Ag-Tech Programme Associate

Focus of the Role

Are you excited by the prospect of transforming developing and emerging nations in Africa through the application of technology and innovations across public services? Do you have experience of consulting or working in the tech sector and delivering projects that drive systemic and transformative change in an emerging or developing country?

The Tomorrow Partnership is the Tony Blair Institute’s work with political leaders and governments to bring tech and digital solutions to their biggest challenges, because we believe tomorrow will belong to those who responsibly harness the power of technology for the good of all people, and to leave no one behind.

Through The Tomorrow Partnership, we broker strategic partnerships between governments and leading tech organisations and innovators to help foster environments that enable tech to deliver practical change in people’s lives.

As part of TBI’s Tomorrow Partnership programme in Kenya, an exciting opportunity exists to work with relevant ministries to support the government’s ambitious plans to deploy data technologies to deliver the government’s reform agenda and food security. Reporting to the Head of Tech, the Ag-Tech Programme Associate will collaborate with relevant ministries to implement a suite of technology products to support Kenya’s Agriculture transformation through Technology.  This role will be responsible for providing support to project teams in delivery of identified priority digital use cases that are anchors for the realization of Agriculture Sector Transformation Growth Strategy (ASTGS).  

This role requires an exceptional candidate with relevant expertise, subject matter knowledge, great stakeholder engagement, interpersonal skills and project management experience. 

This is a year long role, requiring an exceptional candidate with relevant expertise and subject matter knowledge. 

Key Responsibilities

Key outcomes of the role

• Provide support in the streamlining of the detailed work plans and implementation of the Kenya Unified Agriculture Data Platform (KUADP), including integrations with several systems in line with the enterprise blueprint. 
• Support the roll out of the recently launched data governance framework across the agriculture sector to establish standards and protocols for data sharing. 
• Assist with the development of concept notes for resource mobilization with development partners and support development of technical requirements for digital solutions delivering priority digital use cases linked to the KUADP. 
• Work on budgets for the implementation and delivery of already identified digital use cases in line with the expected outputs within the ministry  
• Coordination and preparation of workshops for projects and initiatives at the Agriculture Transformation Office in collaboration with key stakeholders across the ministry and ensure clear outcomes are delivered for the Flagship 8 Digital use cases. 
• Help identify and contain risk relating to projects delivery and foster a compliance culture. 
• Provide practical recommendations and solutions to complex and/or technical issues that relate to the management of projects, document lessons learnt for cross-TBI knowledge sharing and collaboration   
• Provide reports and direct inputs into relevant tools for reporting dashboards as required 
• Contribute to and develop written briefs for TBI Tech team and country leadership for status updates

Responsibilities

• Strategy and Planning: Work closely with the embedded AgTech Advisor, Head of Tech Kenya, Country Head and key Government stakeholders to design, maintain and continually improve project plans and tools to roll-out our tech partnership in the field of Agriculture. 
• Government Relations: Establish effective and trusted relationships with the Agriculture Transformation Office (ATO) while also collaborating with other key stakeholders across the ministry and agriculture sector. 
• Execution and Monitoring: Ensure the implementation of Priority Digital Use cases and the Kenya Unified Ag Data Platform (KUADP) while monitoring of the project progress within schedule, budget and quality. Help identify and contain risks relating to the project’s management and foster a compliance culture. Provide practical recommendations and solutions to complex and/or technical issues that relate to the management of the projects. Report and engage with the AgTech Advisor, Head of Tech, the Country Head Kenya, and the ATO to drive delivery, ideate, troubleshoot and manage the initiative across the Ministry.  
• People: Work with the embedded AgTech advisor and digital transformation team to realize the stated objectives in keeping with the Ministry’s vision.  
• External Relations (non-governmental): Engage with relevant external stakeholders such as tech hubs/incubators, investors, other not for profit organizations, Govt. Ministries and agencies. 
• One TBI: The post holder will formally report into the Head of Tech, Kenya and form part of the wider team and country programmes. 

Person Specification

We are looking for an experienced candidate with a good understanding of the Kenyan ICT eco-system and the GoK machinery, its structures and operating environment.  Prior work with the Government of Kenya is highly desirable. Additional skills and competencies required include: 

• A bachelor’s degree in business management, computer Science, MIS or equivalent practical experience
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in project management in a consulting firm, foundation/NGO, or private sector organization supervising and executing across multiple workstreams simultaneously 
• Experience in business operations, technology, consulting and administrative support functions; 
• Experience with international development, public sector, and technology for development programming is highly desired
• Working experience in Agriculture sector and value chains is an added advantage.
• Demonstrable strength in project management, structured problem solving, top-down communication, and portfolio thinking 
• A strategic thinker who can challenge the status-quo and develop plans for successful delivery of challenging objectives; 
• Experience working in developing and emerging economies and sensitive to a diverse range of cultural and regional norms, and able to foster a positive spirit of collaboration; 
• Who is allowed to work in Kenya.
• Ability to work under pressure and to coordinate with multi-disciplinary stakeholders 
• Ability to present information in a concise, insightful and structured manner, written and oral  
• Exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills, including sound knowledge of technology solutions, project planning, and implementation 
• High quality communication, drafting and presentational skills are key 
• ·        Excellent in building and managing effective relationships including the ability to navigate complex political environments 
• ·        Fluency in English required. Fluency in Swahili an advantage (oral and written)  

About The Institute

The Tony Blair Institute (TBI) is a mission-driven not for profit organisation. We exist to equip political leaders and governments to build open, inclusive and prosperous societies. We work hard, every day, to make a difference. When governments work well they are able to create economic and social change in a way that promotes fairness, social justice and opportunity. We work relentlessly to support leader and governments with the challenges they face. Giving them practical solutions and actionable insights, that once implemented, can be transformative for their people  

We do this within two connected divisions: 

 Government Advisory 

Our Government Advisory teams work directly with political leaders and governments around the world to implement reforms that improve the lives of their citizens. It works with a variety of partners and its outputs cover a range of disciplines and projects across countries in Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and South Asia.

 Policy Futures 

Our Policy Futures work encompasses three broad areas: 

• Renewing the Centre: developing a bold and innovative domestic policy programme to help renew the centre ground of British politics; 
• Tech and Public Policy: exploring the policy challenges and opportunities presented by the technological revolution; and 
• Extremism Policy Unit: creating solutions designed to tackle the threat of extremist ideologies in the UK and around the world. 

As an organisation, the core beliefs we all embrace are: 

• Open and Progressive: you’ll believe in the value of teamwork 
• Bold and Pragmatic: you’ll approach everything you do with integrity and authenticity 
• Optimistic Changemaker: you’ll be focused on results 

TBI believes embracing diversity and inclusion make us a better place to work.  It’s our goal to reflect everyone in society and we actively welcome applications from individuals and groups who are under-represented in the workplace. We celebrate difference be it ethnicity, religion, age, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation or disability. We will only ever assess you on your abilities and fit for a role. We’re happy to discuss any adjustments you need to ensure a level playing field during recruitment and, if you\'re successful, discuss any adjustments you might need to thrive in your role.