Industry:
Nonprofit
/ International Development / Agriculture
Function:
Horticultural
Innovations
Employer:
One
Acre Fund
Job
Title: Agronomist
Job
Location: Rural
Kenya
Commitment:
Long
Term Career Position
Organization Description
Organization Description
One
Acre Fund is a start-up NGO in Kenya, Rwanda, and Burundi that is innovating a
new way of helping farm families to achieve their full potential.
One
Acre invests in farmers to generate a permanent gain in farm income.
We
provide farmers with a "market bundle" that includes education,
finance, seed and fertilizer, and market access
Our
program is proven impactful – every year, we weigh thousands of harvests and
measure more than 100% average gain in farm income per acre.
We
are growing quickly. In six years, we have grown to serve 135,000 farm families
with more than 500 full-time field staff.
We are looking for an experienced, strong team-player with training in agricultural sciences, a developed ability to manage horticultural trials, and superior research skills to manage the work in horticultural innovations for One Acre Fund’s Kenya program.
Responsibilities Include:
We are looking for an experienced, strong team-player with training in agricultural sciences, a developed ability to manage horticultural trials, and superior research skills to manage the work in horticultural innovations for One Acre Fund’s Kenya program.
Responsibilities Include:
- Develop and test appropriate planting techniques for One Acre Fund crops. Current crops include maize, sukuma, tree crops, and common beans, but the list could expand.
- Design proper packaging and storage of agro-materials (seed, fertilizer, chemicals)
- Design and manage nursery trials and staff. Nursery trials are for new crops, products, and varieties. These trials will often be linked closely with field and farmer-based trials.
- Investigate and develop management regimes for common pests and diseases.
- Contribute to the improvement of soil nutrition management regimes.
- Carry out field visits to farmer fields and groups for trainings, field trials, quality assurance, and troubleshooting and provide recommendations on seed issues, pest and disease treatments, agro-chemicals, soil treatment, etc.
- Build relationships with agricultural research specialists and institutions
- Research new techniques and inputs for agricultural related activities
- Liaise between research and development staff, nursery staff, and field staff
- Perform other related responsibilities, as required
Job
will be based in Bungoma, Kenya and will require 20-40% travel
Salary
is modest and commensurate with experience.
Job
includes benefits.
Regular
career reviews provide opportunities for bonuses or raises based on
performance.
Requirements:
- Must have 3-5+ years of agricultural field work experience
- Must have a college or university degree in the agricultural sciences or a related field.
- Must have received a C+ or higher on KCSE
- Must speak fluent English, Kiswahili
Preferred:
- Experience working in a fast-growing company
- Experience balancing many high-priority projects
- Project management background or experience
- Strong computer and data entry skills
Career
Growth and Development: One Acre Fund invests in building management and leadership
skills. We provide constant, actionable feedback delivered through weekly
mentorship and through regular career reviews. We also have regular one-on-one
meetings, where we listen to and discuss career goals, and work collaboratively
to craft roles that each person can be passionate about.
Location: The Agronomist will work in our Bungoma Western Region.
Preferred Start Date: As soon as possible
Location: The Agronomist will work in our Bungoma Western Region.
Preferred Start Date: As soon as possible
Compensation:
Starting
Salary range of Ksh. 18,000 to 20,000/- with Performance Based Incentives
Benefits:
NSSF
and NHIF, airtime and small transportation allowances
Career
development:
Twice annual career reviews and constant feedback. Your manager will invest
significant time in your career development.
One
Acre Fund Kenya is an equal opportunity employer; both women and men of
integrity are invited to apply.
Only
short listed candidates will be contacted.
To Apply
Email
cover letter and resume to kenyajobs@oneacrefund.org (Subject line: Agronomist
+ the place you heard of the position)
Application
end Date is 28th May 2012 at 5pm.
Please
do not apply if you do not meet our strict requirements above!