Agronomist/Seed Specialist at Agri Experience Limited

About the role

This is a mid-level management role which will support the company’s strategic objectives.  The Agronomist will work closely with the Managing Director’s office and client assignment teams.  The Agronomist will serve as the Crop Seed Specialist for Agri Experience, with a focus on achieving the following goals:

• Undertake client assignments as required, working under the guidance of the Assignment Manager(s).
• Catalyze large-scale increase (scaling) in farmer use of appropriate crop varieties, see and other related technologies
• Keep track of trends in seed technology, variety release, commercialization of new varieties, adoption, innovations, and challenges; and document impact in the field, accurately, thoroughly, and on a timely basis
• Develop and constantly update training materials on good agronomic practices and other related areas
• Support initiatives to improve the capacity of agrodealers, village-based agents, seed and ag-input related associations 
• These goals must be pursued in the context of timeliness of activities with respect to delivery deadlines and planting seasons.  Special attention should be paid to youth and women involvement.

Specific activities include:

Client Assignment

• Participate in the leadership and management of client assignments as directed by Assignment Manager(s), including follow-up actions .  Constantly strive to ensure that the activities are driving large-scale results.
• Write required draft proposals and reports, and/or contribute to final report writing.
• Actively participate in interpreting data collected related to the assignment as directed by Assignment Manager(s).

Scaling Activities

• Constantly and thoroughly promote scaling tools built by the company in the field. 
• Develop training manuals to be used in knowledge dissemination to relevant clients and partners on a needs basis. These include PowerPoint presentations, tool kits, brochures and other relevant giveaways
• Participate in the development and marketing of tools for scaling, e.g., Demo Tool Kit, Field Day Tool Kit, etc
• Understand seed companies’ and agrodealers’ crop seed challenges and develop creative solutions to the problems in increasing market access of seed to farmers.  Act as a thought leader on seed production and marketing to smallholder farmers, developing and assisting with implementation of proactive solutions
• Proactively link good agrodealers to seed companies, and vice versa
• Participate in any relevant seed-related forums and share lessons

Seed commercialization and liaison person

• Serve as the Relationship Manager for seed-related activities, e.g. participating in relevant policy discussions, stakeholder meetings, linkages for partnerships and trainings, working under the direction of the Assignment Manager(s) to achieve desired objectives
• Conduct business development capacity building with seed companies and seed outgrowers, both as assigned and as identified through your own observation  and track the results over a period of time
• Seek and share information/news/updates on seed issues in sub-Saharan Africa, with Agri Experience team

Results Management Support and Related Activities

• Identify, document and measure systemic changes among the seed sector policy, legal and regulatory environment, seed producers, agrodealers, county officials and extension workers, and farmers. 
• Properly plan for field activities, liaising with Assignment Manager(s) Manager about requirements, and develop systematic information tracking tools.
• Carry out other activities (including taking the lead in specific tasks) as identified and assigned during the year 

Qualifications and Experience

• An advanced degree in Agronomy or related field
• At least 7 years’ experience in seed systems, general agriculture, agricultural development or related areas
• Very good verbal and written communication skills
• Experience in carrying out training and making presentations
• Conversant with Microsoft office applications: Word, Excel and Power point
• A valid driving license