Agronomist Job Vacancy in Lusaka, Zambia

Position Title: Agronomist

Nature of Job: Full Time

Industry: Agricultural

Salary Range: Usd 800

Job Location: Lusaka, Zambia

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Manage the sales of compost in agricultural areas in and around Nairobi Metropolitan Area Training all Company staff in technical areas regarding our products; and giving them all the necessary advice regarding new and old products. Plan overview is as follows;
  • Structured training proposals including logical products to be covered (area based), timescales coinciding with seasons etc.
  • Training register to be maintained to keep track of all trainings and topics, including staff in attendance.
  • Coordinating the implementation of all sales and filed activities for commercial agriculture in Zambia.
  • Selected candidate will be required to develop innovative farm practices and technologies that not only boost crop yields but also control various pests, weeds and fungal diseases.
  • The candidate should be familiar in preparation of land, seed treatment, time of planting, method of planting, seed rate and depth sowing, nutrition and irrigation in multiple crops.
  • Accompanying sales staff on field sales trips to train and sensitize stockiest on our products and develop relationship with our customers based on agronomy service provision.
  • Standard stockiest interaction protocol to be established covering; technical presentations of our portfolio, promotional material, continuous advice and follow up.
  • Field visit register to be maintained detailing past visits and stockiest information/contacts
  • Product development through field demonstrations via coordination with relevant area govt. field extension officers/ area lead farmers (Small scale). Plan overview is as follows;
  • Area identification, farmer group identification, extension officer identification.
  • Best crop identification (per the area)
  • Best farmer identification for longer term demo partnership. This individual should be the most competent/accomplished farmer in the group who will spread the word of Crop Pro Zambia Limited as we will be continuously supporting him.
  • Demo implementation, farmer fun and entertainment days/ lucky dips/ training seminars etc.
  • Demo conclusion including produce analysis and distribution plan.
  • Compiling database to keep track of all demos and progress statuses
  • Budgeting for above activities.
  • Identification of estates and farmer organizations in the country to develop business with them.
  • Plan overview is as follows;
  • Introduction meetings
  • Planned timetable for product familiarity and proof of technical competence (Estate demos) to show the Estates that we are seriously committed to developing long standing relations.
  • Structured advice proposals via our understanding of crop problems, pest problems, seasons and product success (as proved in other areas/demos) via formal meetings or written correspondences (Bulletins)
  • Compiling database to keep track of all estates and relationship statuses/ progress/ Demos executed
  • Budgeting for above activities

Key Result Areas (KRA)

  • Improved sales of our products to estates and farmer organizations/ groups/ retail business via shop counters (Achievement of monthly targets)
  • Improved sales of our new products to stockiest/ wholesalers (Achievement of monthly targets)
  • A better understanding of technical aspects of our products by managers and other staff to better handle and advice customers on our products. This will be assessed via live feedback.
  • Innovative ideas for new product identification and development
  • Individual initiative on planning, budgeting and reporting (submission efficiency)
  • Budgeting accuracy (low variances)

Job Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in agronomy/ Bsc Agriculture or related field Minimum must have 5 years’ work experience in Agronomy, Agro Sales and Marketing with Large Scale Commercial Farmers.
  • Must have astute application of knowledge in Agronomy, Crop Protection, Diseases Diagnoses, Advice and Guidance.
  • Spoken and written English Skills, Fluent in Kiswahili
  • MS Office (email, excel, word, power point) intermediate knowledge for preparing reports and presentations
  • Ability to perform under pressure
  • Ability to travel on field
  • Adaptable attitude
  • Experience working with large scale commercial farmers who grow crops such as wheat, barley, tobacco, maize, potatoes, soya, sugarcane, tomatoes, onions etc.
  • Thrive on challenges in a fast growing innovative start-up culture
  • Self-starter, show initiative and work under pressure
  • Excellent organizational and communicational skills
  • High level of integrity

Remuneration

  • 2-year contract, renewable
  • Net Pay $600- $800 for 1st year (Probation period), 2nd year 10% – 20% increment, annual review of performance and salary.
  • Accommodation will be provided, food and accommodation allowance provided while on field trips, transportation means will be provided, statutory due will be paid.
  • All other personal expenses on employee.

How to Apply:

Qualified candidates are encouraged to send CVs quoting relevant skills, qualifications and experience to recruitment@britesmanagement.com

Interviews will be done on a rolling basis until the position is filled

Only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted