About KOKO NetworksKOKO Networks is a venture-backed technology company currently operating in Kenya and India. Our mission is to imagine and deliver technology that transforms life in the world’s fastest growing cities. We build and deploy cloud-connected "KOKO Points" inside local retail outlets, which provide mass market consumer goods in partnership with major suppliers. Our first solution is liquid ethanol cooking fuel, which offers significant cost savings and quality of life improvements in the multi-billion dollar urban cooking market. In Kenya, this solution is delivered in partnership with Vivo Energy, the operator of Shell-branded fuel infrastructure across Africa. KOKO offers a fast-paced and highly collaborative work environment with significant opportunities for professional growth. We are looking for people who share our passion for technology and our vision for global impact.
Overview of Role:KOKO Networks is looking for a Public Affairs Associate to support our engagements with a host of international stakeholders.KOKO is growing fast in Kenya, with more than 200,000 households using its modern clean cooking solution every day in Nairobi alone. As we rapidly expand across Kenya and to other countries, we’re looking to raise awareness of this proven and scalable business model with policy makers, policy influencers, and the international development community.
The negative impacts of dirty cooking are well understood. In order to accelerate KOKO’s growth, it is crucial that ecosystem stakeholders have a strong understanding of the rapidly scalable positive social and environmental impacts that KOKO’s tech-enabled bioethanol cooking platform delivers, and to shape their policies and programs accordingly.
KOKO Labs, our in-house Ramp;D division, is incubating a range of other solutions that transform lives within e-commerce, financial services and content.
The Public Affairs Associate will play a key role in:· Leading the grants management function, focused on both the core clean fuels platform, as well as new products and business lines;· Supporting KOKO’s Group Head of Public Affairs, interfacing with governments and development industry ecosystem actors.Key Responsibilities- Identifying relevant fundraising (and other collaboration) opportunities within the international development industry;
- Drafting written proposals, presentations, applications, and/or expressions of interest within deadlines, following consultation with relevant internal teams;
- Acting as the central point person with potential partners/funders throughout the selection process, including timely responses to all follow-up information requests;
- Develop presentations and written articles that convey KOKO’s business and impact to external parties;
- Managing an evidence base to support social, environmental, and economic impact discussions with government and other key stakeholders;
- Building a strong network amongst key development industry stakeholders;
- Supporting KOKO’s engagement with industry associations and other public sector organizations in Kenya and abroad.
Experience and Skills- Strong understanding of and alignment with KOKO’s mission to imagine and deliver technology that transforms life in the world’s fastest-growing cities;
- At least 5 years professional experience in a relevant field, such as strategy consulting, international development, or business development;
- Proven experience in drafting and presenting compelling arguments to external parties;
- Strong understanding of the international development and donor community landscape, with relevant existing relationships;
- Knowledge of the market context in African (and other) emerging markets, especially around energy access, sustainability, and/or agricultural development;
- Proven business acumen, and understanding of broad economic development themes, including industry formation/development;
- Extremely strong written and interpersonal skills, including an ability to sell the company’s mission and vision;
- Ability to synthesize complex ideas or themes (company- or sector-specific) into concise and compelling verbal and written narratives;
- Excellent organizational and coordination skills: ability to handle multiple workstreams, competing priorities, and tight deadlines;
- Experience in writing successful proposals for grants, awards, and similar;
- Ability to work effectively with remote teams, and willingness/ability to travel as re