Guarantees Manager, Kenya Private Sector

Project Overview and Role:Palladium isseeking a Guarantees Manager for an anticipated USAID-funded economic growthprogram which is anticipated to begin in . The USAID/Kenya and East AfricaFeed the Future (FtF) Private Sector Activity (PSA) will be a 5-year programfocused on accelerating agriculture-led growth in Kenya through partnershipswith large agricultural sector firms (such as processors and off-takers) andexpansion of smallholder farmer out-grower schemes. The anticipated activitywill focus on creating jobs and generating large scale increases in sales/exportsin the agriculture sector cost-effectively and, ideally, through a sustainableand locally-led vehicle. The activitywould combine tools used in USAID’s traditional private sector developmentactivities with tools used to mobilize finance and investment into onemechanism – supporting a range of agricultural firms to expand investments andoperations via a blended finance approach. For more information on thepotential project, please consult the RFI: .Duration: 5 years (anticipated start in July)Location: Nairobi, Kenya Primary Duties and Responsibilities: Conduct rapid review of financial institutions with DCA guarantees based on Palladium previous work to establish a strategy to address access to financing in targeted value chains.Work to connect prospective investors with DCA guarantees to ensure risk is sufficiently mitigated to finance target value chain SMEs Analyze reasons for DCA under-utilization as well as success factors and develop methods to increase their utilization among Kenya’s financial institutions.Supervise the work of subcontractors on KIM working to provide technical assistance and training to financial institutions.Lead conversations with USAID Kenya and DCA in Washington to negotiate changes to existing DCA guarantee instruments and how they can be modified to align with a changing Kenyan market. Work with the Opportunities Team to develop a pipeline of private sector firms whose loans could potentially be backed by DCA guarantees. Monitor DCA utilization in the Kenyan market each quarter and report this information to USAID. Develop and maintain a community of practice among financial institutions with DCAs to share lessons learned, highlight successes, and develop best practices. Required Qualifications:Master’s Degree in a relevant subject (MBA, MA in Business, Economics, International Development, Agriculture, etc.) or a B.A. and 10+ years of similar experience. Five years or more of work experience required in the finance and investment field.Significant experience and/or exposure to USAID’s Development Credit Authority mechanism required.Overall experience with loan guarantee mechanisms, financial inclusion services, and/or alternative financing schemes required. Demonstrated experience providing training to financial sector actors requiredExcellent contacts within Kenyan international banking/investment fieldsImpeccable professional record and integrityExcellent verbal and written communication skills in EnglishLocal Kenyan candidates are preferred