SNV - Global Sector Head Agri-Food

Global Sector Head Agri-Food

About SNV

SNV is a not-for-profit international development organisation that makes a lasting difference in the lives of people living in poverty by helping them raise incomes and access basic services. We focus on three sectors – agriculture, energy, and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) – and have a long-term, local presence in 24 countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Our team of just over 1,300 people is the backbone of SNV.

We apply our practical know-how to deliver results at scale. Driven by the Sustainable Development Goals, we are dedicated to a society in which all people are free to pursue their own sustainable development, and no one is left behind. This commitment to equity directs us to focus on gender and youth. By connecting our global expertise with our extensive and longstanding in-country experiences, we help realise locally owned solutions.

Our services include advice, brokering and stakeholder engagement, advocacy, fund management, results-based financing, and delegated management.

We realise our impact through direct results and systems change. Our projects directly benefit millions of people and drive systems change – strengthening institutions and kickstarting markets to help many more people work their way out of poverty, well beyond the scope of projects.

We are committed to operational excellence and are proud to be a not-for-profit organisation, implementing our mission exclusively through project financing. This requires us to work efficiently and to invest in operational excellence every day.

For more information on SNV, visit our website: www.snv.org

Job Summary

In its current Strategic Plan (2019–2022), SNV is explicitly aiming for structural change and scale in its programmes in the Agri-Food, Energy, and Water sectors, as well as bringing knowledge and initiatives from different programmes together at the country level to contribute to systems change. We position ourselves as a learning organisation striving for excellence and invest in making knowledge flow to and from the frontline.

To realise SNV’s vision for “a world where across every society, all people live with dignity and have equitable opportunities to sustainably thrive”, SNV’s Agri-Food sector will support the transition to a sustainable and resilient agri-food system that delivers food security and adequate nutrition for people in all their diversity, in such a way that the economic, social, and environmental bases are safeguarded for future generations. Through its projects, SNV’s Agri-Food Sector will address food

availability and accessibility challenges for vulnerable populations, while improving incomes, addressing inequalities, and building food-system resilience for a climateuncertain future.

The Global Sector Head steers the sector globally, ensuring the development of (new) tools and approaches, monitoring quality of projects being implemented and coordinates positioning of SNV in the sector globally. The GSH manages multi-country PMs and functionally steers the Global Sector Team and Country Sector Leaders in line with global sector strategy in order to improve global sector performance. Works in close collaboration with the Global Sector Team Manager and Country Directors.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Positioning

Leads the sector by continuously improving and implementing a clear vision and strategy. Underpins SNV strategy and its plans and goals with global sector knowledge and a global sector strategy. Positions SNV and the sector to attain impact which reflects SNV’s aim for development and level of specific sector knowledge. Represents the Sector at relevant external events and in relevant networks. Identifies and acts on external trends and opportunities for investments, aligned to sector strategy, within delegation of the Managing Director.

Business Development

Builds, maintains and utilises a network with relevant global stakeholders in sector partnerships. Represents SNV and ensures a high level of visibility, actively identifies positioning opportunities in line with the global sector strategy. Feeds the Business Development Team with sector information, provides technical guidance and steering to Prospect Teams, conducts quality assurance checks and acts as Technical Lead for key multi-country project proposals within the sector.

Sector Coordination

Sets global performance standards and benchmarks (in- and external). Together with the Global Sector Manager, ensures global coherence in services/products development and delivery within the sector.

Advisory Services and Project Cycle Management

Provides advice and support to relevant projects and programmes, including backstopping, theory of change etc. Steers and gives direction to Project Managers in the sector to improve overall sector quality.

Knowledge and Innovation

Together with the Global Sector Team Manager develops a vision on knowledge and knowledge development strategy/agenda, stimulates and facilitates the sharing and application of knowledge and innovation within and across countries and Sectors.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant technical field.

• Proven track record with over 10 years of experience in the agri-food sector in an international, multi-country context, including advisory work and knowledge development.

• Profound technical knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas: agri-food systems, sustainable and resilient food production, agriculture value chain development, integrated landscape management, climate change adaptation, nutrition sensitive value chains, public-private partnerships.

• Excellent track record in technical supervision of projects and project portfolios; Proven ability and experience of mobilising resources from the public and private sector.

• Credible international track record and expertise in designing and implementing programmes.

• Excellent social and networking skills, the ability to engage with governments and the private sector including influencing skills and experience of working effectively in a matrix organisation.

• Strong international networks within the agri-food sector.

• Sound experience within knowledge development, organisational learning and innovation.

• Entrepreneurial, result-oriented and driver for change

• Visionary and able to strategically inspire and energise teams.

• Ability to coach, lead, stimulate, and inspire professionals in a development context.

• Proficiency in both written and spoken English and French is required.

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. Please provide a CV and cover letter in two different documents.

The cover letter should be no more than two pages long and explain 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 Last Name-Document Name-Date (mmyyyy) e.g., Pat-JonesCV-092022 SNV.

Timeline

Closing Date: Open Ended

First Stage Interviews: Interviews with Oxford HR on a rolling basis

Final Interviews: TBC

Selection process

All candidates will receive an update regarding their application after the closing date. We advise candidates to add the role email to their safe senders list and regularly check their spam folder.

Equality Statement

Equality and diversity are at the core of SNV’s 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.

Queries

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 at snv-gsh@oxfordhr.co.uk in the first instance.

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 international development, social sector, corporate, public sector, and academic contacts from across the world. We carry out comprehensive and often international searches designed to meet the specific needs of our client.