Job Purpose Statement

To develop and implement data-driven financial solutions for agricultural value chains, enhancing credit accessibility for farmers while ensuring sustainable business growth through advanced analytics and model development.
The consultant will work closely with key stakeholders including financial institutions, agricultural input providers, buyers, irrigation authorities, and farmer groups to develop sustainable financing solutions.
Location: Based in Kenya with regular travel to agricultural production areas. Flexibility to work with remote stakeholders as needed.
Contract Duration: 6 months subject to extension based on performance

Key Accountabilities Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Framework Development

Design and implement a comprehensive value chain financing framework that addresses current challenges in the rice sector while ensuring scalability to other agricultural value chains
Develop standardized processes for stakeholder coordination, including input providers, financial institutions, buyers, and farmer organizations
Create robust risk management strategies that protect all parties involved in the financing structure

Process Optimization

Review and redesign current operational processes, with particular focus on:
- Farmer onboarding and KYC procedures
- Input distribution and verification mechanisms
- Milestone certification and documentation
- Payment triggering and disbursement workflows
- Harvest management and buyer coordination
Implement block farming models that optimize production efficiency and resource utilization.

Stakeholder Management

Design and facilitate stakeholder workshops to align interests and establish clear roles and responsibilities.
Develop comprehensive MOUs and contracts that clearly define obligations and benefits for all parties.
Create communication protocols that ensure transparency and timely information sharing among stakeholders.

Financial Structure Design

Design innovative financing mechanisms that address current challenges in disbursement and recovery.
Develop warehouse receipt systems integrated with collateral management
Create milestone-based financing structures that align with agricultural production cycles
Establish clear metrics for monitoring and evaluating the financing program's success

Job Specifications

Master's degree in Finance, Agricultural Economics, Statistics, Data Science or related field
Advanced certification in data analytics, financial modeling, or agricultural finance is desirable
Knowledge of agricultural value chains and rural finance mechanisms.

Desired Work Experience

Minimum 10 years of experience in financial services, agricultural lending, or data analytics or value chain financing.
Proven track record in developing and implementing successful agricultural financing programs and credit risk models
Experience working with farming communities especially small holder farmers and agricultural stakeholders

Technical Competencies

Expert knowledge of financial product development and risk management
Strong understanding of agricultural production systems and value chains
Extensive experience with digital financial services, particularly USSD platforms and API integrations
Demonstrated expertise in data management systems and automated verification processes
Experience in designing and implementing digital farmer registration systems with real-time validation
Knowledge of alternative credit scoring models for agricultural financing
Strong background in process automation and systems integration
Proficiency in developing monitoring and evaluation frameworks with clear KPIs
Strong proficiency in statistical analysis and data modeling techniques For example XGBoost, Logistic Regression
Experience with dataset construction and management
Understanding of credit risk assessment and lending processes
Knowledge of agricultural value chains and rural finance mechanisms
Proficiency in automation and system integration design
Ability to develop and implement pilot programs