Agronomy Specialist at National Employment Authority (NEA)

Job Purpose

• The Agronomy Specialist will be responsible for coordinating the implementation of crops value chain related interventions in the Programme and work closely with the other Technical Specialists.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Guidance on Climate-Smart Agronomic Practices Work closely with the implementing partners in the implementation of productivity and production enhancement interventions for the fruit trees and horticulture value chains. Develop and maintain the partnerships with public, private sector and civil society organizations required for effective implementation of production and productivity enhancement activities for the crops value chains for sustainability.
• Training and Extension Services Coordinate all agricultural extension activities related to production, sustainable soil and water conservation, irrigation development, and processing.
• Integration of Agronomy with Natural Resource Management and Agribusiness In collaboration with the counties, sub-counties and service providers, coordinate all on-farm, soil and water management activities supported by the Programme.
• Regularly review and refine the guidelines and procedures for the implementation of the matching grants for sustainable soil and water conservation and income generating activities, drawing on emerging experience In collaboration with the Agribusiness Development Specialist, coordinate the development of marketing strategies for crops commodities produced under the Programme and monitor the implementation of these strategies. Coordinate all activities related to input subsidies for the supported crops value chain. Collaborated with the Agribusiness Development Specialist to promote a market orientation among project beneficiaries under the crops value chains.
• Monitoring, Knowledge Sharing, and Innovation Uptake Supervise and monitor implementation of value chain activities with a focus on improving crops, fisheries and livestock diversification, productivity processing and input-output market enhancement. Coordinate the preparation of the work plans and budgets, and progress reports for the relevant activities
• Other Duties Undertake any other duties assigned by the NPC.

Academic Qualifications/Professional Skills/Expertise:    

• A bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Biotechnology or a related field from a recognized university.

Applicable Professional Experience

• Have at least seven (7) years continuous working experience in a similar field, five years of which should be in senior management position in a donor funded project. Be familiar with technologies and innovations impacting agricultural development rural livelihoods, conservation of natural resources, irrigation water management and extension services.
• Competencies and Skills Have a strong leadership and communication skills