Agronomist (RICE West Nile Head Office) at Rural Initiative for Community Empowerment West Nile (RICE West Nile)

Job Description

Position: Agronomist (1 person)
Duty station: RICE West Nile Head Office.
Contract period: 1 year renewable upon good performance.
Reports to: Project Coordinator
Job Summary: The Agronomist will improve agricultural productivity by researching and
advising farmers on soil management, crop production, and pest control. The position
holder will analyze soil, water, and plant samples, develop sustainable cultivation
techniques, and recommend crop feeding or treatment plans to optimize yield. The
successful candidate will frequently work in the field with farmers to implement best
practices. A combination of office-based data analysis and significant time spent outdoors
in various weather conditions. Occasional long hours during planting or harvesting
seasons will happen.

Required Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
This position requires a minimum of diploma in agricultural science, crop science, or a
related field. At least 3 years for diploma holder or 2 years for bachelor holders working
with farmers or farming products. A good understanding of soil science, plant biology,
entomology, and plant pathology is an added advantage.
Behavioral competencies: This position requires a flexible person with the ability to
cope with changing technology, high integrity Strong interpersonal skills to effectively train
and communicate with farmers, Analytical, strong problem-solving and a team player.
Ability to interpret data and analyze field surveys.

Duties and Responsibilities;
i. Lead design of appropriate practices and provide technical support in the areas of
crop and vegetables production.
ii. Advise on the cultivation of food crops, vegetables, fruit trees and fodder crops
with climate-smart thinking and action;
iii. Design and assist in implementing demonstration plots for innovative agricultural
crops & agronomic practices;
iv. Provide technical support to the post-harvest handling and marketing of local crop
products;
v. Taking part in supervision of works related to crop agronomy and protection.
vi. Ensure that all agricultural activities are contributing towards the development of
sustainable agriculture.
vii. Lead studies, assessments, documentation of best practices/lessons and activities
related to climate smart crop production.
viii. Advice project teams on best practices to ensure quality outcomes for all crop
production activities.
ix. Work with the project and program team and technical expertise to develop and
refine tools and systems in relation to crop production, agronomic practices, CSA
and related.

x. Work with project stakeholders to ensure they are inclusive in crop farming
approaches that support farmers and their groups.
xi. Collaborating with the project teams, provide technical support and liaise with the
staffs of relevant in the areas of agriculture.
xii. Actively participate in regular planning, monitoring and evaluation of project
progress.
xiii. Developing strategies to manage resources responsibly for all the farmers by using
sustainable farming practices.