Jobs Kenya

Job Field: Sector in Agriculture / Agro-Allied

  • Regional Inputs Policy Specialist

    Regional Inputs Policy Specialist

    Project Description
    IFDC is recruiting for the anticipated USAID Strengthening Agriculture and Regional Resilience (STARR) Project based out of Nairobi. The overall goal of the activity is to promote increased agricultural production, investment, trade and resilience to shocks in the larger East Africa region including select IGAD, COMESA and SADC countries by addressing agricultural issues that can only be solved on a regional basis. STARR has the following objectives:

    Strengthening cross-border agricultural trade and value chains;
    Improved regional agricultural inputs;
    Strengthening resilience;
    Strengthening the regional policy environment.

    Responsibilities

    The policy specialist will engage with private sector agri-input providers and other stakeholders, such as COMESA, EAC and IGAD, to ensure that regional input policy initiatives are demand driven and align with the needs of the private sector.
    Particular focus will be placed on harmonization of inputs standards (seeds and fertilizers, etc.) as well as harmonized trade and customs regimes
    Support improved evidence-based analysis and increased public-private sector dialogue to promote an improved agriculture enabling policy environment with regard trade and usage of agricultural inputs
    Undertake studies and develop action plans to capacity build and guide regional governments on how to promote trade and utilization of agri-inputs and advise what policy instruments and institutions should be employed.

    Required Skills

    Master’s Degree in agriculture, economics, trade policy, international development, or a related field;
    Ability to collaborate effectively with the private sector, government entities, and international donors;
    Strong knowledge of smallholder farming systems, and agri-inputs at a national and regional context;
    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
    Fluency in English (oral and written) required;
    Willingness to travel extensively in East and Southern Africa.

    Required Experience

    A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant work experience, including experience with a contractor or international NGO, in government or regional economic bodies in a similar role, or experience working in private sector agri-businesses in one of more of the target countries
    Experience with USAID–funded projects.

    Applications are open to national and international staff. Preference will be given to nationals from targeted countries. Please include a cover letter and a CV at this stage only. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until release of the solicitation by USAID anticipated in Q1 2018. Only selected candidates will be contacted. They will be invited for interviews including oral and written tests.

  • Trial Officer

    Trial Officer

    Scope of the Role
    Reporting to the Area MD lead and working closely with local TMDR on Kenyan territory.
    Based in Nairobi / Isinya.
    Primary crops: tomato, cabbage, watermelon, pepper, onion, bean
    Main Purpose of the Job

    Work with the local MDR and help him to set up the trial plan for his crops.
    Insure sowing, transplanting and data collection for the characterization and the agronomical development of the new varieties.
    Work with research, EMEA MD team, marketing and sales team.
    Support local MDR in new varieties advancement proposition.

    Key Responsibilities

    Following the local strategic trial plan set up trials in the main growing area. Focusing the activity on the PCM3 and PCM4 trials. support and help TDR to set up growers’ trials. The TO can also work on PCM2 trial if needed.
    Following the MD protocols, evaluate properly the trial and collect all data. Enter the data in the internal system to support varieties advancement from MDR.Support the MDR for the trial plan for Kenya
    Establish with him list of varieties and check
    Sow and transplant trials
    Insure the trial are followed properly by growers.
    Harvest fruits, evaluate variety performance, collect data and record data in FTS (database)
    Compile data and support MDR for data analysis
    Provide local market and competitors information to MDRHelp MDR to provide sales support:
    Elaboration of argumentation and FAB’s for each new product launched
    Participation and preparation of growers meeting and exhibition.

