Development values. Staff are expected to work collectively and individually to promote a constructive and sensitive approach to others from a variety of backgrounds, where the work of others is valued and respected.

Get in touch

If you have any queries on any aspect of the appointment process, need additional information, or would like to have an informal discussion, please email abi-ceo@oxfordhr.co.ke in the first instance.

Next steps

All candidates will receive an update regarding their application after the role is closed. Applications will be considered until the role is filled. We advise candidates to add the role email to their safe senders list and regularly check their spam folder.

About Oxford HR

Oxford HR operates globally - mainly within the international development and charity sectors.

We carry out retained executive search mandates at board and senior management levels. We also offer human resource and organisational development consultancy.

Oxford HR has many years of experience in search as well as an extensive network of NGOs, social sector, corporate, public sector, and start-ups from across the world. We carry out comprehensive and often international searches designed to meet the specific needs of our client.