Purpose of the Role

The Director of Research & Business Development is the strategic lead for market intelligence and revenue generation. He/She will be responsible for identifying, validating, and structuring the Corridors into which the Fund is deployed. This role requires a blend of Agricultural Economics, Investment Banking rigour, and Data Analytics. He/She will ensure that every guarantee issued by the Fund is backed by rigorous technical research, verified demand, and a sustainable business model.

The Director of Research & Business Development (DRBD) will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for driving evidence-based strategy, market expansion, and innovation across the Produce for Lagos ecosystem. Reporting directly to the CEO, the DRBD will lead research, analytics, and business development initiatives that align with Lagos State’s food security objectives and the Fund’s investment priorities.

This role demands a visionary leader who can combine rigorous research with commercial acumen, translating insights into actionable strategies that strengthen agricultural value chains, attract investment, and unlock new revenue streams.

Key Responsibilities

Market Intelligence & Corridor Analysis

Lead high-level research into domestic and regional commodity trends, price volatility, and supply-peak cycles to inform the Fund’s deployment strategy.
Design the technical framework for "Corridor Analysis"—identifying which agricultural value chains (e.g., Grains, Poultry, Rice) offer the best risk-adjusted returns and food security impact.
Monitor the activities of other DFIs and private funds to ensure P4L remains the preferred technical partner for agricultural offtake in Africa.

Business Development & Partnerships

Identify and pursue new business opportunities that expand P4L’s reach across domestic and export markets.
Build strategic partnerships with governments, DFIs, commercial banks, and institutional buyers.
Negotiate and structure offtake agreements, trade contracts, and financing arrangements that align with Fund objectives.

Technical Validation & Due Diligence

Oversee the Technical Consultant Services regarding the validation of projects before guarantee utilization.
Establish yield and quality benchmarks for various commodities to ensure that offtake guarantees are linked to high-performance farming standards.
Review and validate business plans and feasibility studies submitted by potential stakeholders within the P4L programme.

Programme Innovation & Value Chain Development

Design and implement innovative models for aggregation, logistics, and market access.
Champion digital tools and platforms that enhance traceability, contract management, and financial workflows.
Drive initiatives that diversify crops, geographies, and market channels to strengthen resilience.

Innovation, Digitalization & ESG

Partner with the IT team to integrate research data into a Digital Traceability platform, ensuring every naira of the fund is trackable to a specific farm and harvest.
Develop research-backed metrics for Social Impact and Environmental Sustainability, ensuring P4L meets international standards for Green" and Impact investing.
Design innovative financial and technical instruments to further de-risk the food supply chain

Risk & ESG Oversight

Collaborate with the Technical Consultant to identify operational, financial, and ESG risks.
Ensure compliance with Lagos Food Systems ESG standards across research and business development activities.
Develop early-warning systems to flag risks such as delivery delays, production shortfalls, and logistics disruptions.

Stakeholder Engagement

Act as the primary interface with producers, aggregators, processors, and institutional buyers.
Lead sensitization and training programs to enhance ecosystem awareness and compliance.
Represent P4L at national and international forums on food security, agribusiness, and trade.

Team Performance & Capability Building

Recruit and mentor a multidisciplinary team of analysts and business developers, fostering a culture of Resilience, Resourcefulness, and Integrity.
Design specialized training for the team in Advanced Data Analytics, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Structured Trade Finance.
Establish and monitor rigorous performance metrics that link research accuracy and business development pipeline growth directly to the Fund’s overall ROI.

Qualifications & Certificates

· Master’s Degree or Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics, Finance, Statistics, or Business Administration.

· Professional certifications in Investment Management (CFA), Project Management (PMP), or Advanced Data Analytics

Experience Required

· Minimum of 20 years’ senior leadership experience in agribusiness, research, supply chain, or trade finance

· Proven track record in leading large-scale agricultural research or structured trade programs.

· Strong expertise in market intelligence, feasibility analysis, and risk assessment.

· Experience working with governments, DFIs, and multinational organizations.

· Demonstrated success in business development, partnership building, and contract negotiation.

· Advanced knowledge of digital platforms, data analytics, and technology-driven ecosystems.

· Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills

· Skilled at building relationships and influencing stakeholders at all levels of the organisation, including at the most senior levels

· Skilled in articulating and presenting compelling value propositions for service offerings

· Excellent communication skills, both written and oral

· Strong decision-making skills, including the ability to balance conflicting interests

· Self-motivated with the ability to work well both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment

· Experience of working in a multi-cultural environment

· Ability to deal with ambiguity, find creative resolutions, and drive for results