Smallholder Segment Assistant

Role purpose:

• Bayer Vegetable Seeds’ Smallholder Segment team is seeking an assistant with a focus on cultivating and nurturing partnerships to drive initiatives supporting smallholder farmers in Africa.
• This role offers an entry-level ownership opportunity, allowing the successful candidate to contribute to the planning, execution, and oversight of projects within the smallholder segment.
• The ideal candidate will work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, support in managing project resources, and participate in field visits to engage directly with smallholder farmers.
• This position provides an excellent chance to be part of a supportive, inclusive work environment within a collaborative team, while making a tangible impact on the lives of smallholder farmers.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks: 

• Assist in planning, executing, and overseeing projects within the smallholder segment, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and delivering measurable results.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement projects successfully.
• Act as a liaison between Bayer and external partners, facilitating communication and collaboration to ensure successful outcomes.
• Support in safeguarding project resources, budgets, and timelines, and contribute to progress reports for stakeholders.
• Assist in identifying, assessing, and mitigating project risks, and ensuring compliance with local regulations and company policies.
• Participate in field visits and engage directly with smallholder farmers to oversee project implementation and gather feedback.
• Utilize project management tools and methodologies to contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of Strategy delivery.
• Assist in conducting regular evaluations to ensure alignment with goals and identify opportunities for improvement and growth.
• Contribute to monitoring and reporting on the progress of partnerships and projects, providing insights and updates to stakeholders and senior management.
• Assist in analyzing data to assess effectiveness and impact, using findings to inform future partnership strategies and initiatives.

Experience, Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, Business, Project Management, or a related field.
• 1-3 years of project management experience, with a focus on partnership development in the agricultural sector.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective partnerships.
• Understanding of the agricultural landscape and the challenges faced by smallholder farmers in Kenya.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels.
• Proficiency in English and Swahili.
• Ability to work in a multicultural team and navigate a matrix organization.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management software.
• Willingness to travel within the region.