Lead, Agrifoods Systems – WAEMU

About the role

The Lead, Agrifoods Systems will guide the design and implementation of the WAEMU Roadmap, WAEMU One Plan and agrifood priorities across the West African Economic and Monetary Union. Reporting to the Director of Entrepreneurship Development, this role will shape country programmes, identify systemic constraints and integrate agricultural sector needs into national strategies.

Key responsibilities

• Provide agricultural sector expertise to support country teams in designing and managing agrifood and agri‑finance programmes.
• Identify challenges and opportunities in agri‑food systems to drive job growth for youth.
• Co‑create new programmes, conduct due‑diligence and ensure alignment with the Foundation’s objectives.
• Communicate project progress and lessons learned to internal and external stakeholders.
• Leverage synergies across programmes, platforms and geographies.
• Manage existing programmes, distilling insights for staff and partners.
• Offer perspective on emerging trends, including climate‑change impacts on agriculture and finance.
• Lead and mentor junior experts, fostering effective teamwork.
• Build relationships with partner organisations, practice communities and global stakeholders.

Required profile

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience in Finance, Business, Agricultural Economics or Financial Inclusion.
• At least ten years of experience financing agricultural companies and farmers.
• Minimum five years of leadership and management experience.
• Strong project‑management skills, especially in multi‑stakeholder contexts.
• Experience working with commercial agricultural companies operating in Africa, particularly West Africa or WAEMU.
• Deep understanding of financial inclusion’s role in economic growth and of market challenges for rural and agricultural finance.
• Knowledge of value‑chain dynamics for cash and food crops, SMEs, and supply‑chain logistics.
• Insight into how agri‑food and rural SMEs contribute to economic transformation and youth employment.

Required skills