Head Agriculture Banking

JOB PURPOSE

To develop and drive the Bank’s Agriculture Banking strategy, identifying growth opportunities across the entire food and agriculture value chain while ensuring process excellence. Deliver sustainable and profitable revenue growth through world-class sales management balanced with robust risk controls. Grow the Agriculture Banking customer base, revenue, and profitability in line with agreed targets, with specialized focus on the unique needs of agricultural clients from smallholder farmers to large agribusinesses.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership, People and Strategy:

• Build, lead and upskill a team of specialist Agriculture Bankers, ensuring collaboration with product partners (Trade, Treasury, Digital) and stakeholders (government agencies, development partners).
• Implement and customize the Bank’s strategic plans for Agriculture Banking, delivering a compelling Agriculture Customer Value Proposition (CVP) tailored to:
• Input suppliers (seeds, fertilizers, equipment)
• Primary producers (smallholders, cooperatives, commercial farms)
• Processors & aggregators (warehouse financing, agro-processing)
• Distributors & exporters (cold chain logistics, trade finance)
• Drive the integration of agriculture-focused solutions into the Agriculture Clients segment, standardizing processes while allowing for segment-specific adaptations (e.g., seasonal repayment cycles).
• Foster continuous improvement by training teams on agri-risk assessment, digital tools and climate-smart financing
• Actively contribute to the Agriculture Banking strategy formulation with the Head of Business Banking, aligning with national food security agendas.

Business Development

• Deliver agriculture-led income growth through:
• Client acquisition: Target high-potential segments.
• Cross-selling: Bundled solutions (insurance-linked credit, input-supplier partnerships)
• Customer retention: Achieve “top-of-mind banker” status via sector expertise.
• Structure tailored agriculture financing solutions, including Green loans for sustainable practices (irrigation, renewable energy).Warehouse receipt financing and off-taker-backed facilities.
• Blended finance with development partners (e.g., climate resilience funds)
• Conduct regular farm/agribusiness visits to understand operational cycles and risks (e.g., weather, commodity prices).
• Collaborate with research institutions and industry bodies to anticipate market shifts (e.g., drought-resistant crops, export bans).

Operations and Risk Management

• Manage the Agriculture portfolio within cost budgets and NPL thresholds.
• Ensure compliance with agriculture-specific regulations (e.g., warehouse receipt laws, export subsidies).
• Monitor seasonal risks, commodity price fluctuations, and climate impacts.
• Streamline processes for seasonal demands (e.g., fast-track input financing ahead of planting seasons).
• Lead audits and implement corrective actions for agri-loan disbursements.

Stakeholder Engagement & Market Positioning

• Represent the bank in agriculture forums, trade fairs, and policy discussions.
• Collaborate with government agencies (e.g., Ministry of Agriculture, FAO) on subsidy programs.
• Train bank staff and clients on agri-finance best practices

Qualifications/Experience

Education:

• University Degree in Agriculture Economics, Agribusiness, Finance, or MBA.
• Masters Degree as an added advantage
• Commercial credit analysis certification as an added advantage
• Minimum Experience: 5-8 years relevant experience preferably in a financial environment with exposure to commercial banking:
• Deep knowledge of agriculture value chains in [region/country].
• Proven track record in structured agri-finance (e.g., supply chain loans, receivables financing).

Competencies

• Strong sales and negotiation skills
• Strong and proven leadership skills
• Strong credit analysis and structuring skills
• Customer-centric with a strong drive for delivering customer satisfaction
• Flexible and adaptable; able to work in ambiguity
• Team player
• Efficient time management.
• Ambitious and energetic, able to get things done.
• Strong knowledge of bank products and channels
• Confident and resilient.

High level of maturity, integrity and responsibility in handling sensitive information.