Senior Agronomist

Location: Machakos County, Kenya

Company Overview:

An esteemed Agri-business company located in Machakos County, Kenya, specializes in the processing and packaging of fruits and vegetables. Committed to upholding the highest standards of safety, quality, legality, and service, we are currently seeking a dynamic individual to fill the role of Senior Agronomist.

Overall Responsibility:

Reporting directly to the Sourcing Manager, the Senior Agronomist will play a pivotal role in overseeing all internal audit and performance monitoring activities within the company. This position will be instrumental in ensuring the effective operation of production and technical activities, both in the field and in the pack house. The incumbent will uphold and enforce the company's food safety management and commercial systems, ensuring compliance and adherence to set standards.

Key Task Duties and Responsibilities:

● Coordinate all agronomic programs and schedules, ensuring seamless execution.

● Allocate duties, supervise, and plan activities for the Farm, Shed, and Crop Protection Operators.

● Set farm input specifications and liaise with the Sourcing Manager to ensure timely procurement.

● Provide technical guidance, mentoring, and evaluation to Technical Assistants, fostering a culture of safety and productivity.

● Foster positive relationships between farmers and company staff.

● Coordinate certification processes such as GLOBALGAP, Fair Trade, and ETI, in collaboration with the Operations Coordinator.

● Oversee crop protection activities, ensuring safe and effective pesticide usage.

● Contribute to the development of a comprehensive compliance framework, adhering to industry regulations.

● Prepare field and pack house teams for audits, sourcing external consultancy services when necessary.

● Implement a robust food safety sampling and testing schedule to uphold product safety standards.

● Manage external training programs, ensuring their effectiveness and relevance.

● Conduct regular staff awareness and proficiency tests, identifying training needs as necessary.

Academic Qualifications:

● Degree or Higher Diploma (minimum three-year course duration) in agricultural or horticultural production.

● Proficiency in the safe and effective use of pesticides.

● Knowledge of Integrated Crop and Pest Management.

● Familiarity with auditing practices and principles, particularly in Farm Assessments.

● Understanding of applicable laws, codes, and regulations.

● Experience with relevant computer applications.

● Understanding of beans and peas production dynamics and metrics in Kenya.

● Working knowledge of agronomic and food safety standards, such as Global GAP, ISO FSSC 22000, BRC, and HACCP.

Experience Required:

● Minimum of 8 years postgraduate experience, with at least 5 years in the horticulture industry.

● Prior experience in horticultural production or quality assurance/food safety roles within the fruit and vegetable industry.

● Possession of valid motorcycle and vehicle driving licences.

How to Apply:

If you meet the above qualifications and are excited about joining our dynamic team, please submit your CV and a cover letter.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

We encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or age.