Job Summary
As Business Design Strategist you will play a crucial role in driving innovation and human-centered design across FH Kenya programs. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop creative solutions that address complex challenges in poverty alleviation, community development, and humanitarian aid and innovative concepts that elicit the use of technology, the potential execution of new business models built on new funding streams and ultimately grow revenue for the organization. You will lead the design and execution of high-impact, technology-driven solutions that directly shape FH's strategic growth, revenue models, and operational scalability, ensuring that innovation leads to sustainable impact and long-term organizational success. Your work will directly impact the lives of vulnerable communities in Kenya, as you apply design thinking methodologies to create sustainable and scalable interventions
Core Competencies
Design & Strategic Thinking
Master systems thinking and human-centered design to map complex systems, identify leverage points, and translate user insights into viable solutions
Build financial models, revenue strategies, and business cases for social ventures; navigate impact investing and blended finance
Apply rapid prototyping (Lean Startup, Agile) and manage innovation portfolios addressing root causes
Research & Communication
Conduct ethnographic research and systems mapping; synthesize market analysis and ecosystem insights across multiple scales
Visualize complex ideas (causal loops, journey maps) and pitch holistic solutions persuasively to diverse stakeholders
Leadership & Execution
Lead cross-functional teams, facilitate multi-stakeholder collaboration, and mentor others in systems thinking and HCD
Manage projects from concept to implementation with adaptive, metrics-driven approach while achieving results with limited resources
Principal Responsibilities
Innovation & Business Development (50%)
Design, prototype, and scale products, services, and business models using systems thinking and HCD; lead workshops and innovation sprints
Develop financial models, organizational structures, and KPIs aligned with system dynamics; conduct scenario planning
Identify strategic partners, co-lead investor pitches, build financing pipeline, and negotiate ecosystem partnerships
Research & Market Intelligence (20%)
Conduct field ethnography and systems analysis mapping actors, relationships, and power dynamics
Synthesize user feedback and market insights across individual, community, and market levels
Travel to field sites (30-40% time) for research, prototyping, and multi-stakeholder dialogues
Capacity Building & Knowledge Management (30%)
Mentor program staff in systems thinking frameworks (iceberg model, causal loops, leverage points) and HCD methodologies
Facilitate learning sessions on complexity thinking, adaptive management, and strategic problem-solving
Document innovation processes, systems insights, and best practices; build organizational capacity for systems intervention
Contribute to proposal development incorporating systems thinking and HCD approaches
Represent FH Kenya at conferences and networks focused on systems innovation
Job Level Specifications
Required:
Portfolio demonstrating HCD and systems-thinking expertise with proven results in social ventures
Excellent communication, facilitation, and leadership skills; professional English proficiency
Strong leadership, facilitation, and systems-thinking skills
Conceptual and research skills, with ability to think strategically.
Desirable
Experience in impact investing and innovative finance
Experience
6+ years of experience in design strategy, solution design, or related roles, preferably in the international development sector
Prior experience in designing for and mobilizing resources for social ventures
Education/Certifications
Bachelor's degree in international development, business, or a related field