County Agronomist - Kericho at Cereal Growers Association (CGA)

Job Description

We are seeking dynamic and experienced County Agronomists to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in agroforestry principles, project management skills, and a passion for sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship. The agronomist will play a critical role in promoting sustainable agroforestry practices among farmers and facilitating their participation in carbon markets. This position requires a deep understanding of agroforestry systems, carbon sequestration mechanisms, and market dynamics. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills, technical expertise in agroforestry, and a passion for environmental conservation and rural development.

Duties & Responsibilities

The County Agronomist will perform the following responsibilities:

• Implement an agroforestry project in collaboration with farmers, communities, and partner organizations.
• Facilitate the training and provide technical assistance to small-scale farmers on tree planting, crop diversification, and potential for generating carbon credits through sustainable land management practices, including agroforestry.
• Coordinate tree planting activities, including sourcing seedlings, organizing planting events, and following proper planting techniques.
• Facilitate selection and capacity building of suitable rural agri-preneurs (FSCs) that will offer services to smallholder farmers.
• Monitor project sites to evaluate performance and address issues as they arise.
• Collaborate with private and public sector players to establish demo plots, model farms and conduct field days for enhanced agroforestry technology transfer.
• To collaborate with researchers, extension agents, and other stakeholders to share knowledge, best practices, and lessons learned in agroforestry.
• To lead in the planning and execution CGA’s strategy at the county level by advocating for policies and incentives that support agroforestry adoption and implementation.
• To coordinate communication between county stakeholders and the CGA head office.
• To prepare and submit regular progress reports. 

Qualifications and skills 

• A degree in any one of the following areas: agroforestry, climate change, agronomy, natural resource management, environmental science, or a related field with demonstrated expertise in agroforestry principles and practices.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal are essential, and motorcycle riding skills.
• At least 5 years of progressive experience working with smallholder farmers will be an added advantage.