Agronomist at Association of Women in Agriculture Kenya (AWAK)

Purpose of the Assignment

The Agronomist will provide regular and technical support to the TOTs and field team so that urban farming activities are productive, safe and sustainable. The role is designed as a learning-rich opportunity for a recent graduate who wants to turn classroom knowledge into field experience

Scope of Work

• Assess urban farming sites and advise on suitable layouts and systems, including kitchen gardens, sack and container gardens, raised beds and vertical gardens.
• Advise on soil preparation, soil fertility, composting and the use of organic inputs.
• Recommend suitable crops, varieties, planting calendars and spacing for urban settings.
• Support nursery management and seedling production.
• Guide participants on water-efficient irrigation and water management.
• Provide advice on integrated pest and disease management, and safe, low-cost control methods.
• Technical support to TOTs and field team.
• Track crop performance and keep simple farm records that feed into project monitoring and reporting.
• Develop a tailored, simplified and highly practical urban farming training manual and modules with visual aids (available in English and Kiswahili).
• Agri-business basics: post-harvest handling, basic record-keeping, and marketing urban produce.
• Work closely with the AWAK team to identify challenges and recommend practical solutions.

Expected Deliverables

• A short monthly technical report on site visits, advice given and observations.
• Training or demonstration sessions delivered to project participants as scheduled.
• Up-to-date basic records of crops, inputs and performance at the sites supported.
• Practical recommendations for improving yields and addressing recurring challenges.

Qualifications and Experience

• Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Horticulture, Agriculture or a related field from a recognised university, college or agricultural training college.
• Recent graduates are strongly encouraged to apply. Practical experience gained through attachments, internships, college farms or field training is an added advantage.
• Sound knowledge of crop production, soil management, and pest and disease control.
• Interest in, or exposure to, urban and peri-urban farming systems.
• Good communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to train and work with women, youth and community groups.
• Fluency in English and Kiswahili; basic computer skills for reporting.
• Self-motivated, reliable, and comfortable working in the field in Nairobi