    Desired Experiences, Education and demonstrated Capabilities:

    Bachelor in agronomy level. Good overall computer skills and use of statistical analysis tool.
    Good vegetable and experimentation knowledge
    Two to five years experience will be appreciate
    Autonomy
    Strong communication and relationship skills
    Enjoying field work and relation with growers;
    Must be self-motivated and assertive with a results orientation.
    Fluent in English
    MS office

    Functional Competencies

    Communication Skills: Demonstrate the capacity to integrate a diverse team, to establish quickly strong relation with local MDR, growers, distributors and communicate properly with all the other team (sales, research…) and external customers. Can listen and understand others.
    Accuracy and Discipline: Pay attention to detail and accuracy for all the trial work (sowing, transplantation and specially, data’s collection).Use all the tools in place (FTS).Provide accurate data’s and Scientifics results. Provides information in a useable form and on a timely basis to others.
    Analytical mind: Demonstrate capacity to look for the reason and causes of results. Be able to synthetize all the factors of different results to find the major factors that can affect results.
    Achiever: Be able to work hardly in field to insure results and on data collection.

    Core Bayer Competences

    Relationships and Network: critical competence for this position requiring communicating and interacting properly with many different people and functions in the local team (other TDR,sales,CS,marketing). The TO must also be able to establish a strong network with growers and external technicians.
    Agility: Demonstrate capacity to work on different crops. Quick adaptation to changes within the team in term of way of working.The position will require some travel inside country
    Results Orientation: Critical competence too. Capacity to prioritize the tasks especially in full season. The TO has to set up the trials with discipline following the Mon Veg rules and recommendations (assessment template,replication,use of FTS…..).Results should be very accurate and report made on time to support TDR for variety advancement proposal.
    Initiative and foresight; The TO must react quickly to special trial situation and take some initiative in trial design and data collection when needed.The TO is expected to be: proactive, able to see and pursue opportunities for improvements, conduct observations beyond the expected protocol when relevant, able to effectively build and execute tasks and champion new ideas for protocols, products.
    Courage and Candor: Integrity is a must. The TO must be able to express his/her view in a productive way.TO must been able to defend constructively his/her view.

  • Harvest Data Assistant

    Harvest Data Assistant

    About The Team
    Komaza partners with rural farmers to plant and grow thousands of hectares of new woodlots. We sustainably manage the woodlots we’ve planted through efficient harvest operations. We lead research and innovation in technical forestry for smallholder farmers. The Harvest Department leverages data, mobile technology, training, and user-centered business systems to empower Komaza make better farmer related decisions to become the future of African forestry. We are equally comfortable whiteboarding new solutions to complex business problems, digging into excel and GIS, or getting our boots muddy talking to farmers in their fields.
    About This Role
    Are you a critical and logical thinker who enjoys working with large data sets? Are you interested with working with different systems to support our complex and rapidly growing forestry operations? Then this role is for you! As the Harvest Data Assistant, you will run timely and accurate collection, analysis, and reporting of data and outcomes for the Harvest Department. Together with the team, you will maintain and troubleshoot processes to ensure operations run smoothly and cost-efficiently. While the role is primarily office-based, you will have opportunities to interact with field staff and farmers. If you’re looking for a data analytics role in a rapidly changing environment, then this is the job for you.
    What You Will Do

    Effectively import and export raw data from our Survey CTO into our various databases
    Test our data collection tools to ensure their reliability in collecting harvest data
    Execution and implementation of data reports as directed by the Harvest Data Officer
    Troubleshoot and maintain our data systems and processes to flag any discrepancies
    Monitor and review harvest data flows to ensure they align with the set standards
    Run quality checks to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the harvest data

    What You Have

    Bachelors in Statistics, Economics, Mathematics or any other relevant field of study
    At least 2 years of relevant work experience
    Comfortable using G-Suite in particular Google Sheets and Google Draw
    Experience in using QGIS or any other relevant qualitative method
    Proficiency in Ms Office: Word & Excel

    You’re Also

    Analytical and have strong problem solving skills
    Superior attention to detail and commitment to accuracy with timely follow through
    Eager to learn process concepts, primarily through hands on work and observation skills
    Ability to adapt to change quickly
    Ability to prioritize and multitask without compromising on quality standards
    Strong listening and presentation skills
    Ability to work well in a team environment, take initiative and work independently
    Can work effectively in high-pressure situations that require sound decision making and may involve confidential or sensitive matters.

    If you like working to data, enjoy learning and are eager for career growth, then join us! This role is based at our headquarters in beautiful Kilifi, Kenya. This role offers competitive salary and benefits with potential for further career growth.

  • Food Security Lead, Kenya Chief of Party, Kenya

    Food Security Lead, Kenya Chief of Party, Kenya

    Job Details
    ACDI/VOCA is currently seeking a Food Security Lead for the upcoming USAID Title II Development Food Security Activity (DFSA) in Kenya. The DFSA in Kenya is anticipated to be a multi-year project to address the underlying causes of chronic food insecurity. The activity will aim to increase food security in the most vulnerable households in northern Kenya.
    To achieve this, the ACDI/VOCA team will ensure the implementation of interventions designed to increase incomes, ensure access to nutritious food year-round, improve household nutrition and hygiene practices, and strengthen governance in communities affected by shocks and stresses.
    The Food Security Lead will support the COP in developing the strategic direction and providing technical advice across all program components in the planning, designing and implementation of activities. The Food Security Lead will be highly experienced in a broad spectrum of food security technical focus areas with responsibilities including, but not limited to the following:
    Responsibilities:

    Establish and manage systems to ensure cohesion across all technical sectors of the activity.
    Ensure technical interventions are integrated, layered and sequenced appropriately at all levels of implementation within the activity, and USAID investments.
    Ensure the achievement of activity goals and objectives in line with annual plans by providing technical advice and direction to the activity team.
    Oversee day-to-day planning, design and operations of project and technical teams to ensure effective project implementation.
    Ensure achievement of learning objectives and use results to adapt program design as needed.
    Prepare and/or assist in the preparation of reports and documents to USAID, national governments, ACDI/VOCA headquarters and other partner organizations.
    Oversee and provide technical guidance to the directors for agriculture productivity, enterprise development, finance and investment, and nutrition.
    Supervision and evaluation of technical team.

    Qualifications:

    Advanced degree in Agriculture, Business, International Development, Public Health, or other relevant sectors
    At least 5 years minimum relevant experience required
    Extensive experience working on food security issues
    Proven leadership skills and demonstrated experience recruiting, developing and mentoring, and managing staff
    Thorough knowledge of food security conditions, social issues and cross-cultural context in Kenya
    A record of successful performance on USAID-funded activities
    Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with activity stakeholders: donors, partners, local government institutions, local communities and vulnerable groups, etc.
    Excellent writing and communication skills.
    Fluency in English required; professional proficiency in Swahili desired

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  • Mills manager Stores Clerk Sales Representative

    Mills manager Stores Clerk Sales Representative

    Job Description

    We are looking for a results driven, innovative and strategic professional to lead the team at our coffee mill. If you have an aptitude for formulating and implementing strategic plans, a solid background in production management, excellent leadership skills and a desire to be part of a winning team, then this is the opportunity for you.
    Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the role holder will be responsible for initiation and implementation of policies, develop strategies to achieve mission, vision and objectives of the company, administration, costs, human resources and mill operations.
    The Role
    Specifically, the successful jobholder will be required to:

    Provide leadership to the team in the mill through coaching, training and motivation with a focus on staff productivity.
    Set priorities that reflect consistent interpretation of mission and goals of organization and translating priorities into action.
    Ensure smooth operations in receiving, milling, storage and dispatch of coffee parchment as well as man power planning to facilitate quick turnaround time of coffee delivered to the mill.
    Establish and nurture potential and existing relationships with key stakeholders in milling including regulators, buyers and suppliers.
    Ensure that the premise and all its assets and stocks of coffee is fully secured and insured against potential loss and deterioration.
    Ensure that quality, health and safety guidelines are strictly followed to mitigate possible accidents and that the mill meets environmental quality tests.
    Champion and deliver world class customer service by ensuring quality service delivery for customers within the company’s Service Level Agreements. 

    Skills, Competencies and Experience
    The successful candidate will be required to have the following skills and competencies:

    University Degree in agriculture or related field from a recognized University with at least three years working experience in coffee milling.
    Excellent planning and organization skills as well as excellent communication skills both oral and written.
    A strategic thinker with proven ability to lead high performing teams.
    Personal organization and thoroughness coupled with the ability to work under minimum supervision with good Judgment skills.
    Result driven with a track record of demonstrable networking, selling and negotiation skills as well as ability to identify new opportunities.

