Head of Rural Entrepreneur Partner (REP) Program

Overview

The Head of the Rural Entrepreneur Partner (REP) Program at Finagra spearheads the company's agronomy-led franchise initiative that empowers local farming entrepreneurs in Kenya. REPs are contract farming partners managing land operations and crop production in collaboration with Finagra, which offers resources such as inputs, financing, equipment, technology, and market access. The role combines strategic leadership with field engagement, overseeing the entire REP lifecycle—from identification to performance management—to ensure the growth of a sustainable and high-performing rural entrepreneurship community.

Role Responsibilities

• Lead the comprehensive REP pipeline including sourcing, screening, contracting, onboarding, managing, performance tracking, retention, and replacement.
• Develop and maintain a structured REP program framework encompassing policies, procedures, SOPs, and decision protocols.
• Set REP sourcing goals aligned with geographic, crop, seasonal, and acreage growth targets.
• Build and manage the REP Program team with clear roles, KPIs, and effective management systems.
• Make final approval decisions on REP selection and capital deployment based on thorough assessment.
• Chair cross-functional coordination meetings ensuring teams like Agronomy, Finance, Legal, Tech, and Operations work collaboratively with shared data and plans.
• Manage and develop a high-performing team comprising Development Managers, Field Officers, Credit and Data Analysts, and external KYC partners.
• Drive early detection and management of underperforming REPs, while fostering the growth of strong long-term partners.
• Engage actively with communities to reinforce rural livelihoods and shared value creation for all stakeholders.

Candidate Profile and Impact

• Capable of balancing strategic portfolio management with hands-on community fieldwork.
• Experience designing and implementing investment and risk management systems in agricultural or franchise environments.
• Proven ability to build trust and mentor rural entrepreneurs into commercially disciplined farming partners.
• Committed to embedding Finagra’s REP model sustainably into local ecosystems, fostering enterprise development and partnership networks.

Additional Information

• Employment is full-time and based onsite in Nairobi County, Kenya, with necessary travel to other locations.
• Reports directly to the Country Director and CEO, with significant leadership authority over Finagra’s growth strategy in Kenya.
• The role includes a competitive salary and benefits package.