Agronomist Job in Kisii Kenya (KShs 18K - 20K)


Job Title: Agronomist

Industry: Nonprofit / International Development / Agriculture
 
Function:Horticultural Innovations
 
Employer: One Acre Fund

Job Location: Rural Kenya
 
Commitment: Long Term Career Position

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 horticultural innovations.

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 Kisii,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+ 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
  • Speak Ekegusii and/or Dholuo
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 Kisii Nyanza 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)

Please do not apply if you do not meet our strict requirements above!