Agronomists

Kike Tropical Fruits Limited

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  Location: West Nile, Northern, Eastern, and Central

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  Category: Agriculture

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  Job Type: N/A

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  Salary ( UGX) : Monthly

POSITIONS: Agronomists (5)  
LOCATION: West Nile, Northern, Eastern, and Central
JOB POSTING: 29th December 2023
TERM: One-year, Renewable based on satisfactory performance

Kike Tropical Fruits Limited (KTFL), is Uganda's leading manufacturer and supplier of organic pulps/corase crush, concentrates and purées from processed pineapples, mangoes and passion fruits in Uganda. The company is currently implementing a project to foster the development of export-oriented fruit value chains in Uganda. To achieve this, the company intends to onboard a team of five agronomists to support farm development and enhance the long-term sustainability of its fruit supply chain.

POSITION I: Lead Agronomist
REPORTING TO: Project Manager

JOB SUMMARY  The position will be based in Nakaseta, Kakooge, Nakasongola district, where the Project Headquarters are located with frequent visits to the different regions. The ideal candidate for the role has strong theoretical and practical hands-on skills in Agricultural extension services, crop production, Good Agronomic practices, Agribusiness, and Agricultural project implementation.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

1) Organize and prepare training programs for farmers and field agents in good agronomic practices for mango and pineapples (both organic and non-organic).  
2) Develop training materials for continuous capacity building of farmers  
3) Follow-up on training conducted by the agronomists and other field agents
4) Prepare periodic project activity reports on a weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis
5) Conduct farmer profiling in the different agro-ecological zones
6) Support the development of a farmer's digital database
7) Develop, implement and assess agronomic projects, such as demo plots im-plementation to assess different practices, pests and disease control methods among others.  
8) Work with farmers to develop and implement sustainable farming practices in Mango and pineapple fruit farming.
9) Take the lead in the implementation of the Organic Farming strategy in Pineapples and Sustainable Agriculture in mango fruit farming.
10) Monitor national agricultural trends and sustainable practices, and propose innovations to the farmers to implement adapted fruit sustainable practices.  
11) Monitor pest & disease attacks on mangoes within the range of actions of sustainable agriculture and act quickly to propose solutions to best support farmers within the Fruit Value Chain.
12) Conduct soil testing and water analysis where necessary to advise farmers.  
13) Collaborate with the project implementing lead and Project management to develop long-term strategic goals for Mango and Pineapple production.
14) Stay up to date with the latest agricultural research and agro-technological advancements.
15) Provide technical guidance and backstop to farmers, and farmer groups to develop climate-resilient innovations tailored to the local context

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

•  The ideal candidate must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Plant Science, or related field(s) with over 3 years of experience in a progressive work environment.  

•  Experience with using current applications of data collection like Kobo Toolbox, ODK, Redcap, Epicollect, Surveycto, and GPS coordinates recorder, will be an added advantage.

•  Experience with the implementation of Organic, Fair Trade, and other certification programs will be a plus

POSITION II: Agronomists (4)
REPORTING TO: Lead Agronomist

JOB SUMMARY  
The Agronomists will be based in the different regions of the country. For the West-Nile region, the agronomist will be based in Arua, the Central region agronomist will be based in Rakai, the Eastern region agronomist will be based in Budaka, while the Northern region agronomist will be based in Kitgum.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

1) Conduct farmer profiling in the different agro-ecological zones
2) Conduct training for the farmers in good agronomic practices for mango, passion, and pineapples (both organic and non-organic
3) Conduct routine farmer visits and provide extension services
4) Conduct field research where necessary and advise farmers.  
5) Prepare field activity reports on a daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis
6) Work with farmers to develop and implement sustainable farming practices in Mango pineapple, and passion fruit farming
7) Implement the organic farming strategy for pineapples and mango fruit farming.
8) Monitor pest & disease attacks on mango and pineapple within the range of actions of sustainable agriculture and act quickly to propose solutions to best support farmers within the fruit value chain.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

•  The ideal candidate must possess at least a Diploma in Agricultural Sciences, Crop Production, Agricultural Extension, Agronomy, Plant Science, or related field(s) with over 5 years of experience in a progressive work environment.  
•  Experience with the implementation of agricultural development projects and any organic certification programs will be an added advantage

Other relevant skills and competencies include:

•  Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other relevant software applications.
•  Willingness to travel and work in remote areas.
•  Ability to ride a motorcycle and possess a valid riding permit.
•  Experience in mango and pineapple plantation management or related agriculture field.
•  Knowledge of sustainable farming practices, integrated pest management, and agricultural land use management.
•  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
•  Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
•  Experience with data collection and analysis.
•  Fluent in English, and any of the local languages spoken in the project areas will be an added advantage.

Salary: Based on competitive rates

All interested candidates who meet the minimum criteria should send their applications to: kiketropicalfruitslimited@gmail.com. Attach a cover letter, of not more than one page, a curriculum vitae that should be no more than 3 pages, and must attach academic documents and relevant education certificates Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Deadline for applications is 12th January 2024, 23:59 hours EAT