Green
Zone Agencies (GZA) Ltd. is an agribusiness company founded in 2004 as a
private-sector company to provide agribusiness development services to small,
medium and large scale farmers in Kenya and incorporated under the Companies
Act (Cap. 486) in June 2011.
The firm is an inputs and services provider whose core businesses are in agricultural engineering, agronomy, crop protection and agribusiness management/business skills.
GZA’s mission is geared at improving farming by offering top-notch agribusiness
solutions for increased income, food security and sustainability.The firm is an inputs and services provider whose core businesses are in agricultural engineering, agronomy, crop protection and agribusiness management/business skills.
GZA implements its programs and business through various partners in various regions in Kenya and has its headquarters in Kisumu, Kenya.
GZA recently partnered with USAID under a 2-year USAID-KHCP (US Agency for International
Development — Kenya Horticultural Competitiveness Partnership) Program for Soil and
Water Management Technologies for Improved Productivity and Food Security in Nyanza Province.
The overall goal of the USAID-KHCP Program is to increase rural household incomes and generate employment from growth and sustenance of a highly competitive horticulture sector.
To effectively contribute to this, the program will increase the utilization and/or adoption of improved productivity measures for Kenyan horticulture producers through diversification, improved management practices and processing.
Job Title: Field Agronomist
Reporting to: Projects Coordinator
Primary Working relations: Managing Director, Projects Coordinator, other Agronomists and Monitoring & Evaluation Officer.
Duty Station: Kisumu with frequent travel to field sites.
Job Summary: Your main responsibility will be in provision of GZA’s range of agribusiness inputs and services, to ensure growth of GZA’s core business in soil and water management technologies.
You will also provide after sales service to farmers, production advice and market linkage to our clients through partners within our networks.
Your core responsibilities will include, but not limited to:
- In liaison with
the other GZA agronomists, establish a coordinated series of demonstration
units for various horticultural crops for target farmers ranging from
commercial entrepreneurs to smallholder farmers.
- Introduce new
soil and water management technologies to farmers in the above-mentioned
demonstration sites, which will also serve as a vehicle to share and
reinforce Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).
- Provide
sustained training and technical assistance (extension services) to
smallholder farmers participating in the demonstration units and other
field sites.
- Plan for and
participate in GZA Field Days to share, showcase and promote successful
technologies such as new varieties or production techniques to the wider
farming community.
- Plan for and
facilitate technical training workshops to share good practices in soil
and water management technologies and key crops.
- In liaison with
GZA’s Monitoring & Evaluation Officer, participate in conducting
baseline surveys, regular monitoring and mid-term and end-term evaluations
to document successes, challenges and learning points in GZA’s businesses.
- Write regular
monthly, quarterly, yearly and annual reports and submit to the Project
Coordinator.
- Undertake other
core businesses of GZA, which include but are not limited to: installation
of irrigation systems, green houses, fertigation systems, and electronic
water management systems; conducting sales of farm inputs and equipment
and provision of after sales service.
- Represent GZA in
various local and international meetings and technical workshops in the
field of agronomy.
- Perform any
other relevant duties assigned by the Project Coordinator and/or Managing
Director.
Contract
period: 2
years (renewable)
Qualifications & Experience:
Qualifications & Experience:
- Must have a
minimum of a Diploma in
Agriculture/Horticulture/Farm Management, preferably in Field Crop
Agronomy.
- Having good
knowledge and practical background in soil and water management
technologies will be an added advantage.
- Must have good
communication, writing and analytical skills.
- Demonstrated
knowledge in management of greenhouses, shadenets, furrow irrigation and
water management technologies will be a plus.
- Must have a
minimum of 3 years working experience related to the above job
description.
- Knowledge of
USAID-funded regulations will also be an added advantage.
- Computer
literacy is a must.
- Those in
possession of a valid driving license incorporating motorcycle category
will have an upper hand. Copies of this document will be required for
shortlisted candidates.
- Candidates with
a background working in management of sweet potatoes, passion fruits and
vegetables value chains will have an added advantage
Skills
required:
- Ability to work
well with others in a team environment.
- Ability to
multi-task.
- Ability to use
excellent time management skills.
- Ability to work
extended hours.
- Ability to pay
attention to detail.
- Ability to
provide training on good agricultural practices to farmers.
- Female
candidates are strongly advised to apply.
If
you meet the above qualifications and experiences, kindly send a cover letter
(indicating your current and expected salary) and detailed curriculum vitae
with your daytime contacts (cell phone number) to The Projects Coordinator,
Green Zone Agencies (GZA) by e-mail to info@gza.co.ke to reach us latest 12pm
on Friday March 23, 2012.
Late applications will not be considered.
Note: Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Late applications will not be considered.
Note: Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.