Role overview
What you'll be stepping into
AGRONOMIST
Organization: Bulimi
Number of Positions: 1
Duty Station: Kyenjojo District, with regular field travel
Reports to: Chief Operations Officer
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Agronomist will provide technical leadership for Bulimi's cocoa production and farmer-support programmes. The role will oversee farmer training, farm establishment, extension support, soil management, agroforestry, pest and disease management, and adoption of sustainable agricultural practices while providing technical guidance to field teams and farming communities.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Cocoa Production and Farm Management
Develop and implement technical guidelines for cocoa farm establishment and management.
Provide technical guidance on planting, spacing, shade management, pruning, soil fertility, irrigation, harvesting, and post-harvest handling.
Monitor farm performance, seedling survival, plant health, and farmer adoption of recommended practices.
Conduct crop and farm assessments and recommend appropriate interventions.
Farmer Training and Extension Support
Design farmer-training materials, seasonal training plans, and practical demonstration activities.
Train and supervise Field Officers in the delivery of agricultural extension services.
Establish demonstration plots and support farmer learning through practical field sessions.
Translate technical agricultural information into practical guidance that farmers can apply.
Pest, Disease and Soil Management
Develop integrated pest and disease management protocols for cocoa farms and nursery operations.
Conduct soil assessments and recommend appropriate soil-fertility interventions.
Promote the safe and effective use of organic fertilizers, soil amendments, and organic pest-management products.
Monitor crop health and provide technical recommendations for production challenges.
Research and Climate-Smart Agriculture
Support research, field trials, and documentation of lessons on cocoa production and climate-smart agriculture.
Promote sustainable agricultural and agroforestry practices.
Support technical learning and continuous improvement of Bulimi's farmer-support approaches.
Agricultural Inputs and Quality Assurance
Provide technical input into the production and quality assurance of organic manure and other agricultural inputs.
Support appropriate use of agricultural inputs within Bulimi's production programmes.
Work closely with nursery, production, field, and aggregation teams to maintain quality across the cocoa value chain.
Reporting and Technical Coordination
Prepare technical reports, production forecasts, and recommendations for management.
Provide technical support to field teams and farmer programmes.
Build relationships with research institutions, government extension teams, and other agricultural partners.
Perform any other related duties assigned by management.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Agriculture, Horticulture, Soil Science, or a related field.
At least three years of relevant professional experience in agronomy, crop production, or agricultural extension.
Practical experience in cocoa production, perennial crops, or agroforestry is highly desirable.
Knowledge of organic agriculture, soil fertility management, and integrated pest management.
Experience supervising field teams and delivering farmer training.
Membership in a relevant professional body will be an added advantage.
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
Strong technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to translate technical information into practical guidance for farmers.
Leadership, coaching, and team-supervision skills.
Strong planning, reporting, and data-analysis abilities.
Commitment to sustainable agriculture and smallholder farmer development.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should submit their application following this link https://forms.gle/HVefq5dtbhBgfkmn6
A 2-paged and updated curriculum vitae.
A one-page application or cover letter clearly indicating the position applied for.
Copies of relevant academic and professional qualifications attached to the CV.
Contact details for at least three professional referees.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Bulimi is an equal-opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applications from qualified women, young professionals, persons with disabilities and candidates from the programme communities are strongly encouraged.
Bulimi does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants should not make any payment to any person claiming to represent Bulimi in exchange for employment or preferential consideration.
How to apply