KickStart International is an award winning non-profit social enterprise with a mission to help millions of people in developing countries escape from poverty and to “kickstart” sustainable economic growth. KickStart develops simple money-making tools and markets them to poor, entrepreneurial person who use them to “kickstart” profitable new businesses, their family wealth and local economic growth. (www.KickStart.org).
The organization now wishes to recruit a Director, Global marketing responsible for the marketing operations of all our country programs. This person will be based at our Nairobi, Kenya Offices
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The Role
As a leader of our Global Marketing Group, the incumbent will establish the marketing vision and the strategies for the Company. This person will be the catalyst to the unification and clarification of KickStart’s overall marketing strategy. Establishing and developing our brands – KickStart & MoneyMaker - is a critical component of our future strategy. KickStart is the brand that we use with donors, with corporate customers, and our peers. MoneyMaker, our product brand, will be used to drive customers retail stores and will give our skeptical users confidence in our products and differentiate us from any potential competitors. KickStart creates impacts by increasing sales and usage of our award-winning MoneyMaker technologies to farmers, who use the technology to start small-scale family farm businesses.
Principle Accountabilities
- Shaping and influencing the development of an Integrated Marketing Communications strategy - understand how the relationship between brand marketing, retail merchandising, sales, advertising, direct marketing, and customer relationship management can be used to support our sales strategy, marketing strategy, and the relationship with our target audience. This includes balancing the role of Corporate Marketing versus Country/Program Marketing and Global versus Local requirements.
- Building the capacity and mentoring the Marketing Organizations in KickStart, including the Global Marketing team as well as marketing resources in the programs. This involves leading and motivating a cross-functional/cross-
cultural marketing team with often-different levels of understanding and motivation. - Lead the development and assist in the implementation of global marketing campaigns and promotions – lead the market research to understand the customers better, concept design, review, final design, and approval process for global marketing campaigns.
- Lead the implementation and adoption of a data- driven culture. The ability to use data to synthesize insights and clarify options is a fundamental, skill that is incumbent in this position.
Skills and Competencies
The job requires a ‘strategic thinker’, with a vision of what local and global marketing has to offer, as well as the talent and political acumen to translate that vision into a concrete plan that generates both long and short-term results.
- 10 plus years of marketing experience in the private sector, experience working at an Social Marketing organization will be a plus
- People Management Experience – managing, mentoring, and developing people and a high performing team. Demonstrated record of organizational development and capacity building.
- Team player with excellent interpersonal and writing skills
- Knowledgeable on production of print Marketing collaterals
- Experience in directing the creative process
- Experience in managing vendors and negotiating for best possible prices
- Hands-on approach to the role - An eye for detail and quality
- Planning, organizational and analytical skills
- Willingness and flexibility to travel
- Financial management experience – develop and manage operating plans and budgets
- Results/Performance Orientation – proven “self-starter”
- Able to work effectively in an unstructured and fast moving environment
- Able to work effectively with limited guidance and oversight
- Rural Development Knowledge/Exposure
- Proficient in MS Office Suite and working knowledge of Desktop publishing
- BS / BA required
- Fluency in English required. Fluency in French or Portuguese a plus
What’s in it for you?
KickStart seeks and retains the best talent to promote sustainable economic growth and employment creation in developing countries. Our commitment to our employees and our mission is strong. If you are ready for a new career adventure, in the fast paced world of global non-profit social enterprise; then let KickStart kick-start your career.
How to apply
If you believe you have what it takes to handle this challenging position, kindly email your one page Application Letter, together with your detailed CV, clearly indicating the position applied for in the subject line of your mail to HR@kickstart.org by 30th December 2008
For more information about Kickstart International and a full job description of this role visit our site at www.kickstart.org
We regret that only Short Listed Candidates will be contacted
Qualified females are encouraged to apply
Please note that application deadline is subject to hiring of suitable candidate
