Manager, Market Systems Development

Education Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Development Studies, Business Administration, Finance, or related field; or a Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of relevant experience.
  
• Proven experience (minimum 5 years) in implementing financial inclusion and market system development projects in rural/subsistence-agriculture contexts.
  
• Strong background in organizing and supporting VSLAs and linking them to formal financial systems.
  
• Demonstrated capacity in market analysis, value chain assessments, and development of inclusive economic strategies.
  
• Experience in designing and conducting participatory community assessments and in leading large-scale group trainings.
  
• Familiarity with digital tools and applications used in financial inclusion and rural savings mechanisms.
  
• Effective communicator with strong facilitation, mentorship, and report writing skills.
  

Market Assessments & Program Strategy

• Lead community vulnerability assessments to identify economic opportunities and barriers.
  
• Conduct value-chain analysis to map out inclusive market interventions.
  
• Develop strategic guidelines for selecting suitable program participants, ensuring transparent and effective community engagement.
  

Financial Inclusion & Group Strengthening

• Facilitate the formation, governance, and strategic direction of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs).
  
• Strengthen financial literacy and support village champions and peer facilitators to ensure sustainability.
  
• Align VSLA activities with long-term program sustainability objectives, ensuring youth and gender inclusivity.
  

Digital Integration & Financial Services Linkages

• Support the integration of digital financial tools, ensuring accessibility and effective usage.
  
• Build partnerships with SACCOs, MFIs, and banks to enhance community access to financial services.
  
• Provide technical oversight on digital solutions, training, and troubleshooting.
  

Market Systems & Livelihood Diversification

• Develop market linkages between RTV community partners, farmers, input suppliers, and buyers.
  
• Identify and facilitate demand-driven vocational training for youth and women.
  
• Promote climate-resilient agriculture and agro-processing best practices in all economic interventions.
  

Capacity Building & Technical Leadership

• Mentor RTV staff and partners in financial literacy, governance, and agribusiness strategies.
  
• Support frontline teams in developing structured work plans and implementation timelines.
  
• Facilitate training for VSLA members in life skills, risk management, and financial planning.
  
• Oversee performance tracking, coaching, and evaluation of village agents and community facilitators.
  

Monitoring, Learning & Reporting

• Establish remote monitoring systems for tracking VSLA functionality and economic outcomes.
  
• Compile qualitative and quantitative reports, highlighting impact, success stories, and lessons learned.
  
• Lead community-driven evaluation processes to foster ownership and adaptive learning.
  

Partnership Development & Accountability

• Engage local authorities, government offices, and community members throughout program implementation.
  
• Uphold principles of gender equity, youth inclusion, and conflict-sensitive programming.
  
• Ensure procurement and distribution of essential tools for financial inclusion and market development.
  
• Maintain high standards of compliance, transparency, and program quality across all projects.