Vice President, Country Programs & Government Relations

The Company is seeking a Vice President for Country Programs and Government Relations. This senior leadership role is pivotal in driving the transformation of agri-food systems across the continent, with a focus on smallholder farmer productivity, market access, and resilience. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the organization's work in multiple countries, ensuring that transformation is led, financed, and sustained by national institutions. This includes setting and improving the country-delivery model, guiding the selection of strategic priorities, and maintaining a strong connection between the organization's efforts and the broader regional and continental initiatives. The role demands a leader with a Master's degree in a relevant field, at least 20 years' experience in agricultural transformation or related areas, and a proven track record of building and managing high-performing teams. Key responsibilities for the Vice President include establishing and nurturing senior relationships with government and institutional partners, coaching country directors in navigating the political economy, and positioning the organization as a strategic partner. The role also involves orchestrating the ecosystem to mobilize investments and aligning the efforts of various stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in executive communication, negotiation, and problem-solving, and be adept at managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives. Professional proficiency in French and additional African languages is valued, and the role requires frequent travel across the organization's focus countries. The Vice President will be expected to model the organization's values and behaviors, and to contribute to its strategic decision-making as a member of the Executive Committee.