Summary
Date Posted: Monday, November 14, 2022 , Base Salary: Not Disclosed

JOB DETAILS:

Key Responsibilities:
• Conduct research and develop agricultural strategies tcounter the effects of changes in soil, climate, weather, and pest damage on coconut tree health and thus coconut supply.
• Determine high, medium and low risk factors tcoconut tree health. Collect, track and analyze the data tdevelop meaningful insights taid in decision making by management.
• Work closely with the ICS and Sourcing departments tbuild high-level strategies and operational plans in current and new areas of sourcing tmaximize the number and quality of coconuts sourced. The plans should be sustainable and cost effective.
• Generate reports and present findings tyour direct manager, management, or other interested parties on a regular basis or as required. These reports should include data including but not limited to:
• Monthly, Quarterly and Annual projections of crop output based on weather patterns
• How historical sourcing correlates with the weather patterns
• Seasonal analysis
• Lead newly established or current agronomy based projects aimed at maximizing the productivity of coconut trees, increasing yields and increasing farmer income. Such projects include but are not limited to:
• Supervision and coordination of coconut seedling production as per the company policies and standards.
• Tschedule all agronomic activities and practices from nursery establishment tdelivery of seedlings
• Setting up of an operational propagation unit/nuclear estate for seedlings.
• Developing a seedlings distribution plan tthe farmers and oversee its implementation.
• Creating farmer programs that build and give access tlinkages with relevant service providers for soils testing, financial services, cooperative formation, technology products, seedlings, among others.
• Strategize, organize and execute any groundwork that will aid in delivering results in your role. Examples of activities within your scope are as follows:
• Managing teams of agronomists, scientists or other professionals while conducting field visits or laboratory work.
• Conducting surveys of land tdetermine its suitability for agricultural use therefore mapping out the fields.
• Visiting fields tcollect seed, plant, and soil samples.
• Testing samples for nutritional deficiencies, diseases, or other changes.
• Assisting with the plant sourcing, testing, and selection.
• Keeping detailed records regarding fields, farmers, crops, and samples.
• Based on research findings and insights, advice your direct supervisor and senior management on key decisions such as investing in coconut sourcing, establishing coconut plantations, and other key decisions that are reliant on coconut supply projections.
• Training and Capacity Building for small holder farmers tprovide support tfarmers. This includes developing curriculum based on identified needs and ensuring training quality and efficiency. Particular areas of focus are pest and soil management, harvesting, post-harvest handling, environmental mitigation & monitoring plan, crop diversification techniques and good agricultural practices.
• Prepare the training plan, methodology, budget of delivering the assignment, and ensure monitoring and evaluation is done post assignment testablish the effectiveness of the training.
• Preparing and timely submission of monthly training reports and summaries in the prescribed formats.

Job Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy or related areas
• A master’s degree in related areas would be an added advantage
• Minimum of five years of experience in agronomy, farmer mobilization, farmer training, and working with plantation crops is required.
• Proven project management capabilities
• Knowledge of group formation and management, good agronomy practices, integrated pest & diseases management, soil management, harvesting, post-harvest handling, crop diversification and environmental mitigation & monitoring is required.
• Knowledge of the opportunities and challenges by famers in rural communities in Kenya is preferred.
• Additional training in field training techniques is preferred.
• Ability twork outside, stand, walk, kneel, and stoop for extended periods.
• High competence with IT applications including Microsoft Office
• Valid driver’s license and willingness ttravel.
• Good networking and communications skills.

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: 60

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Job application procedure

Interested and qualified? Go to Kentaste Products Limited on www.linkedin.com to apply

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