Agronomist at One Acre Fund

Agronomist Job Responsibilities

• Conducting early stage agricultural research on new innovations: conducting literature reviews, continually tracking agricultural research developments globally, and preparing memos to synthesize knowledge and inform trial and program decisions.
• Managing all research station trials: identifying research priorities, developing trial strategies each season, and managing multiple teams across five research stations conducting experimental trials in Kenya
• Building and managing relationships with experts: reaching out to other experts at universities and research institutions to help guide our agricultural research strategy and ensure we are pursuing the most promising innovations.
• Providing technical inputs and guidance: serving as a major source of technical knowledge about agriculture to help inform key decisions for the Product Innovations department and the Kenya country program more broadly.
• Staff mentorship: supporting all staff members working on agricultural trials to develop their technical knowledge, research and data analysis capacity, and leadership and management skills.

Qualifications for the Agronomist Job

• We are seeking an exceptional professional with 2+ years of work experience and ideally a demonstrated passion for international development.
• Advanced academic training in an agricultural field such as soil science, with a PhD and previous field trial experience in a smallholder farming context strongly preferred.
• Strong work experiences. Examples include a demanding professional work experience, or successful entrepreneurial experience, e.g. starting a field program in a developing country, leading a conference, starting a business, solid Volunteer Service Organization accomplishments (VSO, Peace Corps, JICA, etc).
• Advanced data analysis knowledge, with training in statistics and experience working with R strongly preferred.
• Leadership experience at work, or outside of work.
• Top-performing undergraduate background (include final grade/marks/GPA).
• Humility. We are looking for passionate professionals who combine strong leadership skills with good humor, patience, and a humble approach to service to join our growing family of leaders.
• A willingness to commit to living in rural areas of East Africa for at least two years – this is a long-term, career-track role. The ideal candidate will have at least one year demonstrated experience working in the developing world, although this is not a strict requirement.
• Language: English. Swahili-speakers are particularly encouraged to apply.