Overview

Job Title: Agronomist
Reports to: Project Coordinator

Purpose of the post

The Agronomist will lead in conducting research and field checks, develop demonstration plots, and
make observations. He/She will be key in helping farmers to; develop innovative farming techniques
to increase crop quality and yield; manage crop planting and implement efficient farming practices;
improve crop efficiency and sort any agricultural problems.

Main duties and responsibilities

  • Provide overall agronomy expertise and information to LIP extension officers and the grantees.
  • Plan, schedule, execute, evaluate, analyze, interpret, and report results of demonstration plot
    activities.
  • Attend and make valuable contributions during project meetings etc
  • Coordinate field activities involving government and LIP extension officers focusing on
    improved value chain production.
  • Support transfer and adoption of best agronomic practices that increase agricultural productivity while maintaining the natural resource base by the project participants at the
    household level.
  • Take the lead in documenting cases for changes occurring in the production level of the value
    chains.
  • Continuously visit the grantees’ demonstration sites and project participants’ households to
    follow up, help solve challenges and problems, and monitor general progress.
  • Assist in trial and demo plot establishment, monitoring, weed control, plot maintenance,
    agronomic and disease notations, and harvest, as necessary.
  • Coordinate value chain-related demonstrations, farmer field days, and agri-technology
    demonstrations.
  • Study plants and soil to develop better planting, cultivation, and harvesting techniques, improve crop yield, and solve problems facing the agriculture activities in the 14 demonstration sites.
  • Ensure that there is production of crops and livestock fodder at the demonstration sites and
    project participants’ households throughout the year.
  • Research, develop, and promote farming practices or products that diminish the effects of
    changes in soil, climate, and weather or prevent damage from pests.
  • Support adopting Climate Smart technologies such as manure production and application,
    mulching etc. to the project participantsat the household level for improved value chain
    production and post-harvest management.
  • Support capacity building of grantees e.g. in governance, leadership, financial management,
    value addition, etc.
  • Facilitate different value chain production and related interventions. including adoption of
    good agronomic practices and solutions.
  • Visit fields to collect seed, plant, and soil samples and test samples for nutritional deficiencies,
    diseases, or other changes in the groups established around 14 health facilities.
  • Assist with the plant selection process and the development of planting and irrigation
    schedules, budgets, and timelines.
  • Conduct farm visits, and general crop inspections and provide technical advice to farmers.
  • Assist in the development, review, and monitoring of implementation plans, and preparation
    of monitoring reports.
  • Facilitate market linkages for surplus produce.
  • Ensure that all the assets at the demonstration sites (equipment, livestock, and structures) are
    in good condition.

Desirable skills

  • Good facilitation and training skills.
  • Excellent analytical skills.
  • Good interpersonal skills.
  • Good computer application skills.
  • Ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision.
  • Ability to work under time pressure and meet deadlines.

Knowledge

  • Knowledge of field plot design and experimental procedures
  • Proven experience in horticulture production, greenhouse management and irrigated agronomy.
  • Be familiar with proper identification and treatment of plant disease and insect pests affecting
    field and horticultural crops.
  • Thorough knowledge of livestock management, apiculture, aquaculture, and integrated agricultural systems.
  • Experience in providing agricultural extension services to smallholder farmers.
  • Excellent knowledge of the crop varieties, physiology, and calendars

Abilities

  • Self-motivated
  • Excellent listening, communication, and problem-solving skills
  • Effective communication both oral and written English
  • Ability to produce good reports
  • Strong report-writing skills in English

Attributes

  • Professional
  • Trustworthy
  • Confidentiality
  • High degree of autonomy and responsibility

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Agronomy, or Crop Science or Horticulture. Those with MSc Degree will
    have an added advantage.
  • Minimum of 5 years practical experience
  • Proficiency with computers
  • Safe motorcycle riding skills and valid license is required

Applications should be addressed to: info@umodziconsulting.com or P.O. Box 3543, BLANTYRE, MALAWI not later than 29th January, 2024