Agronomist – Vanilla Cultivation Specialist job at ReliefWeb

1. About the Project

This position is part of a project funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), AID Code: 013244/10/5, aimed at supporting sustainable agricultural development in Uganda. The project focuses on enhancing the productivity and sustainability of vanilla cultivation among smallholder farmers.

2. Position Overview

The Agronomist will provide technical expertise in vanilla cultivation, support local farmers, and contribute to project monitoring and reporting. The role includes field training, promotion of good agricultural practices, and collaboration with local partners.

Important: ISP has a zero-tolerance policy towards SEAH and is not willing to employ any person who has been found guilty of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment. Reference check will be done to find out the applicant’s performance from the previous employer.

3. Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical guidance on vanilla propagation, pest and disease management, soil fertility, and post-harvest handling.
• Organize and conduct training sessions and field demonstrations for farmers and project stakeholders.
• Monitor and report on plantation performance, including yield, quality, and sustainability indicators.
• Prepare technical reports and recommendations for project management and donor reporting.
• Support development of sustainable farming plans and contribute to value chain improvement initiatives.

4. Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in vanilla cultivation.
• Proven experience working in the non-profit/development sector.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken). Knowledge of local languages is an asset.
• Experience working with smallholder farmers in Uganda or East Africa is desirable.

5. Skills and Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and facilitation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Proficiency in preparing technical reports and documentation.
• Commitment to development principles, gender equality, environmental sustainability, and safeguarding policies (PSEAH).

• Provide technical guidance on vanilla propagation, pest and disease management, soil fertility, and post-harvest handling.
• Organize and conduct training sessions and field demonstrations for farmers and project stakeholders.
• Monitor and report on plantation performance, including yield, quality, and sustainability indicators.
• Prepare technical reports and recommendations for project management and donor reporting.
• Support development of sustainable farming plans and contribute to value chain improvement initiatives.

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and facilitation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Proficiency in preparing technical reports and documentation.
• Commitment to development principles, gender equality, environmental sustainability, and safeguarding policies (PSEAH).

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in vanilla cultivation.
• Proven experience working in the non-profit/development sector.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken). Knowledge of local languages is an asset.
• Experience working with smallholder farmers in Uganda or East Africa is desirable.