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  • Assistant Agricultural Officer III Agricultural Engineer II Inspector (Agriculture) Engineer- II (Irrigation) Veterinary Officer Assistant Animal Health Officer II Animal Health Assistant II= Laboratory Technologist II Laboratory Technologist II Leather Development Officer Leather Development Assistant II Livestock Production Officer Assistant Livestock Production Officer III Livestock Production Assistant II

    Assistant Agricultural Officer III Agricultural Engineer II Inspector (Agriculture) Engineer- II (Irrigation) Veterinary Officer Assistant Animal Health Officer II Animal Health Assistant II= Laboratory Technologist II Laboratory Technologist II Leather Development Officer Leather Development Assistant II Livestock Production Officer Assistant Livestock Production Officer III Livestock Production Assistant II

    This is an entry and training grade for Diploma holders. An officer at this level will be deployed in a Division or in an Agricultural Training Centre and will work under the guidance of a senior officer.
    Responsibilities

    Training and advising farmers on matters related to crop production.
    Agribusiness, land development,
    Planning and management of agricultural demonstration plots.
    Any other lawful duties that may be assigned from time to time.

    Qualifications
    For appointment to this grade, an officer must:-

    Be a Kenyan Citizen;
    Have KCSE mean grade C (C plain) or its equivalent;
    Have a Diploma in any of the following fields: Agriculture, Food Technology, Agriculture and Home Economics, Agricultural Education, Horticulture or any other relevant and equivalent qualification from a recognized institution; and
    Certificate in Computer Applications from a recognized institution.
    Meet the requirements of Articles 10, 232 and Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010;

    Note: Applicants for the above positions are required to get clearance from the underlisted organisations to meet requirements of chapter six of the constitution of Kenya 2010:-

    Kenya Revenue Authority
    Higher Education Loans Board
    Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission
    Criminal Investigation Department
    Copies of these clearances MUST be attached to the application documents.

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  • Technical Advisor in Agroecology

    Technical Advisor in Agroecology

    Job Description
    In this position, the incumbent will be responsible for providing technical and programmatic support related to Agroecology to the Country Programme as whole and to the partner organizations with a specific focus on addressing constraints and opportunities of the target groups, in predominantly indebted small-scale farmers organized in Solidarity Groups. He/she will also train, mentor and coach staff and animators (community volunteers) of partner organizations and be responsible for the management of all related to Right to Food in the Country Programme. S/he will assist in the development of appropriate guidance and approaches to programming, identifies appropriate sources of knowhow outside and inside the projects and ensures the systematic sharing of lessons among partner organizations. S/he will also help build partnerships and relationships with likeminded organizations aiming at ensuring the Right to Food and builds the capacities of partner organizations to become recognized actors at local and regional level. Together with the Country Programme Coordinator and Programme Manager, s/he will also accompany partner organizations in the design of their projects, annual planning and project implementation and monitoring. He/she will also share responsibilities in monitoring of projects and reports.
    PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES
    Consultancy to Partner Organizations and knowledge management within the Country Coordination team:

    Provide appropriate and targeted technical advice or assistance to projects, project staff and volunteers of activities linked to Right to Food
    Mentor and coach staff members and community volunteers of partner organizations
    Develop and apply training methods appropriate to the needs of the trainees with various needs and skills levels (from experienced staff members to illiterate community members)
    Support AE advisors and nursery managers in managing nurseries and support projects in all activities linked to selecting and propagating seeds
    Gather and manage relevant knowledge (e.g. training materials such as manuals)
    act as a focal point for any potential research project related to agroecology
    Act as focal point for potential research projects
    Support partner organizations in their awareness raising and A&L campaigns linked to Right to Food

    Monitoring and controlling:

    Ensure that all projects are planned and implemented along the Country Programmes key policies and documents
    Monitor and evaluate the implementation of partner organizations in all activities related to right to food and assist the Country Programme Coordinator in monitoring and evaluating other project activities
    Support and accompany the partner organizations in developing and applying their own monitoring systems as well as assessing and managing the risks

