Business Development and Partnership Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization founded on the belief that a better world is possible. Established to address the challenges faced by communities in disaster and hardship, Mercy Corps operates in over 40 countries worldwide. The organization is dedicated to implementing bold solutions that help individuals and communities overcome adversity and build resilience from within. With a mission to alleviate suffering, poverty, and oppression, Mercy Corps focuses on empowering people to improve their own lives and communities. The organization employs a diverse workforce and collaborates with various partners to ensure effective program delivery and impact.

Job Overview:
The Business Development and Partnership Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the AgriFin program, which aims to enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Africa. This position involves identifying, engaging, and supporting potential partners to align with the Weather and Climate Service (WCS) initiatives. The consultant will leverage existing databases and networks to facilitate connections and contribute to business development efforts. The role requires a proactive approach to partnership engagement, ensuring that the needs of smallholder farmers are met through innovative solutions and effective collaboration with both public and private sector stakeholders. The consultant will also be responsible for marketing and awareness efforts to enhance the visibility of the platform, as well as maintaining regular reporting and data management to inform decision-making processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of activities, including:

• Partner Shortlisting & Engagement: Utilize the existing database and AgriFin network to identify and recommend relevant partners for WCS initiatives. Support onboarding and engagement of partners, ensuring alignment with program needs. Facilitate communication between shortlisted partners.
• Partnership Development & Retention: Develop and maintain relationships with Content Partners, Service Partners, and Strategic Partners. Focus on supporting partners in retaining their women audiences and driving active engagement. Identify and support new partners to leverage WCS data.
• Marketing & Awareness: Support digital marketing efforts, including newsletters, social media, and webinars, to enhance platform visibility. Co-develop standardized communication campaigns to sustain engagement. Collaborate with the tech team to showcase the platform to ecosystem players.
• Reporting & Data Management: Maintain regular reporting on WCS engagements, ensuring data-driven insights for decision-making. Support periodic reporting and respond to ad hoc donor requests.
• Platform Engagement & Demonstration: Organize and facilitate Demo Days for partners, engage existing partners with new features, and gather feedback for continuous improvement.
• Feature Identification and Development: Work with the tech team to monitor site analytics and identify potential features for improvement. Support the development of new features in collaboration with partners and the tech team.
• Sprout Platform Training: Support the Sprout Team in conducting demonstrations of key functionalities and provide training for newly onboarded Farmer Facing Organizations (FFOs).

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, or a related field. They should have approximately five years of proven sales experience in business or a similar area. Exceptional communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal, are essential for conveying technical and non-technical concepts clearly. The candidate must demonstrate technical skills necessary for creating proposals and finding solutions to meet client requirements, as well as excellent organizational skills to meet goals and set priorities. A proactive and organized approach is crucial, especially in stressful and uncertain environments. Previous experience working with Mercy Corps AgriFin and their network of partners is highly preferred, along with the ability to manage teams and clients remotely.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, or a similar area is required for this position. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding business development, partnership engagement, and marketing strategies relevant to the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have around five years of relevant experience in sales, business development, or a related field. This experience should include proven success in engaging partners, developing business strategies, and managing relationships effectively. Familiarity with the agricultural sector and experience working with smallholder farmers will be advantageous.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international context of the organization. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Kenya may be beneficial for effective communication with partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to run from February 2026 to September 2026, with the consultant reporting to the Agrifin DCSA Director. The consultant will work closely with the Agrifin technical team and is expected to dedicate approximately 48 hours per month, equivalent to six working days. This position emphasizes team engagement and effectiveness, fostering a culture of trust and respect within the organization. Mercy Corps is committed to equal employment opportunities and maintaining a safe and inclusive work environment.