Umodzi Consulting
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
Method Of Application
Applications should be addressed to: [email protected] or P.O. Box 3543, BLANTYRE, MALAWI not later than 29th January, 2024