    Communication and reporting:

    Ensure strong communication and co-ordination with partner organizations, target groups and key stakeholders related to the Right to Food and Agroecology
    Revise reports submitted by partner organizations regarding issues linked to Right to Food and Agroecology
    Submit visit reports to coordination office after each project visit
    Network with like-minded organizations in the field of agroecology in close collaboration with the Country Coordinator
    Thematically contribute to the of the coordination office and support the coordination office in the elaboration of proposals for institutional fundraising and back-donor reporting
    Assist with internal and external communication and discussions as delegated by National Programme Coordinator

    Country programme development and evolution:

    Support the Country programme in the design, elaboration and evaluation of the Country Programme strategy in particular regarding climate change adaptation and mitigation elements as well as disaster risk reduction and risk management
    Continuously asses major risks and follow developments in the context and the legal framework in the field of agriculture

    KEY QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCES

    Certified education (university degree) in Agriculture (preferred in sustainable agriculture and/or organic farming) with demonstrated knowledge and experience in Agroecology or Permaculture
    At least 3 years of working experience with elements of capacity building, accompaniment and knowledge management for staff and communities in NGOs or other civil society actors
    demonstrated experience as an advisor on agroecology, sustainable agriculture and organic farming with proved competences in one or several of the following fields: agroforestry, bio intensive gardening, sustainable land management practices, mixed cultivation, seed production and storage, climate change adaptation and mitigation, water harvesting and/or disaster risk reduction
    proven competences in knowledge management and dissemination
    Proven competences in project management and PCM instruments
    Experience with working with farmers’ groups
    Excellent written and oral skills in English and Kiswahili
    Excellent IT-skills (word, excel, power point)
    Ability to plan, set priorities and multitask
    Proven ability to work autonomously, in teams and multidisciplinary
    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; networking skills an asset
    Knowledge and experience in participatory approaches, gender approaches and/or working with youth an asset

  • Farm Manager – Kirinyaga Electro-Mechanical Engineer

    Farm Manager – Kirinyaga Electro-Mechanical Engineer

    Our Client is an innovative hydroponics farm located in the Kirinyaga County that produces a variety of Vegetable, Fruits and Fodder. They seek to recruit an experienced Agronomist who would serve as the Farm Manager overseeing the overall operations within the Farm. The incumbent will be tasked to produce high grade quality horticultural crops, optimize farm operations and maximize production outputs to realize revenue. All are encouraged to apply.
    Responsibilities

    Managing all on-farm activities to include planning of all seeding, nursery, growing and harvesting, sorting, packaging, pruning, record keeping, maintenance of standards of health and safety as per G.A.P Certificate
    Overall welfare of the plants in order to meet the 90% yield quota
    Assign duties, such as cultivation, irrigation, harvesting, pruning, packaging, grading and equipment maintenance
    Management, training and supervision of all farm staff.
    Observe workers to detect inefficient or unsafe work procedures or to identify problems and initiate corrective action as necessary
    Ensure that all the SOPs stipulated by the Head office are met
    Ensure that proper clothing is worn during the handling of any produce or while within the Greenhouses
    Review and inspection of reports made by subordinates on the Greenhouse conditions
    Oversee the Nutrient balancing and management of the hydroponics system, plant health, control of pests,
    Water quality testing (including pH, EC, temperature and other critical parameters Stock control;
    Adherence to and where required improvement of Standard Cultivation Operating Procedures and health and safety requirements, and ensuring that all farm activities are carried out accordingly
    Providing periodic operations reports to the management team, reporting on progress vs targets and production reports
    Requisition or purchase of supplies, such as insecticides, machine parts/lubricants, tools and implementation of stock control measures.
    Ensure adherence to Horticultural Crops Development Authority regulations, including Food Safety and Quality, Environment Safety and Workers Welfare, Health and Safety
    Post-harvest processing including storage and packaging in preparation of sale
    Coordination with logistics and sales staff to ensure correct timing of harvest-ready produce

