CHIEF AGRONOMIST - Fruits & Fresh Vegetables
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Job summary
We are seeking a Chief Agronomist to lead our Field Production, Agronomy and Certification Programmes for fruits and fresh vegetables.
Min Qualification:
Diploma
Experience Level:
Senior level
Experience Length:
15 years
Language Requirement:
English
Working Hours:
Full Time - 8 to 5
Applicant Location:
Kenya
Job descriptions & requirements
Location: Machakos, with frequent travel to sourcing regions
Vert Limited is a Kenyan agribusiness specializing in fruit processing and fresh produce export, working closely with smallholder farmers to supply mango, pineapple and fresh vegetables to regional and international markets. We operate under rigorous food safety and social compliance standards, including FSSC 22000, BRCGS, GlobalG.A.P, Organic and leading ethical audit schemes.
We are seeking a Chief Agronomist to lead our Field Production, Agronomy and Certification Programmes for fruits and fresh vegetables. The role will ensure that all farm operations and outgrower schemes meet commercial quality requirements and comply with GlobalG.A.P, Organic, GRASP, SMETA, Fairtrade and relevant customer and regulatory standards.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead agronomy strategy and implementation for Vert’s priority crops (mango, pineapple and fresh vegetables), ensuring yield, quality and sustainability targets are met.
• Develop and manage programmes to achieve and maintain GlobalG.A.P Organic and GRASP compliance across company farms and outgrower groups.
• Coordinate field‑level social and ethical compliance programmes (SMETA, Fairtrade or equivalent), including internal assessments, corrective actions and farmer training.
• Oversee farmer recruitment, training and technical support on GAP, IPM/ICM, soil health, nutrition, irrigation and responsible pesticide use.
• Work closely with the Technical/Quality and Commercial teams to align field production with factory and market requirements (volumes, varieties, quality windows).
• Monitor evolving EU and other export‑market regulations on pesticides, residues, sustainability and social compliance, and translate these into practical guidelines and training for Vert and its farming communities.
• Lead and mentor the agronomy team (field agronomist, technical assistants) defining clear roles, KPIS and development plans.
• Provide regular reports and analysis to management on field performance, risk hotspots, and improvement opportunities.
• Communicate relevant changes to farmer groups, cooperatives and internal stakeholders in a timely and understandable ways through briefs, trainings and field days.
Candidate Profile
• Diploma Agronomy, Horticulture, Crop Science or related field.
• Minimum 15 years’ experience in horticultural production (fruits and/or vegetables), with at least 7years in a senior agronomy or outgrower management role.
• Proven, hands‑on experience with GlobalG.A.P/Organic implementation and audits, exposure to GRASP, SMETA, Fairtrade or similar social standards is strongly preferred.
• Strong field presence and ability to work with smallholders, farmer groups and field staff in multiple regions.
• Excellent leadership, communication and reporting skills; ability to link agronomy decisions to commercial, quality and sustainability outcomes.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should send their CV and a cover letter, quoting “Chief Agronomist – Fruits & Fresh Vegetables” in the subject line by 17th July 2026
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