    Qualifications

    Degree in Agricultural Sciences/ Horticulture
    Must have minimum of 2 years’ experience in hydroponics farming (nutrient formulae, preparing solutions, nutrient requirements, deficiencies, toxicities, pH, Do, conductivity, salinity, growth regulators)
    5-7 years of extensive practical experience and knowledge about cultivating common greenhouse crops. Additionally, knowledge on Mushroom, Cattle and Goat farming would be an added advantage though not deciding factor.
    A proven track record of meeting various targets set.
    Knowledge of organic farming and permaculture techniques is an advantage
    Keen on learning, growing, and contributing with a small team of experienced people in a dynamic environment
    Ability to work independently while constantly informing the head office in terms of reports, charts and memos.
    Demonstrated computer skills and proficiency in all MS Office applications
    Demonstrated ability to multitask, prioritize responsibilities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
    Strong leadership capabilities with minimal supervision and ability to take initiative.

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  • Sustainability Supervisor – Agronomy

    Sustainability Supervisor – Agronomy

    We are looking for a knowledgeable, thorough Agronomist who can develop better coffee farming practices and find effective solutions for our client, the coffee farmer.
    Overall Job Purpose: To be the lead agronomist who focuses on developing and promoting better coffee agronomy practices for our clients country wide.
    Key Duties and Responsibilities

    Agronomy

    Develop better planting plans, cultivation, and harvesting techniques, improve crop yield, and solve farmer agronomy problems
    Researching developing and promoting farming practices that diminish the effects of changes in soil, climate, weather or those that prevent damages from pests and diseases
    Frequent field visits to collect plant and soil samples for testing for nutritional deficiencies, diseases or other changes.
    Oversee the plant material selection process and the development of planting schedules, budgets and timelines
    Develop farmer record metrics regarding field activities, yields, crops, samples etc
    Generating reports and presenting findings to management, clients and other interested parties
    Training to promote products and GAPS through educational presentations.

    Other Duties

    Assist with the Implementation of project goals as per project deliverables
    Deliver on Certification requirements
    Undertake / support in business sourcing
    Support in sale of farm inputs and credit.
    Develop Concept notes and assist in fund raising for new programs
    Manage partner relationships

    Requirements

    A Bsc degree in the field of Agriculture, Agriculture Education & Extension or Equivalent with a minimum of 5 years’ experience
    Advance knowledge of project management in the field of agronomy services and certification
    A strong understanding of global standard requirements and experience in implementing Utz, FLO and other certifications in coffee.
    Good awareness and understanding on sustainability and conservation issues
    Computer skills with advanced appreciation working with Microsoft Word and Excel. Use of an ERP is an added advantage
    Analytical and Accuracy Skills
    Strong written and verbal communication skills who can communicate clearly to all cadres of people

  • Assistant Agricultural Officer III (Ward) Agricultural Officer (Monitoring, Evaluation & Communication Officer) Agricultural Officer (Crops Specialist) Agricultural Engineer I (Agricultural Mechanisation Station Officer – MIS) Agricultural Officer (Home Economist) Assistant Agricultural Officer III (Assistant Home Economist)

    Assistant Agricultural Officer III (Ward) Agricultural Officer (Monitoring, Evaluation & Communication Officer) Agricultural Officer (Crops Specialist) Agricultural Engineer I (Agricultural Mechanisation Station Officer – MIS) Agricultural Officer (Home Economist) Assistant Agricultural Officer III (Assistant Home Economist)

    J/G ‘H’
    Responsibilities

    Collect and document data of farmers in the ward;
    Visit farmers and train them on good agricultural practices;
    Organize field days, demonstrations plots and shows;
    Collect data on pests and diseases;
    Assess crop damages by wildlife, floods or livestock;
    Monitor the food situation in the ward and report on any disasters including floods damage, notifiable pests (e.g. army worms) and diseases (e.g. Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease);
    Work in collaboration with other service providers in the area and monitor their activities; and
    Perform any other duties and responsibilities as shall be assigned from time to time.

    Requirements

    A Diploma in Agriculture, Horticulture or farm management or any related discipline from a recognized institution.
    Certificate in Computer application packages.

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